MU Extension commercial pesticide applicator training begins in January
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Commercial pesticide applicator training by University of Missouri Extension for 2025 begins in January.
Big changes for private pesticide applicators coming in 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Big changes are coming for private pesticide applicator training next year. University of Missouri Extension private pesticide applicator training coordinator Rusty Lee says extension specialists will hold workshops across the state after Jan. 1, 2025, to train those who apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) on owned or rented property. New federal rules change the requirements to earn a private pesticide applicator…
MU pesticide safety program vital to state's ag economy
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, wants to make Missouri a safer place that allows Missouri’s agricultural economy to continue to grow. Polly says the program is the backbone of agricultural and commercial pest management in Missouri. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries contribute $369 million annually to the state’s economy.
Technology inches farming toward autonomy
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Armchair farming may not be here yet, but it’s getting closer.“Autonomy in agriculture isn’t as far away as you think,” says Kent Shannon, University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist.Agriculture is rapidly shifting to technology that can increase land efficiency, reduce labor shortages and streamline food production, says Shannon.
Choose the right pest control provider before the bedbugs bite
COLUMBIA, Mo. – To some, “Don’t let the bedbugs bite” isn’t just a quaint good-night wish. Bedbugs are a nightmare for people in the hospitality and housing industries, says Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program.
Safe storage of farm chemicals protects people and animals
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Proper inventory management of farm chemicals saves money and protects animals, people and the environment, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Sam Polly. “With the cost of pesticides, letting a product degrade in your storage shed is not a mistake anyone can afford to make very many times!” says Polly, who teaches private pesticide applicator training for MU Extension.
Q&A with Sam Polly
What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
Survey of Missouri Pesticide Applicator Practices, Knowledge, and Perceptions
The introduction of soybean and cotton traits with resistance to synthetic auxin herbicides has led to an increase in concern over the off-target movement of dicamba and 2,4-D. A direct-mail survey was sent to Missouri pesticide applicators in January of 2016 to understand current herbicide application practices and applicator knowledge and awareness of the new synthetic auxin technologies.