Extension Report

Baldwin County Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Christy Hicks

Regional Extension Agent

Agronomic Crops

January 10, 2012

Responsible Pesticide Handling

Whether you are a homeowner, producer or applicator of pesticides, we are all responsible for the correct and safe handling of these products.  The New Year is a great time to assess what we have and determine if these products are stored and handle properly.  Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc.  The following steps provide a sound management approach for pest identification and control decisions.

Correctly identify the pest (disease, weed, insect, etc.).  Do not waste time and money on chemical controls that are not effective on target pest.  Know your beneficial insects, for example honey bees provide vital pollinations to our crops and fruit trees.  Lady bugs help control aphids and spider mites that decrease our crop yield.  It is important to keep your beneficial insect population.  Economic thresholds will determine if chemical control measures are economically justified for the pest.  Confirm the pest population has reached this threshold before applying a control treatment. Evaluate all possible control options; chemical, mechanical, biological and cultural changes or a combination of these.  Always read and follow the label when using a product. 

Now is a good time to ensure the equipment you will apply the product with is correctly

calibrated.  A sprayer that is not correctly calibrated can cost additional time and money.  There is also a risk of control failure because of incorrect application rate.  This is also costly and environmentally unsound if more product is applied than recommended. 

Buy only the amount of product you need.  Holding unused pesticides in storage presents unnecessary risk and ties up money.  Good record keeping can help reduce extra product being purchased.  Refer back to previous year’s records as a guide line for your future needs during the growing season.  Record keeping will also provide evidence of correct usage and programs that are most effective for your situation. 

Most agricultural dealers will take properly cleaned plastic containers or bags for recycling.  If not contact me for information about a pesticide container recycling program.  The IPM Alabama Pest Management Handbook 2011 is available online at http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0500-A/.  This Handbook contains useful information on a wide variety of topics.  Always follow label guidelines for safe handling, disposal and storage. 

The Largest Horse Fair in the Southeast Returns to Alabama

The Alabama Horse Council is proud to present its 18th Annual Alabama Horse Fair at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, Alabama on January 21 and 22, 2012.  The Fair is considered one of the largest equine trade shows in the Southeast, and vendors from across the region will offer a diverse choice of goods for horse lovers and the general public.  The Fair also provides excellent educational opportunities--not only for equine professionals, but to the average horse owner as well. 

This year’s featured clinicians are RFD-TV stars, Tommy Garland, 2006 winner of the “Equine Extravaganza Trainers Challenge” and Craig Cameron, 2010 “Road to the Horse” winner.    There will be additional lectures on horse care and training presented by equine experts from across the Southeast.   Veterinarians from across the State are volunteering their time at the “Ask the Vet” booth and the Alabama Professional Farriers Association will also have a booth offering free advice on hoof care.  In addition, there will be a silent auction, a live auction in the main arena, demonstrations on driving, drill teams, dressage, a puissance (high-jump) exhibition, cowboy mounted shooting, and so much more!  Children’s interests are also represented with stick horse races, the recognition of Alabama’s State 4-H Horse Show winners and more.  Admission is $10 per day with children 6 and under free.

For information on attendance, becoming a vendor or a sponsor, etc., contact Alabama Horse Council at either www.alabamahorsecouncil.org or 205 678-2882.   It’s a definite not-to-be missed event!

Email address: agnewcd@aces.edu

Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Baldwin County Extension Programs are supported by the Baldwin County Commission.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.