Extension’s Upgraded Farm *A *Syst Program Ready for Farmers

Auburn, AL--- The upgraded Alabama Cooperative Extension Farm*A*Syst program, which addresses environmental stewardship on proper pesticide application and handling, animal manure management and the reduction of soil sedimentation, is now available to farmers.

“The program provides livestock producers with helpful information on topics such as dealing with lagoon wastes, dead poultry and swine to developing a nutrient management plan and complying with concentrated animal feeding operations and animal feeding operations, laws and requirements,” said Dr. Jesse LaPrade, Extension environmental and farm safety specialist.

One section provides ways to maintain top soil and reduce sediment transport to rivers, streams and lakes. 

LaPrade said the program has significantly reduced pesticide release from containers by fostering the pesticide container pressure washing and triple rinsing educational programs.  This training effort has enhanced the acceptance of rinsed pesticide containers in Alabama landfills.   

“More than 200,000 gallons and 400,000 pounds of unwanted pesticide has been removed from the Alabama environment with the help provided by this program.” said LaPrade.

To learn more about the program, contact  LaPrade at jlaprade@aces.edu.  Farmers interested in participating in the program should call their county Extension office.

Source:  Dr. Jesse LaPrade, Extension Environmental and Farm Safety Specialist.

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