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IMPLEMENTING PROBLEM SOLVING ACTIVITIES INTO PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION PROGRAMMING

Extension Education

Eric Barrett
Associate Professor
Ohio State University Extension
Canfield

Abstract

\r\n Farmers in Ohio are required to gain three hours of recertification to keep their pesticide applicator license in good standing with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Many presentations given throughout the state include technical, professional power point presentations intended to update these farmers on the newest chemicals or the latest research on a given crop.  Presentations such as this made it difficult to keep the interest of participants for a three hour period.  Thus, these educators made it an objective to increase participation of famers through hands-on problem solving, rather than rely on power point presentations.  The educators developed specific activities for general pesticide use and record keeping to meet state requirements.  They developed hands-on activities, including the Alfalfa Problem, a Livestock Fly Problem, Spray Water Quality Issues and more.  Farmers worked in groups of 6-8, tackling problems using their own expertise and OSU Extension publications at their tables.  Educators worked the room to answer questions, explain specific problem parameters and to assist struggling groups.  The groups then shared information with the entire group as a presentation.  Much shorter, yet informational Power Point Presentations were then presented by these educators as a follow up information for each activity to drive the message home.  Farmers rate these programs as highly educational and have made comments that these are some of the best Extension programs they have attended.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: E.E. Barrett, M.P. Hogan, W.R. Snyder
  1. Barrett, E. Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44406
  2. Hogan, M. Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43953
  3. Snyder, W. Extension Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44406