by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Professor & Extension Agronomist, Lubbock, (806) 723-8432, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu
I believe applicator awareness is often overlooked in weed and pest control. Communication and the needed instruction between a farmer and their own employees or a custom applicator can make the difference in a serious mistake that damages a current crop, affects a planned crop rotation next year, or perhaps amounts to 85% weed control instead of the near 100% that you otherwise would expect.
How you interact with both your employees and your custom applicator will enhance your success in weed and pest control. Link to this full document at http://lubbock.tamu.edu (link is entitled “Employee and Custom Applicator Keys to Weed & Pest Control”) to gather ideas about how you can improve your weed and pest control results by establishing improved communication, training, and sharing the responsibilities of your farm operations. Further information includes:
Part I: Your Employees
Tips as you work with your on-farm weed control team, including…
• First, simply emphasize safety at all times.
• Confirm and cross-check rates, carrier volume, ground speed, etc.
• Teach your staff to stop and CALL YOU if something doesn’t look right.
Asking confirmation questions of your staff—there is a right way to do this…
• “Did you add 2.0 gallons of Banvel to the tank?” Learn why is this not a good question to ask! And what to ask instead.
Investing time and training in your employee that handles spray duties, and rewarding them…
For your family members (18 or older) or permanent staff that helps spray your crops:
• Should you have your family member or employee earn their own pesticide applicators license?
• If so, reward them for it!
Part II: Your Custom Applicator
Key tips for working with your custom applicator and especially understanding your agreement about labeled vs. optimum needed carrier volume per acre
• Be clear with any commercial applicator you hire and ensure they understand what is needed and they are following label guidelines. Just like your own staff, confirm chemical rates and additives, carrier volume, etc.
Calvin Trostle
Professor and Extension Specialist
Lubbock, TX
803.746.6101
ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu