President's Message
President’s Message - November 2009
As the end of the year approaches those of us who maintain our PCO/PCA (Pest Control Operator/Pest Control Applicator) licenses are always looking to stay current with continuing education credits.
The Farm bureau staff is holding a day of C.E. credit trainings.
The County Ag Commissioner’s staff and other speakers will convene at the Farm Bureau office on Tuesday, December 1st. The seminars will provide at least 3 hours of C.E. credits in Laws and Regulations and lunch will be served. There will be a fee for the seminar. Please watch for additional information or call the Farm Bureau office at 674-8871 as the date approaches.
Tentatively, the schedule will be as follows:
9:00 am Requirements for a Headquarter Inspection
Given By: Sharon Seslowe
10:00 am Requirements for an Application Inspection
Given By: Jason Contreras
11:00 am Update on Surface and Ground Water Regulations for Pesticides
Given By: Perry Klassen
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Respiratory Protection for Pesticide Handlers
Given By: David Kernazitskas
Each year, we make it a point to conduct a meeting with school bus drivers in an effort to foster a working relationship with drivers who may encounter spray rigs on their routes. Additionally, we use this opportunity to answer questions from drivers regarding chemical use, types of fertilizers and chemicals used, the difference between organic and conventional practices, and the times of the year that applications are likely to occur. With the help of our past President Dennis Meisner Jr., Melissa Cregan from the County Ag Commissioners office, and our Farm Bureau Executive, I did my best to expose the drivers to the farm perspective. We assured them that we are on the lookout for buses, and that as the growing season progresses, growth may prevent tractor drivers from viewing roadways. Melissa Cregan explained the process by which drivers may report suspected drifts on to a bus. Thankfully, the Ag Commissioner’s office only recorded 2 repots of drift last year, and feels confident that growers are doing their best to avoid drift in the presence of school buses.
I am finishing up my first year as president, and would like to say that it has been a great experience. Many thanks to my Executive team for their unwavering participation. Also, thank you to the office staff who makes my presidency a pleasure.
We look forward to next year’s Water Conference on February 17, 2010. At this time, confirmed speakers are: Steve Chedester with the Exchange Contractors, Gary Sawyers, Attorney with Sawyers and Holland LLP, Sarge Green with Fresno State University, and Bill McEwen, Fresno Bee Columnist. With all of the activity in Sacramento on the proposed Water Bond, it will no doubt be a timely and interesting conference.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!