Presentations on feral hogs, vultures, beavers, herbicides, ornamentals and legumes
An automatic game camera captured this nighttime image of a coyote patrolling
a crimson clover field. The Dec. 13 training will include presentations on controlling vultures, beavers and coyotes. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
Writer: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
OVERTON — Pesticide applicators can earn five continuing education units toward the renewal of their licenses at trainings on Dec. 11 and Dec. 13 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton.
Though the two trainings have some commonalities, there are substantial differences in programming this year, said Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service forage specialist at Overton.
The trainings will each will offer five continuing education units for Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide license holders, three in the general category, one in laws and regulations and one in integrated pest management.
“The different programming will offer participants an opportunity to attend both trainings, earn 10 CEUs total and learn new information on a variety of topics,” she said.
Trainings on both days will start with registration at 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m. On both days, there will be updates on new herbicides and regulations, grasshopper and armyworm control, and ornamental plant research being conducted at the Overton center.
Registration for either day is $30 per person, and includes a barbecue brisket lunch. Presenters will include AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research faculty, and a wildlife damage control specialist with Texas Wildlife Services.
Unique to the Dec. 11 training will be a presentation on feral hogs and their control, external parasite control on beef cattle, and an update on legume and ryegrass breeding and research at the Overton Center.
Unique to the Dec. 13 training will have presentations on West Nile Virus and other urban insect issues, and controlling vultures, beavers and coyotes.
As in past trainings, the programming goes beyond the routine applicators need just to renew their licenses, Corriher-Olson said.
“We want to keep participants interested and give them practical, research-based information they can put to use — not just pass a test,” she said.
Registration and payment will be at the door only the day of the event only. Payments may be made either by check, money order or cash.
To receive continuing education units, participants will need to present either their driver’s license or a copy of their applicator’s license at registration.
The Overton center is a mile north of downtown Overton on State Highway 3053. Maps and more detailed driving instructions can be found at http://overton.tamu.edu/about/maps/ .
