The Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture team offered three successful educational programs to finish off the year. An enthusiastic group of poultry owners gathered for a Backyard Poultry 101 class. The class was taught by Eastern Area Specialized Poultry Agent, Margaret Bell Ross, who gave a conversational presentation about managing a backyard flock. The relaxed manner of the class allowed for attendees to ask questions and share ideas with a poultry expert.
A Lawn and Ornamental Pesticide CEU Day was held to educate pesticide license holders on two emerging pests that have been affecting Brunswick County. Extension Director, Matt Lenhardt, gave a presentation about Crape Myrtle Bark Scale which included results from a pest monitoring research project he conducted.
Taylor McDaniel, the new Consumer Horticulture Agent, presented on Ground Pearl: an underground scale insect with no current chemical control options. This CEU day offered insight into two pests that will be a persistent problem for the green industry in the upcoming years. A Private Pesticide License CEU Day was offered to cater to our county’s farmers. During the training we dove into several topics regarding safe chemical handling ranging from proper protective equipment to herbicide resistance. It served as a reminder that all pesticide users need to intently follow the pesticide label to protect themselves and preserve the chemical’s efficacy.
It is important to note that pesticide applicator license holders rely on NCSU Cooperative Extension to offer Continuing Education Courses throughout the year to keep their license up to date. Private applicators must have (2) V credits and (2) X credits by September 30th of the year their license expires. Commercial applicators must have all of their credit hours by June 30 of the year their license expires. Credit hour requirements vary from each commercial category. If you have any questions about your specific pesticide license please contact the Brunswick County Extension Center and ask for a horticulture agent.
All together, the three classes had 66 attendees and offered over 10 hours of education. The Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture team plans on expanding our reach in the new year by offering more educational classes and workshops for Brunswick County residents. Be on the lookout for class announcements from our Consumer Horticulture team soon!
