Need Last Minute AWO / Pesticide Credit Hours?

            Did you know that animal waste operators are required by law to attend at least 6 hours of continuing education credit every three years? Do you have all your pesticide credits for this year as well? Are you one of those farmers who need a couple more hours for 2013? If so, Cooperative Extension has a local opportunity for you!

            Jacob Morgan, Jones County Field Crops Agent, and I are putting together a 6-hour class for local farmers who need animal waste operator credits and/or pesticide credits. The class will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2014 and WILL count towards your hours for 2013 if you are an animal waste operator.  The Pesticide credit year starts every October 1.  This class gives you the opportunity to enjoy the holidays and still be able to get your AWO hours later. The class will be held from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Craven County Cooperative Extension auditorium. Please call there to sign up at (252) 633.1477. The class will be free of charge and lunch will be on your own. Don’t forget to pay the annual $10 fee to keep your license active. Letters have already gone out in the mail from the Division of Water Quality (DWQ). We can also help you find a local class to get initially certified for AWO or pesticide credits.

            In addition, Jacob will host a corn and soybean production meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Craven County Cooperative Extension Office. In addition, he will host an area cotton production meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2013 at the Jones County Cotton Gin. Pesticide credits will be available for both classes. Call Jacob Morgan at the Jones County Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 448.9621 to sign up for these meetings.

            We would also like to invite you to call us with your suggestions on classes. What topics would you like to hear more about? For example: weed and pasture management, irrigating sprayfields, calibrating sprayers, lagoon management, field crop management, etc. We are here to provide educational resources to you and would like your input.

            If you would like more information on credit hours or would like to check your AWO hours, please contact the Craven County Cooperative Extension office at (252) 633.1477 and speak with Extension Livestock Agent Margaret A. Bell. If you would like to check your pesticide credit hours, please contact the Jones County Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 448.9621 and speak with Extension Field Crops Agent Jacob Morgan.

            North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.  In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

By: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock – Craven and Jones Counties