Calibrating Sprayers and Applying Pesticides Effectively
Event Details
Date
July 26, 2022
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
Juniper Hill Farm
82 Loukes Rd
Wadhams, NY
Cost
Registration : $20.00
Host
Eastern New York Commercial HorticultureElisabeth Hodgdon
518-650-5323
email Elisabeth Hodgdon
Pesticides are important tools for plant protection on many farms. Without regular calibration, sprayers may not achieve intended pesticide rates and coverage within your crop, leading to inefficient applications. Join CCE specialists for a hands-on demonstration of boom and backpack sprayer calibration and a discussion of nozzle types, pesticide labels, personal protective equipment, recordkeeping, and spray formulation tips for pesticide application success. Any farm with a boom or backpack sprayer is welcome to attend, including conventional and organic, beginning and experienced crop growers.
2 core DEC credits are offered for certified pesticide applicators. Participants will also receive water sensitive paper and complimentary water pH testing with registration. Participants are encouraged to bring a water sample to the workshop.
AGENDA
10:00 to 11:00 Sprayer Calibration and Nozzle Selection- Mike Hunter, CCE NCRAT and Ethan Grundberg, CCE ENYCHP
Discussion of the proper setup, maintenance, and use of boom and backpack sprayers. This course will also have a hands-on demonstration of a pesticide sprayer calibration. Choosing the proper nozzle for specific pesticide applications will also be discussed.
11:00 to 11:30 Pesticide Labels, PPE and Recordkeeping- Mike Hunter, CCE NCRAT
This session will be a review of the importance of reading and understanding the parts of the pesticide label. The proper use of personal protective equipment and private applicator recordkeeping will also be discussed.
11:30 to 12:00 Maximizing Pesticide Performance- Ethan Grundberg, CCE ENYCHP
This session will be a review of the importance of using the proper rate of pesticides, selecting the appropriate spray adjuvant and other factors that can improve pesticide performance in the field.
Bring your pesticide applicator license with you to the workshop. You must also arrive on time and stay for an entire 2 hours to receive these credits. For more information about this program, contact Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program, at eh528@cornell.edu or (518) 650-5323.
Cost: $20 per farm

Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course
January 13 - January 14, 2026
Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable).
