Hay and pasture management generally requires less pesticide use compared to row and specialty crops. Producers mainly rely on cultural management strategies, such as liming and fertilizing, to reduce weed pressure in forages.
Insect pests can also be problematic depending on the year and environment. Although forage producers may not use as much chemical control as other farming operations, pesticide safety is just as important under these circumstances.
The environment is heavily impacted by pesticide exposure when there is a misapplication or misuse of a chemical. Those affected include the public, domestic animals, livestock and wildlife. So how do we protect the environment when applying pesticides in our forages?
First, keep a lookout for above- and below-ground water sources. These eventually will reach the public, livestock and wildlife no matter where the contamination originates. When spraying near a water source of any kind, read the label carefully for guidance on how to spray responsibly and, most importantly, remain compliant with the restrictions listed.
Second, personal protective equipment (PPE) is not just a suggestion on the label for pesticide applicators. PPE is a legal requirement and is there to reduce chemical exposure.
The four routes of exposure to the body (dermal, ocular, inhalation and ingestion) are prioritized to protect from acute, allergic and delayed responses:
• Acute responses are usually burns or injuries direct to the body that require immediate treatment.
• Allergic responses present as sinus issues, rashes or seasonal allergy-type symptoms. Essentially, allergic responses sensitize the body, causing these symptoms to develop through repeated exposure to pesticides in a short timeframe.
• Delayed responses could generally be described as low-level exposure that accumulates over a long period, leading to chronic conditions.
Reducing direct exposure to our bodies by using PPE helps protect our future health and longevity.
Pesticide safety guidelines are outlined at both the federal and state levels. All states are required to meet federal standards and then can add to those standards based on local or environmental concerns. Because these can vary across states, it is important to read the Missouri Pesticide Use Act book, which is available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture website.
You can also contact your local MU Extension agronomy or horticultural field specialist to ask for more information and details on how to use pesticides safely.
