The drought monitor, as of Tuesday, April 28, indicates an easing in drought conditions with Northeast, East Central and part of North Central Kansas out of dry conditions while the western two-thirds continues to deteriorate with 38% in severe drought and 3.5% in extreme drought. Our entire area is now in severe drought. The six to 10-day forecast (May 5 to 9) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day forecast indicates (May 7 to May 13) indicates normal to slightly below normal temperatures and near normal for precipitation. With some rain and cooler temperatures, we might salvage a bit of the wheat crop and moisture will definitely help with corn planting and the alfalfa.

Even though the Barton County area is agricultural and people hear many terms and job titles, many have no idea what these careers really entail and what training/education is needed to be successful. Today, what exactly is a career in crop protection and what is crop protection?

When people hear the term crop protection, they normally think of pesticides. While pesticides are part of the equation, they are only a part. True crop protection revolves around the concept of Integrated Pest Management. The concept involves using all aspects of pest management and plant health to protect the environment while optimizing crop production and economic returns. So, what does it involve?

• You need an understanding of plant growth and development along with the soil environment (texture, structure, organic matter, pH, chemistry). Knowing this allows for decisions to minimize crop stress, optimize inputs, and understand the soil/plant environment. This places crop plants in the best position, especially regarding plant biologically caused diseases. You need to know the common pest problems in your area, their life cycle, the damage they cause, their potential impacts. There’s more but this leads to the next bullet point.
• You need tools to protect crops include sanitation, cultural decisions, crop selection and yes pesticides. You need to know how often, when and where to sample in addition to characteristic damage caused by not only insects and disease but by various other factors including nutrient deficiencies/toxicities, herbicide injury, pH injury, heat and drought stress, and even wind and hail damage. Finally, a thorough understanding of pesticides, and their proper application.
• To be a crop protection technician you need to obtain your commercial applicator license(s) in the appropriate category (ies). And typically, a Class A CDL.
• You don’t need a four-year degree, but postsecondary training is helpful and helps advancement. Barton Community College offers two certificate levels in Crop Protection and a two-year A.A.S. degree.
• Finally, there is a shortage of qualified applicators in our area and the state. Salaries and benefits are good and many operations offer bonuses and/or profit sharing.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.