BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension agricultural professionals presented the 2023 Friend of the South Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Professionals Award to South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources employees on Sept. 26 in Pierre.
This year’s award went to the Inspection, Compliance and Remediation Program within South Dakota DANR. The South Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Professionals is the state chapter of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. SDSU Extension staff and faculty are eligible to become members.
The award is given each year to an individual or organization that has partnered with SDSU Extension staff and demonstrated excellence in that partnership. The Inspection, Compliance and Remediation Program works closely with SDSU Extension pesticide specialists to track changing pesticide laws and regulations and the applicator training programs.
“I’ve worked with the pesticide program team for almost 10 years, and it was my pleasure to bring them forward for this award,” said Amanda Bachmann, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist. “They’ve worked with many of my colleagues over the years and I was glad we could recognize them as a friend of the association.”
Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist and past president of the South Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Professionals, said South Dakota DANR partnered with SDSU Extension to manage many changes over the last few years. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the two organizations worked together to convert pesticide applicator training and recertification to online and hybrid modules.
“They’ve really stepped with us side by side through all those transitions,” Edwards said. “Now that we’re settling into our new routine, we wanted to recognize that team for working closely with us and helping to deliver and manage all the training, licensing and enforcement.”
For more information on pesticide education or applicator training, contact Amanda Bachmann, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist; or Stephen Robertson, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education Field Specialist.
