By Scout Nelson
In Nebraska, the partnership between farmers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators takes a significant step forward with the adoption of FieldWatch. This online mapping service bridges the gap in communication, ensuring the safety of crops and pollinators from potential pesticide harm.
Sherry Vinton from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture highlights the importance of regulating pesticides through innovative tools like FieldWatch. This platform includes a variety of agricultural sites ranging from apiaries to organic farms, making it easier for those in the agriculture industry to take protective measures when applying pesticides.
With over 700 growers and 2,333 sites registered, FieldWatch covers a vast area of Nebraska's agriculture, marking a substantial effort in the state to balance pest control with environmental protection. The service is not only free but also user-friendly, offering features like email alerts and a mobile app for on-the-go access.
FieldWatch's comprehensive mapping does not end with specialty crops and bee sites; it extends to detasseling operations and fields of corn and soybeans with specific herbicide traits. This level of detail helps in fostering a collaborative environment where pesticide stewardship is a shared responsibility.
The initiative underscores Nebraska's commitment to agricultural safety and the protection of valuable ecosystems. Through the combined efforts of the state's farmers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators, FieldWatch represents a model of cooperation and environmental stewardship in the modern farming landscape.
Photo Credit -istock-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops