PEST Academy
The PEST Academy is a research-based and hands-on training program designed to equip individuals with the technical knowledge and operational skills needed for optimized, sustainable, and data-driven pest management.
Private applicators, crop consultants, and industry professionals will gain more than 16 hours of professional instruction through the academy. Learning opportunities offered include:
- Guidance on label interpretation
- Hands-on spray training
- Enhanced understanding of spray additives
- Data-driven tools and evaluations
Credit Opportunities
Upon completing the academy, participants will have the opportunity to earn a University of Nebraska–Lincoln micro-credential and Nebraska Department of Agriculture recertification credits in categories 00 and 01.
PEST Academy Participation
Each PEST Academy session is limited to a maximum of 35 participants. The first 35 individuals to apply for the academy will receive free registration.
Session Dates
Session 3: January 15–16, 2026
Session 4: February 10–11, 2026
Session 5: March 10–11, 2026
Session 6: April 8–9, 2026
Academy Objectives
- Improve spray-application decisions by providing information on nozzle selection, droplet size, tank-mix interactions, and influence on droplet size, coverage, and drift potential.
- Support regulatory compliance and understanding of ESA requirements for new and re-registered product labels.
- Assessment of performance by linking spray deposition and application parameters to real-world herbicide efficacy covered in spray-application decisions.
- Strengthen weed and resistance management through mode-of-action review, greenhouse demonstrations, and Nebraska resistance-mapping integration.
- Build professional competency through hands-on training tied to recertification (currently only available for Nebraska), CCA continuing education credits (possible per request), and UNL micro-credential requirements.
