Pest control professionals from across the country have travelled to Top House Farm in Rawcliffe Bridge, East Yorkshire for an immersive and extensive day of pest control training.
Hosted by BASF and Killgerm Chemicals, the day offered a packed agenda including practical workshops, and demonstrations from industry experts.
The extensive list of spokespeople included Killgerm’s Tim Bloomer, Louise Loben and Robert Simpson, and experts from across the industry including, Nick Palmer from Agri Pest Management who gave an insightful talk on all the tools of the trade when it comes to wildlife management and Martin Cobbald of Dealey Environmental who discussed post-harvest crop protection.
Attendees who held a CRRU approved rodent control certificate took home a 3kg tub of Selontra and a 3kg tub of Monitoring Paste so they can implement the tips, advice and guidance they have learned on monitoring and dealing with infestations.
Alongside this, each delegate received CPD points and an exclusive BASF goodie bag, all while gaining an armoury of knowledge on effective rural pest management.
Guests were given the opportunity to learn more about trapping and baiting techniques to protect non-target species such as barn owls and birds of prey through live demonstrations on the farm, followed by a discussion on the control of wider wildlife with advice on best practice, and environmental risk assessments.
Delegates were also taught useful rodent proofing and monitoring methods to implement on farm jobs to manage and reduce the risk of infestations reoccurring.
Attendees also had a chance to ask questions to Annie Rogers, head of technical for Combined Crops and Sugar Beat about the Red Tractor specification, arming pest controllers with the vital information needed to meet, understand and get points of clarity on the existing standards, as well as giving Red Tractor the opportunity to gain vital feedback from members for future specifications.
Laurence Barnard, country business manager for BASF Professional and Specialty Solutions, said: “It has been an excellent couple of days here at Top House Farm, with everyone who came along being eager to learn more and contribute to each interactive session. Being able to offer pest controllers these training sessions is so valuable – we’re really proud of how the event has gone.
“The rural setting of the training day helped to give guests a real example of the problems that can occur, as well as the chance to demonstrate how to combat these issues first hand.”
Breakfast and lunch were also provided, and pest controllers enjoyed a well-deserved helping of homemade fish and chips.
Mr Barnard added: “We’ve already been asked when the next one will be, as both days this month sold out very quickly. There is clearly a demand and a need for more collaborative and immersive training events, and we’re excited to start planning the next one!”
