
By Lizzy Stevens and Natalie Willis, Valley Ag Voice
The Kern County Farm Bureau held its 19th Annual Spray Safe event on Jan. 17 at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Nearly 800 farmers, applicators, and agricultural professionals gathered for the educational event, learning the best practices for safe and effective pesticide use.
Spray Safe events, now hosted by several counties around California, originated in Kern County. Its success is evident in its ability to remain a free event, made possible through the support of sponsors.
“Spray Safe was established to promote safe practices in the agricultural industry, with a goal of teaching the agricultural community new laws and regulations related to spraying pesticides,” Daniel Palla, Spray Safe Committee Chair said in a press release. “We are committed to making sure that everyone is given the knowledge of how to work safely and productively.”
This year featured a variety of speakers, interactive stations, and demonstrations, all geared toward the importance of safety in agricultural practices. Attendees also had the opportunity to earn Continuing Education credits through the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
Notable stations included the Kern County Fire Department, which covered emergency protocols; the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), which provided insights on proper personal protective equipment usage; and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, which reviewed common violations to help attendees stay compliant. The State Compensation Insurance Fund also provided demonstrations on operating mobile pesticide equipment safely.

DPR Chief Deputy Director Karen Morrison highlighted advancements in the statewide pesticide application notification system, SprayDays. The application’s objective is to notify the public with information prior to the use of restricted material pesticide applications in agricultural settings.
Alongside educational and safety demonstrations, the event offered attendees great food and a raffle giveaway. Attendees enjoyed tri-tip sandwiches from Champ’s BBQ, pistachios from The Wonderful Company, carrots from Grimmway Farms, coffee provided by CAPCA, and donuts courtesy of BASF.