USU Extension Faculty Member Receives Pesticide Safety Education Award

Michael Wierda, a Utah State University Extension associate professor, recently received an award for his contributions to advancing pesticide safety education and promoting public health in Utah and the Western Region.

The 2024 Regional Award for Individual Excellence in Extension, presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, recognizes Extension faculty who are making a difference by connecting community needs and university resources to address critical local issues.

As the USU Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) director, Wierda has developed comprehensive training modules, 52 study guide chapters, and a continuing education webinar series to promote safety practices among pest control professionals, ultimately protecting pesticide applicators and the public. His top goal for the PSEP is for people to understand personal, family, community, and environmental health concerns related to pesticides and how implementing Integrated Pest Management can reduce this risk.

“I am honored to receive this award and to continue to represent USU through my efforts to inform and educate those who use pesticides both professionally and personally,” Wierda said.

Wierda’s work is recognized as vital to the health and well-being of Utah’s communities. It focuses on the importance of pesticide safety and environmental health.

To learn more about USU Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, visit their Facebook page or YouTube channel.