CORE Pesticide Training Classes

Tuesday and  Thursday during the Willamette Valley Ag Expo

We offer CORE Pesticide Training Classes during the expo. These classes are designed to provide essential education and certification for pesticide application, ensuring best practices and safety in agricultural operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge, ensure compliance, and promote safe and effective pesticide use.

Courses are complimentary with paid expo admission. Expo admission is $5 at the door, parking is free.

Class Schedule

  • A maximum of 4 ag credits are available.
  • Must be seated for entire 4 hours for credits.
  • No Registration Required.
  • Agenda is identical for November 17 and November 19.

Tuesday, November 17

10:30am – Slime Time: Frontiers in Pest Slug and Snail Management in the Pacific Northwest, Rory Mc Donnell (Oregon State University) 

11:30am – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Applicator Safety, Vanessa Vassilaros (Oregon Department of Agriculture)

-Lunch Break-

1:30pm – Integrated Vole Management for Willamette Valley Crops, Christy Tanner (Oregon State University)

2:30pm – Integrated Pest Management Practices in Specialty Crops and Nurseries, Dalila Rendon (Oregon State University)

Thursday, November 19

10:30am – Slime Time: Frontiers in Pest Slug and Snail Management in the Pacific Northwest, Rory Mc Donnell (Oregon State University) 

11:30am – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Applicator Safety, Vanessa Vassilaros (Oregon Department of Agriculture)

-Lunch Break-

1:30pm – Integrated Vole Management for Willamette Valley Crops, Christy Tanner (Oregon State University)

2:30pm – Integrated Pest Management Practices in Specialty Crops and Nurseries, Dalila Rendon (Oregon State University)

Speaker Bios

Dr. McDonnell is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. He is the primary investigator of the Invertebrate Crop Pest Lab. His research focuses on understanding the ecology of invasive slugs and snails, and developing and implementing novel strategies for their management. His work has been featured in publications including New Scientist, National Geographic, and the New Yorker.

Dr. Rendon is the program leader for the IR-4 Pesticide Registration Field Research Center, located at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center. Her interest is in integrated pest management in specialty crops. Dalila has studied and conducted research around the world, and remains passionate about teaching science to a diverse range of audiences.

Dr. Tanner is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. Her work focuses on field crop production in the South Willamette Valley, including grass and specialty seed crops, mint, and meadowfoam. Her research includes integrated pest and weed management, nutrient and soil health practices, reduced tillage, and use of drones to identify vole damage.

Vanessa is an Outreach Specialist at Oregon Department of Agriculture. She brings over 20 years of experience working directly with growers, and is passionate about helping operations succeed through education, collaboration, and outreach. Vanessa is also an award-winning bilingual author and science communicator for diverse and multicultural stakeholders.

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