By Karlie Gerlach
The Precision Application Technology (PAT) Lab at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte is launching the Precision Education in Spray Technologies (PEST) Academy, 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.
The academy, supported by the Nebraska Corn Board, aims to bridge science-based learning with practical, real-world demonstrations to strengthen decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the long-term sustainability of crop protection programs.
“The PEST Academy empowers agricultural professionals to make data-driven, efficient, and environmentally responsible decisions that support sustainable crop production and long-term stewardship across Nebraska and beyond,” said Milos Zaric, a precision pesticide application specialist in the PAT Lab.