Since the end of World War II, more of our population has become urban based and fewer citizens have direct agricultural experience. Many have only a vague concept of modern agricultural practices and their vital contributions to society.
Pesticides are a major case in point.
Their very mention conjures up negative images and emotions among the agriculturally uninformed. As members of the agricultural community, we each must do our best to educate and inform society of the facts that surround pesticide use. Certain myths must be dispelled. While it is absolutely true that pesticides are poisonous to designated weeds, insects, and fungi, today's pesticides, when properly applied, are not toxic to you or me or to our pets and livestock. As business people and stewards of the land, farmers use crop protection chemicals only when absolutely necessary.