Most applicators use paper records to keep track of their pesticide applications. The record sheet itself is most likely computer generated and customized with the generic information already filled-in, but the information about the actual application is completed by hand by the applicator. However, with the advancement in GPS technology and electronic monitoring when spraying fields, some units allow custom programming whereby an applicator may enter all of the application recordkeeping components required by state law directly into the GPS unit (for a complete listing of the required record components, refer to your certification training manual, or ATCP 29.33). Being that these units also create a map of the sprayed area, applicators have asked whether electronic records would suffice, or do they need to keep a file of paper copies of the application records.

 

In reality, WDATCP actually prefers GPS records because of its real time data logging. Thus, they have no real concerns of storing application records electronically other than that the archived records must be complete and kept for at least two years for non-atrazine products, and at least 3 years for products containing atrazine. And, of course, the applicator or application business must be able to produce the records on request by WDATCP.

 

Above everything else, one’s diligence will determine whether electronic records will work for you. Accessibility to records will surely require downloading the electronic version to some other media for safekeeping. If switching solely to electronic records, a daily download will serve as a safeguard to keep the recreation of records to a minimum in case the GPS unit goes haywire. Ideally, a dedicated laptop hooked up to the GPS unit is the surest way to capture records because you then can save the record to another media after every spray job. In either case, when the day is done download the records from the GPS unit or laptop to some other backup storage media (DVD, USB external drive, etc.). Why? Because any long-term user of computers certainly must have experienced the frustration, inconvenience, and lost time due to corrupt or lost data from a hard drive failure. And if you can’t produce the application record upon request from WDATCP? Well, let’s not even go there.