Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification

It has been a busy winter so far. I and a lot of other farmers have another task to put on our to do list. Yes, it is hard to believe it has been 3 years since I renewed my Private Pesticide Applicator Certification! All farmers need a Private Pesticide Applicator Certification to purchase or apply restricted use pesticides. Every 3 years we have to get recertified.

Originally farmers would have to purchase a booklet with all the updated information, take a test and send it in for scoring or take an online test. A nice change a few years ago was the Recertification Workshops taught by University of Minnesota Extension Educators. In addition to the required pesticide information required by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture they work in a lot of agronomic information too.

Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification workshops have been scheduled all around Minnesota. While a number in our area have already been held there are still a number coming up through the end of February. To see the remaining schedule go to the University of Minnesota Extension Service website or the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.