Pesticide applicator recertification workshops set for February

Farmers can renew their Private Pesticide Applicator certification by attending one of the upcoming recertification workshops sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension.  
These workshops review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application and provide the latest university research in integrated pest management. 
You need to renew your private pesticide applicator certification in 2016 if you:
•Apply pesticides to land or sites you own, rent or lease for the production of agriculture commodities and
•Plan to use Restricted Use Pesticides and
•Reside in the state of Minnesota and
•Your certification expires in 2016.
 
Recertification workshops scheduled for southwestern Minnesota include:
•Jan. 29, Slayton: from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Murray County 4-H Building.
•Feb. 1, Pipestone: from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the MN West Community & Technical College, Room 127.
•Feb. 26, Worthington: from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Regional Extension Office Classroom.
Registration for the recertification workshops will be taken at the door and no preregistration is required.  
Anyone attending a workshop for recertification must bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Bringing Private Pesticide Applicator Certification cards will assist in the registration process as well. 
Attending a recertification workshop renews certification for three years.  Please note attendance is mandatory at the entire workshop to meet recertification requirements.   
Two options exist for those unable to attend a workshop. They may either complete the test as a home study course (books and tests available at most County Extension Offices) or complete the test online starting mid-January at www.extension.umn.edu/pesticides.
The cost to recertify, either by attending a recertification workshop or retesting, is $75. A farmer who is not currently certified (i.e. becoming certified for the first time or their certification expired in 2015 or earlier) is required to test either online or mail-in to become certified.