Pesticide applicator certifications begin Jan. 4

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BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University Extension will host private pesticide applicator certification trainings beginning Jan. 4.

Anyone planning to apply any pesticides to an agriculture commodity potentially worth $1,000 or more needs to receive certification as a private pesticide applicator, explains Buyung Hadi, SDSU Extension pesticide education and urban entomology coordinator.

“It does not matter what pesticide you apply whether it is herbicide, insecticide or fungicide you need to be certified as a private applicator,” Hadi said.

There are three options to get certified. A person many attend a threehour re-certification class at any certification site listed below. Alternatively, they may stop by the local Regional Extension Center and pick up the materials to complete the open-book, home-study exam, or the person may take the private applicator exam online at the Department of Agriculture’s website, http://apps.sd.gov/doa/pwt/.

Although it is the law to become certified, Hadi says there are other benefits to becoming certified.

“Certification gives you the tools to apply pesticides properly, safely and profitably. The certification is good for five years and allows applicators to buy and apply general and restricted use pesticides,” he said. During the trainings, SDSU Extension personnel will cover the South Dakota rules and regulations about applying pesticides. Depending on the location, officials will also discuss local pest management issues, be it insect pests, weeds or diseases. There is no charge for attending the private applicator class or taking the open-book, home-study exam to become certified or recertified as a private pesticide applicator. Dates and locations:

Tripp: robert.fanning@sdstate.edu Winner Regional Extension Center, Jan. 14, 1:30 p.m.

Gregory: robert.fanning@sdstate.edu Burke Civic Center, 850 Main St., Burke; Jan. 28, 1 p.m.

Lyman: robert.fanning@sdstate.edu Presho Fire Hall, 202 E 9th St., Presho; Jan. 15, 1 p.m.

Winner: robert.fanning@sdstate.edu Regional Extension Center, 325 S Monroe St., Winner; Feb. 19, 1 p.m.

Davison: larry.wagner@sdstate.edu Tech. Center, 1800 E. Spruce, Mitchell; Jan.15, 1 p.m.

Charles Mix: larry.wagner@sdstate.edu American Legion, 202 West Ave. SW, Wagner; Feb. 20; 9 a.m.

Davison: larry.wagner@sdstate.edu Tech. Center, 1800 E. Spruce, Mitchell; March 18; 9 a.m.

Jerauld: mark.rosenberg@sdstate.edu 4-H Ag Building, 604 Second St. NE, Wessington Springs; Feb. 8; 1:15 p.m.

Hutchinson: connie.strunk@sdstate.edu Fire Hall; west side of Main Street in Tripp; Feb. 8; 9 a.m.

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