Submitted

University of Missouri Extension has scheduled two pesticide applicator training sessions in the area. The first session will be held February 4, 2010 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Courthouse Annex in Tuscumbia. The next session will be held on February 11, 2010 beginning at 6:30 pm at Laclede Electric Coop in Lebanon. You must register in advance with the Miller County or Laclede County MU Extension offices by Jan. 25. Advance registration is necessary in order to have enough manuals available. You may call Miller County at (573) 369-2394, and Laclede County Extension at (417) 532-7126. There will be a small fee for a required manual.

Farmers and others who wish to purchase and apply pesticides that are classified as “restricted use” must attend a Private Pesticide Applicator Training Session before receiving certification from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The Missouri Department of Agriculture also requires individuals whose certifications are expired, or are soon expiring, to attend training to renew their license.

University of Missouri Extension offers the training sessions. The training sessions cover several topics including: safety, ground water protection, record keeping, pest management, and Worker Protection Standards regulations that affect agricultural producers with employees who work with pesticides. The training sessions are open to anyone.