Nebraska Extension provides training for private pesticide applicators

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December 14, 2015

Lincoln, Neb. — Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2016, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions that begin in January.

Licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted-use pesticides in their farming operations after completing this training. About 7,000 private applicators statewide are eligible for recertification in 2016.

"The main topics that applicators will learn about are Nebraska's pesticide laws and regulations, the pesticide label, personal safety, the worker protection standard, environmental protection, integrated pest management, pesticides and application, application equipment and equipment calibration," said Nebraska Extension pesticide safety educator Clyde Ogg.

Private applicators needing recertification in 2016 should receive a letter notifying them of that fact from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in mid-December. The letter includes a bar code, which eliminates the need to complete the standard NDA application form for those wanting to recertify. 

"All who are eligible for recertification will also be notified by their local Nebraska Extension office of recertification training sessions in their area," Ogg said.

Applicators should check their licenses for the expiration date. If it expires in 2016 and they have not yet received a letter from NDA, contact them at 402-471-2351 or 877-800-4080.

Nebraska Extension provides the educational training for recertification, while NDA is responsible for licensing. The cost of extension training is $30 per person.

For a list of training sessions, sites and dates, contact the nearest Nebraska Extension office or go online to http://pested.unl.edu/classes, where applicators will find pesticide education sites for private applicators listed by county.

There is also the option of becoming certified or recertified through completion of a self-study course, either hard copy or online. The hard copy self-study manual is available at local extension offices, and the online course can be purchased at http://marketplace.unl.edu by going to the pesticide education section. The cost for both self-study courses is $60. 

"After completing private applicator training, certification applications will be sent to NDA, who will then send a bill to the applicator for the state license fee," Ogg said.

For more information, visit http://pested.unl.edu.


Emilee (Dorn) Siel
Pesticide Safety Education Program
402-472-9543
emilee.dorn@unl.edu

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