Private pesticide applicator trainings available for license renewal

Farmers with private pesticide applicator certifications (PPAT) that expire March 1, 2024, will need to renew that license for the 2024 growing season. If you are unsure about your certification status, you can check it at z.umn.edu/PPATcertlookup. The process to renew your license remains similar to what it has been from previous years. Farmers can renew permits again this year by 1 of 4 options.

1. Attend an in-person renewal workshop conducted by University of Minnesota Extension staff. Pre-registration must be done online at pat.umn.edu five days prior to the workshop to ensure we have enough space to accommodate everyone. Online registration must be done if you would like to pay by credit card since only checks will be accepted for walk-ins. Walk-ins are still welcome provided that we have enough space. Bring an official picture ID, such as a driver’s license, your current permit card if you have one, and a check to pay the $75 permit fee. You must arrive on time, and stay for the entire workshop. Anyone who arrives 15 minutes late or leaves before workshop completion will not get credit for the workshop. You can attend any workshop that is convenient. A full list of workshop locations is listed in the mailed newsletters and at the UMN Extension Pesticide Safety website at pat.umn.edu.

2. Take the written exam that is available at your local county Extension offices. The 19th Edition Manual is the current reference for the exam and is available for $10 at your local County Extension office. Mail the $75 permit fee along with your test answer sheet in the envelope provided. Please call prior to stopping by local offices, as appointments might be necessary.

3. Take the exam online by going to pat.umn.edu. The $75 permit fee is paid by credit card, and the manual can be viewed online. The online exam opened Jan. 3. Final exams must be completed by Oct. 31, 2024.

4. Attend a live online Zoom recertification workshop. You must pre-register to attend the Zoom workshop. Check-in time starts 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop, and you must have your applicator license on hand and available. You must have an internet-connected device with a video camera and sound. -Participation is required. You must remain online for the entirety of the workshop to receive credit. The $75 fee is paid by credit card online.

First-time private pesticide applicators or those with certifications that expired prior to March 1, 2024, must use option 2 or 3 to be certified. The Private Applicators certificate is for farm operators who are applying restricted-use pesticide products on their fields. This includes different herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other pest control products labeled “Restricted Use.” Registration for these workshops is strongly encouraged to secure your seat.

Renewal workshops in the Wright, McLeod, and Meeker county area include:

• Paynesville, Friday Jan. 26, 12:30-4 p.m. at the Paynesville American Legion, 770 Diekmann Drive.

• Hutchinson, Monday Feb. 12, 5:30-9 p.m. at the Crow River Winery, 14848 Hwy. 7 E.

• Buffalo, Friday, Feb. 16, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Wright Co. Government Center, 3650 Braddock Ave. N.E.

Find a full list of available workshops at pat.umn.edu.

For questions about the private pesticide applicator certification process, call your local County Extension Office. In Wright County call (763) 682-7394, in McLeod County call (320) 484-4334, and in Meeker County call (320) 693-5275.

In case of inclement weather, check z.umn.edu/2024PPATworkshops, call either the Farm Information Line at (800) 232-9077, or the coordinating U of M Extension Office before getting on the road. Always use your best judgment with the weather. For related questions, please feel free to email Taylor at therbert@umn.edu or call (612) 394-5229.