Farmers who wish to obtain or renew a private pesticide applicator license are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming training sessions. Training sessions will be held on Thurs., Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Both training sessions will be held in the meeting room at the Scenic Regional Library in Union.
In late 2006, the Missouri legislature authorized the recovery of costs for an educational training reference manual associated with certification or recertification.  Each person participating in the training is required to purchase or bring a copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator Manual. Participants from the same farm may share a manual.
There is a charge of $12 to cover the cost of the manual and you may purchase it at the University of Missouri Extension Center at 116 West Main in Union or at the training. Cash or checks will be accepted.
To prepare seating and materials for the training, preregistration is requested by Mon,, Feb. 15 by calling the University of Missouri Extension Center at (636) 583-5141.
Private pesticide applicator licenses are required for farmers to purchase restricted use pesticides. Training to obtain a license is through University of Missouri Extension and covers pesticide safety, laws and labeling.  The training is the same whether a person is applying for a new license or renewing their current license.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture issues the licenses. To obtain a license, a person must be at least 18 years of age and a producer of agricultural commodities. The license will be good for five years.
If you have questions, please call the Franklin County University of Missouri Extension Center at (636) 583-5141. University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.