Private pesticide applicator training will again be administered through the UW-Extension office in Fond du Lac County. Four training sessions have been planned for 2001 as indicated below.

Each session will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. and concludes about 3:30 p.m.  Producers need only to attend one of the four sessions based on personal convenience.

Certification for private pesticide applicators is required by law for crop producers to handle, mix, or apply "restricted use" pesticides.  Private applicator certification is valid for five years and participants must be 16 years of age or older.

Pre-registration for the pesticide training session is required.  A $36.00 certification fee will include a noon lunch and the study materials.  Registration can be completed by paying your fee and picking-up your study materials at least one week prior to the scheduled training session at the Fond du Lac County UW Extension office.  A spouse, sibling, or friend can do pre-registration but materials will not be mailed out.  Also have your social security number available when you register.  

Early pre-registration allows applicators ample time to review the training materials in advance of the session.  Upon completion of the training, an open book examination will be given.  A minimum score of 50% is needed to obtain certification.  There is also a self-study option available whereby applicators do not need to attend the formal training session but are required to attain a minimum 70% score on the exam.  For producers choosing the self-study option, a videotape of the training program is available to take home on a loan basis.

In addition to safe pesticide handling and application practices, pesticide laws, environmental concerns, equipment calibration, and current issues are addressed during the training session.  For more information, please call the Fond du Lac County UW-Extension office at 929-3171 or 748-7565.