Farm pesticide applicator workshops scheduled

Pesticide Safety Education programs are aimed at safety for applicators, the crop, the environment, the community and food supplies.
The “private” applicator’s permit is for farm operators who are applying restricted use pesticide products on their own fields. This includes some herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other pest control products that are labeled “Restricted Use.”
Farmers with Private Pesticide Applicator (PPA) permits that expire on March 1, 2016, should have received a postcard from the MN Department of Agriculture and soon can expect a University of Minnesota Extension flyer about renewal workshops that have been scheduled from the middle of January to the end of February around the state. Farmers can renew permits again this year by 1 of 3 options.
• Attend a “Renewal Workshop” conducted by U of M Extension staff. Bring an official picture ID like a driver’s license; and your current permit card if you have it. Bring a check to pay the permit fee.
• Work through the written exam that is available now at county extension offices. Use the 19th edition manual that was new 5 years ago, as a reference. If needed, the cost of the manual is $10. Mail the $75 permit fee, along with your test answer sheet, in the addressed envelope provided.
• Take the exam online by going to: http://z.umn.edu/ppatprogram. The fee is paid by credit card. The manual can be viewed online.
Call the county extension office for questions related to the PPA process. In Wright County call 763-682-7394 or 763-682-7381. Always use your best judgment with the weather. Listen to local radio stations or call the U of M Extension Office before getting on the road. The Central Minnesota brochure can be found at the following link: http://z.umn.edu/2016ppat. Following is a list of those workshops held in the Wright County area:
• Buffalo, Wednesday, Feb. 10th, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Room 120.
• Paynesville, Tuesday, January 19th, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 271, 770 MN-23. Call Paynesville Cooperative to RSVP for lunch, 320-243-3494
• Cologne, Tuesday, January 26th, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Cologne Community Center, 1211 Village Pkwy.
• Hutchinson, Thursday, February 11th, 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the Hutchinson Event Center, 1005 Hwy 15 South.
• Arlington, Wednesday, February 17th, 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the Arlington Community Center, 204 Shamrock Drive.