MARSHALL – Minnesotans that plan to use Restricted Use Pesticide on their farmland should check their current private pesticide applicator certification. If it expires on March 1st, 2024, you need to renew your certification. The cost to re-certify is $75. Liz Stahl, Extension Educator in Crops with University of Minnesota Extension, says there are several options to choose from. 

Option 1: Attend a live in-person workshop. These workshops offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application, as well as provide you with the latest University research on integrated pest management. Workshop topics this year include Pesticide Laws and Regulations, Personal Protective Equipment, Planning a Successful Pesticide Application, and Current Pest Issues and Integrated Pest Management.  

Anyone attending a workshop for re-certification MUST bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport AND your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Card or number. Please note you must attend the entire workshop to meet re-certification requirements. Workshop updates will also be posted on the PSEE webpage at z.umn.edu/2024PPATworkshops or the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077. Below is a list of workshops held in Southwestern Minnesota. 

  • Jan 29, Pipestone, MN West Community & Technical College-Rm 103: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Jan 30, Slayton, Murray County 4-H Bldg: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 1, Fairmont, Best Western: 9:00 am -12:30 pm
  • Feb 6, Sleepy Eye, Sleepy Eye Event Center: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 8, Lamberton, Southwest Research and Outreach Center: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 12, Marshall, Merit Center: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 13, Jackson, American Legion: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 16, Montevideo, American Legion: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 19, Albert Lea, Riverland Community College-Rm 124: 12:30 – 4:00 pm
  • Feb 27, Worthington, Worthington Event Center: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Option 2: Attend a live, online Zoom workshop. Join Feb 14, 17:45 am – 11:45 am – fruit and vegetable focus, OR Feb 29, 9:00 to 12:30 – commodity crop focus. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. See more details at www.pat.umn.edu. 

Option 3: Take the exam online. Go to www.pat.umn.edu and click on “Exam” under the “Certification” heading. The study manual (19th edition), is available online at no cost. 

Option 4: Take the mail-in written exam. Pick up a test packet at most county Extension offices or contact the Worthington Regional Extension Office (507-372-3900, Ext 3901). You may also pick up a hard copy of the study manual for $10. 

Successful completion of any of these options will renew your certification for 3 years. For more details and requirements on all the options, including payment and cancellation policies, go to: www.pat.umn.edu. 

Note these workshops are separate from the additional, annual training required for certified applicators who wish to apply Dicamba formulations onto Dicamba-tolerant soybeans. Check the manufacturer’s website for more information regarding these sessions. If you plan to apply paraquat, see https://z.umn.edu/paraquat for more details on additional training requirements as well. 

If you have never been certified or your certification has lapsed, you MUST take the test either online or by the mail-in option to receive your certification. After successfully becoming certified, you will be eligible for re-certification options when it is time to renew in 3 years. 

Please contact Liz Stahl, Extension Educator in Crops (507-372-3900 ext. 3912, or stah0012@umn.edu) if you have questions or need further information about these workshops. 

You can check your current certification status at: https://z.umn.edu/PPAlookupMDA.