The Smith County Extension office will be holding a Private Pesticide Applicator training and testing class on Thursday, February 25, in Room 116 of the Smith County Cotton Belt Building (1517 West Front St., Tyler). Registration will begin at 8:30 AM and the training will conclude around 1:30 PM.
If you would like to purchase Restricted Use pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or rodenticides) to help you produce an agricultural commodity on property that you own or lease, then you need a Private Applicator's license. According to Texas Agriculture Code, you must attend a training class like this one offered by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service before the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will allow you to take the Private Applicator's test.
After attending the class and passing the test you may apply for the license through the TDA which costs $60.00 and is good for 5 years. During the 5 year period you must participate in 15 hours of continuing education classes offered by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and private companies in order to be able to renew your license.
Cost for the class is $25.00 per person which includes the study guide. It is recommended that you purchase and read the entire study guide before attending the class. Please call (903) 590-2980 by February 23 to reserve a space in the class.
