The Smith County Extension office will be holding a Private Pesticide Applicator training and testing class on Tuesday, September 22, in Room 116 of the Smith County Cotton Belt Building (1517 West Front St., Tyler). Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the training will conclude at 1:30 p.m.
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 September 19 to reserve a space in the class.
Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. Persons wishing to attend this program who have special needs are asked to contact the office at least 5 working days in advance so that necessary accommodations can be made.
