A private applicator is a person certified to use any pesticide, restricted or general use, for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him/her or his/her employer. Each year, Agriculture and Natural Resource agents offer private applicator certification trainings throughout the state. Producers must attend an approved training every three years to keep their certification.  

The County Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Webster and Hopkins Counties worked together and offered private applicator trainings in Union, Mclean, Webster and Hopkins counties in 2017 and 2018. The agents prepared and taught presentations with topics including pesticide recordkeeping, understanding the label, Integrated Pest Management, resistant weed management, sprayer calibration and maintenance and crop diseases and management. 

According to survey results, 100% of the respondents indicated they were more confident in applying pesticides after attending the training. 97% learned applicators must keep pesticide records for 3 years. 80% of those that completed survey learned that mixing contaminated clothing with regular clothing during washing is the most overlooked way to be exposed to pesticides. Private applicator training's impact is difficult to measure, but its impact is far reaching. Weed management is a major component in all farming operations. In recent years, resistant weed problems have been an obstacle that has changed how producers address weed control. Without the proper certification, applicators can’t purchase the needed products to attack troublesome weeds, insects and diseases.