Pesticide applicator class set

Crop producers, cattle and hay producers, gardeners, homeowners or others that purchase and apply restricted use pesticides on their property or farm are required by the Department of Agriculture to have a private applicator’s license.

The LA Cooperative Extension Service provides the educational component of the certification and recertification process for LDAF.

The certification process involves a written exam administered at your local Extension office during normal office hours. Study guides and reference material are available and suggested to prepare for the test. Individuals must score a minimum of 70 percent to successfully pass the exam. Upon passage of the exam, a $25 fee is sent to LDAF in Baton Rouge where they will send an official private applicator’s license that is good for three years.

To maintain the certification/license, private applicators must be recertified every three years.

Recertification meetings that last about 90 minutes are conducted each year in Richland Parish. A $25 fee is assessed to renew these licenses. Failure to recertify every three years allows your certification to expire requiring retesting.

Two recertifications are scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 and from 9 to 10:30 a.m March 17 at the Rayville Civic Center.

Contact your local Extension office for more information at 728-3216 and visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com/richland.

Keith Collins is the LSU AgCenter county agent for Richland Parish.