Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Training planned for January 30th

Mark your calendar for the Annual Texas Agrilife Extension Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Training to be held on January 30, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Texas. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the program from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants will be eligible for five Continuing Education Units credit toward Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license re-certification tentative upon TDA approval (1 CEU laws and regulations, 1 CEU drift minimization, and 3 CEUs general. Registration for the day will be $35 and will include a catered lunch, handouts and break refreshments. Topics and speakers will include; "Mud Farms- The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly" and "Land Application of Alternative Fertilizers," Dr. Sam Feagley, Extension State Soil Environmental Specialist; "Laws & Regulations, & Recordkeeping," Dr Don Renchie, Texas Agrilife Extension Specialist; and an update on the Farm Bill," Dr. Jason Johnson. Contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Leon County Office at 903.536.2531if you need further information. Please register in the office by January 28, 2008 so that we may plan the meal and handouts accordingly. You can mail a check or money order, made payable to: Program Development Fund c/o Leon County Extension Office, P.O. Box 188 Centerville, Texas 75833. The following are a few facts from the TDA laws and regulations manual. Licensed private applicators are required to re-certify every five years by obtaining 15 continuing education credits including at least two credits in laws and regulations and two credits in integrated pest management before the last day the license expires.

Licensed commercial and noncommercial applicators are required to recertify every year by obtaining five continuing education credits; with one credit each from two of the following categories: laws and regulations, IPM or drift minimization.

And one last reminder. If your license is soon to expire, your renewal notice will be mailed directly to you. If your mailing address has changed anytime during the last licensing cycle (five years for private applicators and one year for commercial or noncommercial applicators), you need to contact the TDA at 800-TELL-TDA and provide your new mailing address.

You may also find a copy the change of information form online at www.agr. state.tx.us/pesticide or e-mail license.inquiry@agr.state. tx.us. Individuals who require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodations to participate in Extension sponsored events are encouraged to contact the Johnson County Extension Office by Dec. 5 to determine how reasonable accommodations may be made. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.