Private Pesticide Applicator Training Supports Safe Farm Practices

By Andi Anderson

A new season of private pesticide applicator training sessions is being offered to help farmers stay informed, certified, and confident when applying agricultural chemicals.

These sessions run from December 16, 2025 through February 10, 2026, giving participants several opportunities to attend and complete their required training. The first session will take place on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be held at the Humboldt Fairground in Humboldt, Iowa. This familiar and accessible location provides a comfortable space for farmers and applicators to gather, learn, and ask questions. The training is designed to support both new and returning private applicators who must meet state requirements for certification and renewal.

Participants will benefit from expert instruction provided by experienced agricultural specialists. Presenters include Wes Everman, Alison Robertson, and Erin Hodgson, with the session led by Angie Rieck-Hinz.

These educators bring valuable knowledge about crop protection, pest management, and responsible pesticide use. Their goal is to help applicators make safe, informed decisions when using chemical products on their farms.

Topics covered during the program often include correct pesticide handling, application techniques, environmental protection, and updates to state and federal regulations.

The training emphasizes the importance of safety for the applicator, the public, and the environment. By learning best practices, farmers can help protect their crops while maintaining safe and healthy working conditions.

Registration is completed by email, and participants can sign up by contacting the program coordinator at jaheyer@iastate.edu. Additional questions can be directed to the listed phone number, allowing farmers to receive support before attending. The training is open to all private applicators who need to renew or maintain their certification.

Programs like this play an important role in promoting responsible agricultural practices. With proper training, applicators can stay up to date on regulations, prevent misuse, and contribute to safer farming operations.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university