Private pesticide applicator training in Panhandle

Private pesticide applicators with licenses expiring in 2015, and anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can attend upcoming training sessions scheduled throughout western Nebraska.

The dates, locations and contact information are:

Alliance, Feb. 26: Extension Office; call (308) 762-5616

Oshkosh, March 3: 1 p.m., Wesleyan Church; call (308) 632-1230.

Bridgeport, March 5: 1 p.m., Prairie Winds Community Center; call (308) 632-1230.

Alliance, March 11: 1 p.m., Extension Office; call (308) 762-5616.

Harrison, March 11: 1 p.m., Courthouse meeting room; call (308) 668-2428

Rushville, March 12: 1 p.m., American Legion; call (308) 327-2312.

Mirage Flats, March 26: 1 p.m., St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; call (308) 327-2312

Valentine, March 30: 1:30 p.m., Fairgrounds; call (402) 376-1850

Scottsbluff, April 7: 1 p.m., Panhandle Research & Extension Center; call (308) 632-1230.

Alliance, April 9: 1 p.m., Box Butte County Extension Office; call (308) 762-5616.

Licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted-use pesticides in their own farming operations after completing this training.

Main topics include Nebraska’s pesticide laws and regulations, the pesticide label, personal safety, the worker protection standard, environmental protection, integrated pest management, pesticides and application, application equipment, equipment calibration, pesticide drift awareness near sensitive sites like apiaries and vineyards, how to use the Driftwatch website, and control options for prairie dogs and pocket gophers, and strategies to reduce chances of developing weed populations resistant to herbicides.

To reserve space for each session, or for more information, call the number listed after each date. There is a cost for the training.