MCPHERSON, Kan. – Kansas State University Research and Extension will host commercial pesticide applicator recertification training this year in Hays Nov. 9-10 and Manhattan Nov. 12-13.

“These training sessions are for a wide array of individuals who have become licensed to apply pesticides to someone else’s property for compensation. This applies to farmers who spray for their neighbors, residential pesticide applicators, the KDA personnel who control noxious weeds, and many others,” said Frannie Miller, coordinator of K-State’s Pesticide Safety and Integrated Pest Management Program.

To renew their certification in Kansas, individuals can either study a manual and pass an examination or attend training courses approved by the Kansas secretary of agriculture. Each applicator must accumulate the needed number of credit hours for his or her particular certification category.

The training provides practical updates, as well as helps commercial pesticide applicators meet state requirements, Miller said.

The Hays training will be at the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union, starting with registration at 11:30 a.m. and the program at noon. The Manhattan training will be at the Clarion Inn Hotel, 530 Richards Drive, starting with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the program at  8 a.m.  

Miller, who is based in McPherson, said other specialized training sessions are also on the books. Aquatics training will be Nov. 19 at the McPherson County Extension Office. Wildlife damage control training is Dec. 3 at the Ford County Fair Building in Dodge City.

More information about the November training sessions in Hays and Manhattan, as well as other upcoming training opportunities is available by accessing the Web at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/pesticides-ipm or calling Miller at 620- 241-1523.

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