Agricultural producers must finalize registration by 8 a.m. on Friday for the MU Extension Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) Category 20 CORE session.
The virtual training, conducted via Zoom from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., provides the mandatory certification required for the legal purchase and application of Restricted Use Pesticides.
Regulatory Compliance for Category 20 Certification
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) mandates this specific CORE training for any producer seeking to obtain or renew their license. This certification is a non-negotiable requirement for those handling Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) on agricultural land, whether the producer owns, rents, or manages the property under an employer.
The training curriculum is structured to satisfy both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MDA standards, focusing on the critical intersection of chemical efficacy and environmental safety.
Participants will cover a comprehensive syllabus including state and federal pesticide law, label interpretation, and precise mixing techniques. Proper disposal protocols and safety measures for protecting livestock, pollinators, and farm workers round out the core competency requirements. This session is strictly for private application; it does not confer a commercial applicator license, which requires separate, distinct testing and certification paths.
Complete Registration and Payment Before the Deadline
MU Extension requests that all attendees complete the registration process and submit payment before the 8 a.m. deadline on November 20, 2026. Following registration, the necessary Zoom credentials and supplementary instructions will be distributed via email.
Interested parties can reach out to Haley Schwantz at [email protected] for inquiries regarding the $75 fee or technical setup. The training remains a recurring obligation, as state law necessitates recertification every five years to keep a license valid.
Expanding Scope with Supplemental Certifications
While the Category 20 CORE training establishes the baseline for legal compliance, MU Extension offers modular extensions for specialized agricultural activities. These supplemental sessions can be scheduled upon request following the completion of the core training at no additional cost. The available modules are designed for targeted technical operations:
- Category 21: Soil Fumigation Pest Control (approx. 1 hour)
- Category 22: Non-Soil Fumigation (Grain Bin) (30–45 minutes)
- Category 23: Aerial Pest Control (Drone) (30–45 minutes)
The inclusion of Category 23 is available as a supplemental certification opportunity.
Eligibility Standards for Producers and Youth
The certification is open to producers aged 18 and older. However, the program also provides a pathway for younger workers. Youth aged 16–17 who are immediate family members of a currently certified private applicator may participate to earn a Provisional Private Applicator certification. This allows for the legal use of RUPs on the family’s agricultural property under the umbrella of the primary certification.
