The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is dedicating checkoff funds to reimburse younger farmers who complete the Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicators certification.  

Reimbursement is available to the first 200 Minnesota farmers between the ages of 18-35 who apply for the $75 through MSR&PC. The certification lasts for three years.

The form to apply for reimbursement can be found below. The form can be completed online, and emailed or printed out and mailed in. Once the form and applicator identification number are received, the check for reimbursement will be mailed out to the applicant.

“We want to encourage our farmers to receive this license, and in particular, we wanted to offer an incentive to farmers on the younger side,” Council Director Kris Folland said. “Being good stewards is important to our board, and this training is a big step in that process.”

Information to take the exam can be found on the University of Minnesota Extension’s website.

There are currently more than 16,000 certified Private Pesticide Applicators using Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). By offering reimbursement, the Council seeks to have more farmers take control over the pesticides they’re using, when they’re applied and give farmers the knowledge and confidence to use the proper pesticides.

“The Private Pesticide Applicator certification allows you to be timely,” MSR&PC Director of Research David Kee said. “And in farming, timing is key and one of the keys to success with pesticides.”