Once again, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is committing Minnesota soybean checkoff resources to reimburse young farmers who complete the Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicator Certification. 

This year, MSR&PC is extending the age limit to Minnesota farmers between the ages of 18 – 45 who apply for the $75 reimbursement. The reimbursement will be available to the first 200 applicants with an Aug. 31, 2024 deadline. 

“Minnesota farmers are good stewards of the land,” MSR&PC Director Gene Stoel said. “Receiving their private pesticide applicator’s license is a vital component of that process and we want to reimburse them, especially younger farmers, as a thank you for taking control over the pesticides they’re applying on their crops.” 

Dedicated to wisely directing checkoff investments to increase Minnesota soybean farmer profitability, MSR&PC hopes that offering this reimbursement will encourage young farmers to take initiative and gain the knowledge and confidence required to properly use pesticides. 

With more than 16,000 certified private pesticide applicators in the state, Minnesota – and MSR&PC – remains committed to providing farmers with the resources they need to be successful.   

“This is the second year that we’ve supported young farmers through reimbursement of pesticide applicator exam fees,” said MSR&PC Director of Research David Kee. “We had solid success in the first year – we reimbursed approximately 150 farmers – and we look forward to another successful year. We want to ensure our young farmers are taking the right steps and getting the tools they need.” 

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

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.