The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) reminds young farmers that they are willing to reimburse them for completing the Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicator certification through a commitment from Minnesota soybean checkoff resources.   

This year, MSR&PC extended 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 the Aug. 31, 2024, deadline fast approaching. Young farmers are encouraged to turn in their receipts as soon as possible. 

“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,” MSR&PC Director of Research David Kee said. “We had solid success in the first year – we reimbursed approximately 150 farmers – and we look forward to another successful year. We want our young farmers to have 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 at mnsoybean.org. 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.