By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri (MU) Extension will host a Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) session on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Audrain County Courthouse Basement, located at 101 N. Jefferson in Mexico, Missouri.
This training provides the essential education required for individuals seeking Private Applicator or “Provisional” Private Applicator certification under Category 20 - General Agricultural Pest Control (CORE).
Certification is issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and allows certified producers to purchase and apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) for agricultural production on property they own or rent, or on land owned or rented by their employer. Individuals 18 years or older may complete this training to become Certified Private Applicators.
Those aged 16 or 17 who are immediate family members of a Certified Private Applicator can obtain a “Provisional” certification, permitting them to apply RUPs on land owned or rented by the family member.
The training is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MDA to ensure applicators understand pesticide regulations, safe handling, and proper application practices. Completion of this program is necessary to receive or renew Missouri Private Pesticide Applicator certification.
This session covers Category 20-CORE only and does not include Category 21 (Soil Fumigation), Category 22 (Non-Soil Fumigation), or Category 23 (Aerial Pest Control). Applicators seeking certification in these additional categories must complete separate training, which can be scheduled with the MU Extension Specialist providing the CORE instruction at no extra cost.
The cost to attend the training is $75. For more information, contact the Audrain County Extension Office at 573-581-3231.
For registration, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/events/private-pesticide-applicator-training-ppat-audrain.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Education