Private Applicator Training Set for Missouri Farmers

By Blake Jackson

Grundy County will host the 2026 Private Pesticide Applicator Training, also known as PPAT, on February 26 at the NCMC Barton Farm Campus in Trenton, Missouri. The training will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be offered in person. MU Extension provides this course to help agricultural producers meet the requirements for certification through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The training is designed for individuals seeking Category 20-General Agricultural Pest Control certification, which allows private pesticide applicators to legally purchase and use Restricted Use Pesticides, also called RUPs. These pesticides are used for producing agricultural crops on land owned or rented by the applicator or their employer. The training focuses on safety, proper handling, and understanding current pesticide regulations.

A “provisional” private applicator certification is also available for youth who are sixteen or seventeen years old and immediate family members of a certified private applicator. This certification allows them to use RUPs on family-owned or rented property under supervision.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Agriculture require this training to ensure that all applicators understand pesticide safety standards and have the skills needed to apply products responsibly. Completing the course is required for both new certifications and renewals.

If requested, MU Extension will offer two optional categories immediately after the main session at no extra cost. These include Category 22-Non-Soil Fumigation Pest Control, which covers grain bins, and Category 23-Aerial Pest Control, which applies to drones, helicopters, and airplanes. However, Category 21-Soil Fumigation is not included and requires separate arrangements.

The cost of the training is $75. Participants may contact the training specialist, Valerie Tate, for additional information or questions about optional categories.

This session provides producers with essential knowledge to protect crops, the environment, and personal safety while ensuring compliance with state and federal rules related to pesticide use. For registration, visit https://pears.io/events/mu/2741/registration/.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic