GLADBROOK, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist, Meaghan Anderson, will host two Private Pesticide Applicator recertification trainings at the Tama County Fairgrounds on August 10 and 11. The trainings were canceled earlier this spring due to COVID-19, at which time the recertification deadline was extended to September 30, 2020.
Anderson says the trainings are being held outdoors to allow for social distancing. Please do not attend if you are exhibiting symptoms of being sick or have been exposed to anyone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID-19. Applicators should also be aware that if conditions change due to COVID19, alternative plans may be put in place.
• Monday, August 10, 8-10 p.m. east side of the Rogers Building, Tama County Fairgrounds, Gladbrook. You must pre-register by calling 641-484-2703, at least two days in advance of the meeting and bring your own chair.
• Tuesday, August 11, 8-10 p.m. east side of the Rogers Building, Tama County Fairgrounds, Gladbrook. You must pre-register by calling 641-484-2703, at least two days in advance of the meeting and bring your own chair.
Anderson encourages individuals to register early as there will be a maximum number of registrations accepted for each session to conform with social distancing requirements. Face coverings will be encouraged. Please indicate which session you plan to attend when registering. To register, call Tama County Extension at 641-484-2703.
As trainings will be held outdoors on the east end of the Rogers Building, please bring your own lawn chair seating; chairs will not be available at the site. Please bring exact payment of $20 cash in an envelope with your name on the outside or a check made out to Tama County Extension when you come to the training. Payment will be deposited in a box upon your arrival and will not be handled by staff that evening, so it is important to have it prepared beforehand. Since this is an outdoor training, the application of insect repellent may make you more comfortable. A rain date of August 12 at the same time and location has been reserved.
Individuals who do not feel comfortable attending large group gatherings should contact Tama County Extension to set up an appointment to view the recorded private pesticide training video in the office. There will be a very limited number of opportunities for this option and may involve up to 5 attendees at a time.
Anderson said that all private pesticide applicators who did not get their continuing education done before April 15, 2020, were given an extended deadline of September 30, 2020. The August trainings are intended to enable producers to meet that September 30 deadline. However, Anderson reminds applicators that they will still need to attend an upcoming 2020/2021 winter program beginning in December if they choose the option of continuing education for their annual certification.
To pre-register or get more information, contact Tama County Extension at 641-484-2703.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
For more news from Iowa, click here.