Primghar, Iowa — Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist Joel DeJong will host three Private Pesticide Applicator recertification training sessions in Northwest Iowa during July and August. The training sessions were canceled earlier this spring due to COVID-19, at which time the recertification deadline was extended to Dec. 31, 2020.
DeJong says that the training sessions are being planned to allow for social distancing and appropriate precautions:
Thursday, July 23, 7:00 p.m. – First Presbyterian Church, Sibley; Call 712-754-3648 to pre-register.
Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. – Community Center, Primghar; Call 712-957-5045 to pre-register.
Monday, Aug. 3, 1:30 p.m. – Forster Community Center, Rock Rapids; Call 712-472-2576 to pre-register.
Pre-registration at least two days in advance of each training is required. DeJong encourages individuals to register early as there will be a maximum number of registrants accepted for each site to conform with social distancing requirements.
Individuals who do not feel comfortable attending large group gatherings should contact their local ISU Extension and Outreach office to set up an appointment to view the recorded private pesticide training video in their county office.
DeJong says 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 three training sessions scheduled for July and August are intended to enable producers to meet that September 30 deadline. However, DeJong reminds applicators that they will still need to attend an upcoming winter program beginning in December if they choose the option of continuing education for their annual certification.
For more information, you can contact DeJong at 712-546-7835 or jldejong@iastate.edu.
Meanwhile, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Beef Specialist Beth Doran reminds producers that major packers still require a current Beef Quality Assurance certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle.
To help them certify, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Industry Council will offer five workshops in northwest Iowa, beginning July 9 at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer. This workshop will be 7-9 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibits Building on the east end of the fairgrounds. Preregistration must be made by July 3 and will be taken as received until room capacity is reached. Walk-ins will NOT be allowed.
To preregister, you can call the Clay County Extension Office at 712-262-2264. Social distancing and face masks will be used to protect everyone’s health. Other workshops will be Aug. 4 & 5 at Orange City; Aug. 11 in Rock Rapids; and Aug. 26 in Le Mars. For more info, contact Beth Doran, beef specialist, at 712-737-4230 or e-mail doranb@iastate.edu.
