The Illinois Pesticide Safety Act requires farmers and others to become certified as a Private Pesticide Applicator in order to purchase and use "restricted use pesticides." To become certified, you must pass a closed book, 50 question exam given by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. In order help you prepare for the exam, University of Illinois Extension offers Pesticide Safety Education Program clinics as well as a training manual and workbook.

The University of Illinois Extension-Livingston County is offering four private pesticide education clinics during the winter of 2009-2010. We estimate that about 280 Livingston County farmers will need to be re-certified so we have developed the following format for this year's training. The current study guide is the same manual as used three years ago. The manual and workbook are not included in the $30 fee and are available at our office for an additional cost. The registration fee for these class dates does not include your Illinois Department of Agriculture license fee, which is payable to them after successful training.

University of Illinois Extension - Livingston County will be hosting four clinics -

December 15, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.).
January 13, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.).
February 2, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.).
March 17, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.).

These sessions will be held in the Livingston County Extension Office, 1412 S. Locust Street in Pontiac.