This is the time of year typically that producers take a close look at their farm records, evaluate, and make decisions accordingly. Records for pesticide applications should not be overlooked. As a reminder, certified pesticide applicators are required to keep records of applications of federally restricted-use pesticides (RUPs).

These records are required under the 1990 Farm Bill. Any form is acceptable as long as the required information is included.

Federal regulations state that all certified private applicators (those that apply pesticides to their own land) record RUP applications within 14 days of the application. These records must be maintained for two years. Records must include the following information:

• Brand or product name and US EPA registration number (shown on the label)
• Total amount applied
• Location of the application
• Size of area treated
• Crop, commodity, stored product, or site to which a RUP was applied
• Month, day, and year of the application
• Name and certification number of the certified applicator who applied or who supervised the application of the RUP.

Although not required in Illinois, it is a good idea to record (on-site) wind direction and speed during the application. There is nothing wrong with keeping more detailed records than is required by law!

Spot applications, where a RUP is applied to an area less than one-tenth of an acre, require less stringent records. In this case, only the product name and registration number, amount applied, location, and date must be recorded.

Commercial applicators in Illinois have been required to maintain record keeping since 1988 under the Illinois Pesticide Act. The Act requires them to furnish a copy of either the state or federally required records to the customer within 30 days of the RUP application.

For more information, including a list of RUPs, contact your University of Illinois Extension unit office or the Illinois Department of Agriculture in Springfield at 217-785-2427 or 800-641-3934. Another reference is the University of Illinois Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program web site http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/