By Scout Nelson
Private pesticide applicators in South Dakota will see important changes beginning January 1, 2025. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has updated its rules to match new federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA determined that using fumigants, deploying M-44 cyanide devices for predator control, and applying pesticides from aerial vehicles are high-risk activities. Errors in these applications can cause serious consequences, including fatalities. To reduce risks, stricter rules are now in place, and South Dakota must comply.
Under the new rules, private pesticide applicators must obtain special endorsements to perform any of these activities. The endorsements include:
- M-44 predator-control devices used to manage coyotes and other predators.
- Fumigants for grain storage, prairie dog control, or other purposes.
- Aerial applications made by planes, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
To earn an endorsement, applicators must pass a written exam specific to the use. Once granted, endorsements will run with the applicator’s license and will expire on the same date. Renewal requires attending topic-specific training sessions during the license recertification period.
Exams must be taken in person at SDSU Extension Regional Centers or at participating County Offices. Testing is free of charge, with four hours provided to complete each exam. Reasonable accommodations are available if approved.
Applicators are encouraged to check their license and endorsement status regularly to avoid missing recertification deadlines. The DANR provides a list of approved testing sites through its Commercial and Private Applicator Testing Sites page.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brian-brown
Categories: South Dakota, Equipment & Machinery