SDSU Offers Free Pesticide Training for Farmers

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension will organize a free private applicator training for crops on February 11, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 to 3:30 p.m. MT).

The training aims to help farmers and applicators refresh their pesticide certification and gain updated information on crop management and safety practices. Participants can attend either online or in person at regional centers across South Dakota.

The event will feature an informative agenda with sessions led by experts in the field. The training will begin with a Regulatory Update presented by Valerie Mitchell and Katie Nold from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This will be followed by a Crop Insect Update from Adam Varenhorst, SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist, providing the latest pest management insights. Later, Clarence Winter, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist, will cover Seed Treatment, followed by a Crop Disease Update presented by Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist.

Attendees must be present for the entire session to receive credit. Those attending in person should bring a government-issued photo ID and, if applicable, a private applicator certification card. Online participants are advised to join a few minutes early to check audio settings.

Farmers can register online until 12:00 p.m. CT on February 11, 2026. Online participants may join individually or in small groups, while in-person attendance is limited at locations including Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Watertown, Winner, and SDSU West River Research and Extension Center.

For registration assistance, participants may contact Mae Mohror or Stephen Robertson of SDSU Extension. For license-related queries, they can reach the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

This event provides a valuable opportunity for South Dakota producers to stay informed and enhance their crop protection practices.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic