Odds are you or someone on the farm is a certified pesticide applicator. Do you know that certified applicators must keep records?

Do you know what you must keep and for how long? These are just a few of the questions Scott Gabbard answered during a recent training session. Gabbard is the Extension ag educator in Shelby County.

Here are 10 questions you might want to ask about pesticide recordkeeping:

1. Why are private applicators required to keep application records?

“It’s required by law,” Gabbard says. “It’s part of the private applicator certification program operated by the Office of the [Indiana] State Chemist.

“It’s also just a good practice. Having accurate records can protect you if you did things right but someone accuses you of damaging vegetation.”

2. How long must you keep these records?

You’re required to keep them for two years, Gabbard notes.

3. Are you required to send these records to OISC?

No. Gabbard says the requirement is to have them should an OISC inspector ask to see them. That might happen if someone lodges a complaint.

4. How long do you have to record information about an application?

The information is required to be recorded within 30 days, Gabbard notes. From a practical standpoint, it’s much easier to record it the same day while it’s still fresh in your mind, he adds.

5. Where do I get the form required for recordkeeping?

There is no official form, Gabbard explains. Through the years, people have developed templates that simplify the process.

6. What are you required to record?

Record location of the application, name and permit number of the applicator, name of crop, rate of application, brand name of herbicide and EPA registration number for the product.

7. What is typically the hardest information to get?

It’s often the EPA registration number. “The other thing you need to be careful about is that EPA registration numbers can change,” Gabbard says. “If you apply a product now and then apply the same product this fall, the EPA registration number could have changed by then.”

8. If someone has a fertilizer application permit, do application records need to be kept for that, too?

Yes, Gabbard answers. “You’re required to record information about the application and keep it for two years also.”

9. Who has access to this information?

Only two groups by law: OISC personnel and licensed health-care professionals. The latter need access in case someone needs to be treated for poisoning or exposure. “If you get a call from someone claiming to be a medical person, you may ask them for their name, organization and department, and tell them you will call them right back,” he advises. “That helps you determine they’re legitimate.”

10. Are there apps that work on mobile devices that simplify recordkeeping?

Yes. Gabbard suggests STORM and Pesticide and Field Records Plus. The latter was developed in Nebraska. It allows you to collect a variety of data and send it as a PDF file to your computer.