The Wisconsin Custom Operators will hold a commercial pesticide applicator training session and test on Feb. 19 in conjunction with the Forage Symposium at Chula Vista resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Many custom operators are required to have a commercial pesticide applicator’s license to handle products like nitrogen stabilizers and forage and silage inoculants. Owners, crew leaders and employees from the custom farming industry are encouraged to attend.

The commercial pesticide applicator training also qualifies as continuing education toward the WCO Safety Certification program, now in its fourth year.

The training will be instructed by staff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Agronomy, and the exam will be proctored by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. A field and vegetable training will be offered that is the same as the open training sessions that are offered throughout the state. This certification category is broad, yet is what individuals who treat manure or apply inoculants are required to have.

To register for the WCO commercial pesticide applicator training and the Forage Symposium, go to wiscustomoperators.org. The fee to attend is $30 plus the cost of the manual. Attendees must purchase the training manual ahead of time for $47 (printed version) or $42 (PDF version) and bring it to the session. WCO members will have their registration fee refunded at the training as a member benefit. Lunch will be provided.

“WCO members operate diverse businesses, and in addition to traditional forage harvesting, many of our members offer a wide variety of services including spraying. However, it’s important to note that common products for manure application and forage harvesting require a commercial pesticide applicator’s license. The timing and location of this training is designed to streamline this process,” says Bryce O’Leary, WCO president.

​WCO is an organization comprised of individuals throughout the state who derive their income in whole or part from providing custom-farming services. To learn more about the Wisconsin Custom Operators Inc., including membership and event registration, go to wiscustomoperators.org, or email [email protected].

Source: WCO