June 18, 2025
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Extension offices to provide private, commercial pesticide safety education

Courses in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall-Putnam, IVCC offices

By Shaw Local News Network
In accordance with the 1990 farm bill, all private applicators are required by law to keep record of their federally restricted use pesticide applications for a period of two years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, Putnam Unit is offering the following Testing-Only sessions and certification program for private pesticide applicators. (Shaw File Photo)

The University of Illinois Extension’s Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, Putnam unit is offering the following testing-only sessions and certification program for private pesticide applicators.

Certification is required to apply restricted-use pesticides. The sessions are in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Registration is required. No walk-ins will be allowed.

Participants will need to bring a calculator. Calculators must be simple function calculators. No smartphones or smart devices will be allowed.

There is no charge for the testing. If you need a reasonable accommodation, indicate specifics when registering.

Testing-only sessions have been scheduled as follows:

Marshall–Putnam counties

  • Noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, private applicator test only
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, all commercial tests offered

Takes place at the Marshall-Putnam office, 509 Front St., Henry. Register by calling the University of Illinois Extension – Marshall-Putnam office at 309-364-2356.

Illinois Valley Community College

9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 25, private applicator test only

Takes place at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby. Register by calling the University of Illinois Extension – La Salle County office at 815-433-0707.

La Salle County

9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 21, private applicator test only

Takes place at the La Salle County office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa. Register online by calling the University of Illinois Extension – La Salle County office at 815-433-0707.

Bureau County

9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 20, all commercial tests offered

9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 12, all commercial tests offered

Takes place at the Bureau County office, 850 Thompson St., Princeton. Register online at www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pesticides/Pages/in-person-testing.aspx or call the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau office at 815-875-2878.

Private applicator manuals and workbooks can be bought online or at local extension offices. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and Oglesby on the IVCC campus.

Questions can be directed to Daryle Wragge, ag program coordinator, by calling 309-364-2356.

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.

The extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit extension.illinois.edu/blmp.

For information, call the University of Illinois Extension’s Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, Putnam unit at 815-224-0889.

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