Field Day Recertification Options for CNC and Private Pesticide Applicators

By Sally Raymond, Extension Educator, UMN Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education, and Tana Haugen-Brown, Extension Educator, UMN Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education

Photo: Tana Haugen-Brown

Do you need to recertify as a Commercial/Noncommercial applicator (CNC) in categories C and H in 2026 or as a Private Applicator in 2027? Skip the classroom and step into the field! The Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) program has an opportunity for you that doesn’t involve sitting in a classroom all day. Experience hands-on learning at this outdoor field day featuring infield demonstration plots on drift and crop injury, nozzle selection and application methods, integrated pest management, pest identification and control tools, as well as safe mixing, loading, and container cleaning. An optional Category H seed treatment session is also available (you must attend the full day to satisfy recertification requirements).

Dates and locations

• July 16, 2026 - Waseca UMN Research and Outreach Center, Waseca, MN
• August 13, 2026 - Lamberton UMN Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton, MN

Time

• CNC Applicators: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM for categories A & C, additional session from 3:10 - 4:20 PM for category H.
• Private Applicators: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM (required for private applicators seeking recertification credit). Optional afternoon sessions are available until 4:30 PM for those interested.

Who

• Commercial/noncommercial applicators in categories C and H who need to recertify in 2026
• Private pesticide applicators who need to recertify in 2027 (eliminates the need to attend a workshop or take the exam in January or February 2027). If your certification expires in a different year, please contact us before registering to confirm your eligibility for recertification credit.

Agenda

Photo: Tana Haugen-Brown

There will be a variety of pesticide safety and application topic demonstrations and hands-on activities in a field day setting, including:

• In-field demonstration plots
• Nozzle selection and application techniques
• Drift management
• Mixing, loading, and container cleaning
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pest identification and management tools
• Seed Treatment demonstrations and safety

The full agenda will be available in early May.

Cost and Registration

Advance registration is required for all participants and closes on July 9 for Waseca and on August 6 for Lamberton, or earlier if the maximum limit is reached, whichever comes first.

CNC applicators: Cost is $145 for categories A & C or $190 for categories A, C, & H. Commercial or noncommercial applicators seeking recertification must register in advance at this link.

Private applicators: Cost is $100, which also includes lunch and refreshments. To register, click here.

Detailed instructions and site maps will be emailed to participants a week before the event.

For questions about these field days or pesticide applicator recertification, contact:

• CNC applicator questions can be directed to Sally Raymond, nels9091@umn.edu, 612-626-2237
• Private applicator questions can be directed to Tana Haugen-Brown, thbrown@umn.edu, 763-260-4423