Private pesticide training will be held for farmers and ranchers who need to renew their certified private pesticide applicator’s license or anyone who wants to become certified. Private Applicator Certification and Licensing is required for anyone who will purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides in the production of an agricultural commodity, generally on their own property.
The dates, locations, and times are as follows for 2026:
• January 20 at Senior Center in Callaway (1:00 PM)
• January 22 at the Community Building in Sargent (1:00 PM)
• January 27 at the Community Building in Ansley (7:00 PM)
• February 3 at the Legion Hall in Arnold (1:00 PM)
• February 11 at the 4-H Building in Broken Bow (1:00 PM)
To become certified, producers pay a $60.00 recertification fee for study materials and training. An additional fee of$25.00 from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for the three-year license.
As an alternative to attending the Custer County training courses, producers may also complete online training costing $100.00 or attend a private pesticide training in another county.
A standard private applicator license does not cover the use of restricted-use pesticide fumigants, nor for application of a restricted-use pesticide from an aircraft or drone. Other training is required to apply pesticides on a commercial/for-hire basis.
Pre-registration is required by calling the Custer County Extension Office at 308-872-6831. More information, including alternative training sties can be found on the University of Nebraska website at pested.unl.edu.
