Applicators can reinstate certificates through CEUs
By J.T. Smith / Abilene Reporter-News
If you are a private pesticide applicator who holds a "grandfathered" certificate, you can reinstate your certificate by getting continuing education units or "CEUs."
Before Jan. 10, 1989, applicators were issued certificates that were grandfathered -- meaning they would never expire.
Nevertheless, effective Jan. 1, 1991, the Texas Pesticide Regulations required certificate holders to earn 15 CEUs every five years if they intend to apply restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides.
The holders of grandfathered certificates can renew their certificate any time if they complete their CEU requirements. (Private certificate holders cannot supervise an employee in the use of pesticides).
"Applicators who need CEUs can check with their Texas Agricultural Extension Service office for courses or calle the Texas Department of Agriculture," said Texas Ag Commissioner Rick Perry. "Certificate holders still have time to bring their CEUs up to date."
Certificate holders also have the option of getting a private applicator license. Extension Service offices can provide study materials. All TDA offices offer testing dates.
Private applicators must renew their license every five years and obtain 15 CEUs during that period.
Two credits must be in integrated pest management and two in laws and regulations.
Applicators must self-certify their credits by listing them on the renewal form, which they should receive by the end of January.
"Education is vital for proper and safe pesticide use. It's important for applicators to stay informed on changing regulations as well as new products and new application methods.
Applicators can get a list of approved courses by calling TDA at 1-800-TELL-TDA or (512) 463-7548.
Your local county Extension Service office also should have more information.
You should have gotten your Census form
During this week, you should have received the 1997 Census of Agriculture in your mail if you are a farmer or rancher.
This is the 25th national count of farms and ranches since 1840.
Forms are due back to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) by Feb. 2, 1998.
If you haven't received a form within the next few days, you can call the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service (TASS) at 1-(800)-626-3142.
The national census is done every five years. But this is different from all such surveys of the past.
"For the first time in history, USDA is responsible for this task," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.
All previous national ag censuses were conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Glickman noted that the transfer of the agricultural census responsibility to USDA represents the consolidation of the entire federal agricultural statistics program into one agency.
"By combining the resources of the former Bureau of the Census with the National Agricultural Statistics Service staff, we expect to make the results available more than 6 months earlier than in the past," Glickman noted. "Not only does the census reach everyone during the mailout, but perhaps more importantly, the results published in the Census of Agriculture's reports impact farmers and ranchers both directly and indirectly."
There are many surveys and studies about large-scale farming, but this national census is the only source of local and county-level information about small, family farms.
Glickman said farmers can receive assistance in filling out the Census by calling the toll-free number, 1-888-4AG-STAT, which will be answered by local staff from USDA's 45 NASS field offices.
Clyde youth part of winning Texas Tech team
Texas Tech University's Meat Judging Team has successfully defended its national title by topping 13 universities to repeat as national champions at the 1997 Intercollegiate National Championship contests at Dakota City, Neb.
Bryan King, a junior animal science major from Clyde, was a member of the top Tech team. King placed second overall and was first in reasons, tied for first in specifications for pork judging, ranked fourth in beef judging and fifth in lamb judging.
Texas Tech came only the fifth university to repeat as national champions in the competition's 71-year history. Texas Tech also won the national championship in 1989, 1991 and 1996.