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The San Benito County Agricultural Commissioners office will sponsor two continuing education events in December, when farmers and ranchers can obtain hours to renew their pesticide licenses. 

On Thursday, Dec. 3, the ag commissioner’s office will sponsor a pesticide laws and regulations workshop at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. in Hollister.  The class has been approved for two hours of laws and regulations continuing education credit by the Department of Pesticide Regulation. The class will start at 8:30 a.m., with registration and refreshments starting at 8 a.m.

The San Benito County Weed Management Area will hold its annual Continuing Education Seminar for Ranchers on Tuesday, Dec. 1, also at the Veteran’s Memorial Building. The Weed Management Area is a partnership of local organizations and public agencies that help coordinate weed control work in the county. This will be its 14th annual class. 

This workshop will focus on topics that would be of interest to the county’s cattle ranchers. Some of the agenda items include invasive weed management, vertebrate pest control conservation planning and other issues affecting local ranchers. Attendees to the workshop are eligible for 2.5 hours of pesticide continuing education credit, which includes one hour of laws and regulations credit. The workshop will start at 8 a.m., with registration starting at 7:30 a.m.

Growers and ranches that use restricted use pesticides are required to obtain a private applicator certificate issued by the county agricultural commissioner. Depending on when the certificate was first issued, it can be valid for up to three years. To renew this certificate, the certificate holder needs to obtain two hours of pesticide continuing education for each year their card is valid.  Of the total required hours, at least two must be specifically on laws and regulations.  These classes are an opportunity to obtain these required hours for your renewal.

For additional information on these classes or on renewal requirements, contact the county agricultural commissioner’s office at (831) 637-5344.