Rules and regs for row-croppers

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

November 6, 2003 -- The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is available to help farmers and ranchers with their various agricultural questions or problems. One of the main tools that farmers can access from TDA are the various rules and regulations for dealing with pesticides on crops. During the Williamson County Crops Clinic, which was held Oct. 30 in Taylor, TDA pest inspector Perry Cervantes discussed the importance of having these rules and regulations, which have been set up to help guide row-crop farmers with their pesticide decisions.

"One of the things that is tough about laws and regulations in the Williamson County area is the number of people moving into this area, especially over the past three years," Cervantes stated.

Because of this reason , Cervantes said that there will be more rules and regulations applied to row-crop farmers. "There are various types of pesticides that we must look at. There are general use pesticides, restricted use pesticides, state limited use pesticides, and regulated herbicides that we know are used on both farms and ranches.

"Regulated herbicides can only be used in areas that have been approved in their area. You need to know which county is regulated. Travis County is regulated, but Williamson County is not."

He also discussed the topic of dealer inspections on different pesticides. "They must ask certain questions to the person who is wanting to purchase a certain pesticide product. Don't blame them for asking these questions because we want them to ask you them."

He stated that the participants needed to make sure that they took what they learned at the meeting and followed through with it as soon as they got home. "Nobody likes rules and regulations, but they are helpful in order to make sure you are in compliance." He added that as long as you do your part, the paperwork will take care of itself.

He explained that homeowners don't need a license because they are not using their pesticide for row crops. "If they are buying it for their pasture, then they are going off the label. What they are doing is illegal.

"Don't think that because you are farmers, you are getting picked on. Anyone using a pesticide for a certain use needs a license."

A private applicator certificate and a private applicator license are two different things, Cervantes said. "A certificate is initially issued for you and you alone. A license allows you to supervise others in the use of herbicides.

"You must have a total of 15 continuing education units (CEU's) for every five years. At least two of these CEU's must be in laws and regulations and two must be in integrated pest management.

"Five years to get your CEU's might seem like a long time, but it can come up pretty quick," he said.

Cervantes explained that commercial applicators must have 5 CEU's per year. "This is because the license is only good for one year."

He stressed the importance of keeping good private applicator records. "You have the records to make sure you are doing what you need to do. They must be maintained for at least two years." Two reasons he gave for keeping good records were the development of the area, as well as more people moving around farms and ranches.

For more information on TDA's rules and regulations on pesticides, visit their website at http://www.agr.state.tx.us.