It’s a new year and if you hold a private pesticide applicator’s license, you will have received a notice from the PA Department of Agriculture reminding you to attend an update session for the credits necessary to keep your license current.

Cooperative extension in Butler County will offer three opportunities for obtaining update credits through the “2 + 2 series” of evening meetings.

All of the sessions will be held at the Butler County Extension Office in building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Pending PDA approval, all of the meetings will provide two core and two category credits. Dates and topics include:

- Feb. 9 — “2015 Insect and Disease Pests Review” (categories PC, 01 Agro or 18 R&D), “Pesticide Safety, Environment, Labels, Calibration, and PPE” (core)

- Feb. 10 — “What’s New in Agronomic Weed Control for 2016” (categories PC, 01 Agro or 18 R&D), “Pesticide Safety, Environment, Labels, Calibration, and PPE” (core)

- Feb. 23 — “Herbicide Resistant Weeds — Past, Present, and Future” (categories PC, 01 Agro or 18 R&D), “Pesticide Safety, Environment, Labels, Calibration, and PPE” (core).

Seating is limited to the first 35 paid registrants and registration is required. Walk-ins will be accepted only if seating is available.

Registration fee is $10 per person for each session. Register online at http://extension.psu.edu/crops/pesticide-recert.

Those without Internet access may mail their registration to Penn State Extension, 1000 3rd St., Suite 3, Beaver, PA 15009. Checks should be made payable to PSCE.

If you would like to mail your registration and did not receive the mailing that was sent to all current pesticide application license holders, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 for a copy of the registration form.

The “2 + 2 series” is also being offered in neighboring counties, with afternoon sessions available in some locations.

A complete list of locations and times was sent to all pesticide applicator license holders. The list is also available by contacting the Butler County Extension Office.

Manure management 101

It’s the law. Did you know that all owners of livestock in Pennsylvania are required to have a manure management plan for their farm or operation? This includes families that may only stable a horse or two on their property for recreational use.

All livestock and horse owners are invited to participate in one of several workshops being offered by the Lawrence County Conservation District. The workshop dates and times are as follows:

- Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence County Conservation District office in the Lawrence County Government Center, 430 Court St., New Castle

- Feb. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Western Reserve Farm Cooperative, 3992 State Route 208, New Wilmington

- Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Scott Township VFD, 3712 Harlansburg Road, New Castle. This session will be focused on plans for horse owners.

At each of the workshops, participants will learn how to manage their own farm nutrients through use of the PA Manure Management Manual and will have the opportunity to ask questions specific to their farm.

All attendees will receive a copy of the PA Manure Management Manual and prepaid soil test kit to Penn State’s Agricultural Analytical Services Lab.

In addition, the Feb. 16 program for horse owners will include a presentation by Penn State Extension Educator Donna Zang about equine parasites. She will share information on how horse owners can become involved as a research partner in 2016.

Registration is free but registrations must be made not later than two days before each workshop.

Brochures and registration forms are available by contacting the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-2761 or e-mail Zang at dsz1@psu.edu.

Questions regarding the workshops should be directed to Lauren Miloser at the Lawrence County Conservation District at 724-656-2474.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office.