Important Notice for Licensed Pesticide Applicators!
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Important Notice for Licensed Pesticide Applicators!
Because of COVID-19, the NYS DEC did not require growers whose licenses expired in November of 2019 or later to renew their applicator's license in order to buy & spray restricted use materials during the 2020 growing season. That discretionary policy is no longer in effect. If your license expired between November 2019 and Nov. 23, 2020, you must obtain the full number of recertification credits and renew your license. Starting Nov. 24, 2020, you cannot to buy or apply pesticides until your license has been renewed. The DEC is giving growers a 90-day grace period before adding penalty credits to overdue renewal applications. Growers should complete COVID-delayed license renewals by February 23, 2021. If your license expires after Nov. 23, 2020, you will follow the typical DEC renewal process.
Upcoming Events
Dairy Feeder School
October 29, 2026 : Dairy Feeder School
Freedom, NY
- One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders
- Offered in English and Spanish
- Stations with hands-on activities/demos
Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
November 4, 2026 : Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
This webinar follows the "Introduction to Income Taxes" webinar from September, going more into depth on topics including: understanding common tax concepts, tax strategies, long-term approaches to managing taxes, and more!
Labor Roadshow: Practical Workforce Strategies for Agricultural Professionals Across New York
November 30, 2026
December 21, 2026
The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State.
For nearly ten years, the Labor Roadshow has brought agricultural professionals together to learn, connect, and navigate the evolving challenges of agricultural labor. The 2026 event will continue that tradition with timely, expert-led discussions focused on the issues affecting farms and agricultural employers today—including labor law and compliance, employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





