Illinois lawmakers pass a bill to amend the pesticide applicator licensing process

Illinois farmers could soon see changes to the way pesticide licensing is handled.

Lawmakers in the top soybean-producing state passed a bill to amend the applicator licensing process. Right now, farmers take renewal exams every three years. That system is being replaced with a continuing education program, and first-time applicants must pass a 100-question test. After that, they can renew their status through the program.

Illinois fertilizer groups support the bill, which now goes to the governor’s desk.

Related Stories
U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
Rather than making “cuts” to SNAP, as has been claimed, the One Big Beautiful Bill merely modifies the program’s funding structure.