OABA and Ohio State Introduce New Training Program for Beginning Custom Applicators

Held March 16-19 in Wooster, OH

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA), in partnership with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), is launching a new Custom Applicator Training Program designed specifically for individuals with up to three years of experience in crop protection and nutrient application.

The four-day, hands-on program will take place March 16-9, 2026, on the CFAES Wooster campus and will provide participants with the technical skills, regulatory knowledge and professional practices necessary to excel as custom applicators.

Registration is now open to OABA members, with each company able to register up to three participants. Additional registrations will be placed on a waitlist, and if space remains, registration will open to non-members on Feb.16. The course is limited to 30 participants and costs $1,400 per person. In addition to hands-on instruction in liquid and dry application techniques, participants will have the opportunity to take the Ohio Pesticide Certification Test on the last afternoon of the course.

"This program addresses one of the biggest challenges facing agronomic operations today: the training and development of new professional applicators," said Melinda Witten, OABA President and CEO. "Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience with modern application equipment and techniques, while also learning the stewardship, safety and customer service skills that set the best applicators apart."

For more information or to register, contact Janice Welsheimer at [email protected] or 614-326- 7520.