Initial Private Applicator Trainings Offered Across Montana in 2021

Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist

The Montana State University (MSU) Extension Pesticide Education Program and MSU Extension Pondera, Toole, Liberty, Blaine, and Wheatland counties are coordinating Initial Private Pesticide Applicator Trainings across Montana. These seven-hour training opportunities are designed for individuals desiring to learn more about pesticides, while simultaneously qualifying for a Montana private applicator license. A private applicator pesticide license allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides on land they own, rent or lease. Training opportunities are available in Conrad, Shelby, Chester, and Chinook on March 23rd, and in Shawmut on March 24th.

Each program will cover many subject areas of interest including integrated pest management, pesticides in the environment, pesticide safety and toxicity, pesticide law, calibration of pesticide spray equipment, the private applicator license and reading the pesticide product label. Trainers speaking at these events, although variable by location, include MSU Extension County and Tribal agents, Dr. Cecil Tharp (MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist), Amy Bowser (MSU Extension Pesticide Education Technician), Dr. Jane Mangold (MSU Extension Rangeland Weed Specialist), and multiple MDA District Officers. The Wheatland County program has speakers delivering on-site, while other program locations have a mix of on-site and over-distance speakers. Attendees should be prepared to meet Montana’s current social distancing requirements, as well as other city/county COVID-19 requirements that vary by location.

Cost and Private Applicator Credit Opportunities

Training fees range from free to $20 depending on location. This variance is due to certain locations catering snacks and lunches as well as variable program costs. See program details for more information. By attending an initial training, applicators meet the qualifications to obtain a private applicator license. After the program, individuals will need to mail in the application along with a licensing fee to the MDA. Recertifying applicators may attend the entire event for six private applicator credits. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. See program details below.

Initial Training Details and Registration Information

Event details, location, and full agendas can be viewed at: https://pesticides.montana.edu/events/ under “Initial Private Applicator Trainings.” To register, contact the MSU Extension agent listed for the event location below.

Chinook, Blaine County, March 23

  • Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Location: Commercial Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds, 300 Cleveland Road West
  • Registration fee: $20, lunch provided
  • License fee: $60 in District 3

Chester, Liberty County, March 23

  • Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Location: St. Mary’s Catholic Youth Center, 11 W. Quincy Ave.
  • Registration fee: Free, lunch not provided
  • License fee: $60 in District 3
  • Register by March 19, (406) 759-5625, [email protected]

Shelby, Toole County, March 23

  • Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Location: Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave.
  • Registration fee: $20, lunch provided
  • License fee: $60 in District 3

Conrad, Pondera County, March 23

  • Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Location: Moose Lodge, 617 S. Main St
  • Registration fee: $20, lunch provided
  • License fee: $60 in District 3
  • Register by March 19, (406) 271-4054, [email protected]

Shawmut, Wheatland County, March 24

  • Time: 8:10 am to 5:30 pm
  • Location: Shawmut Community Center, 1st Main Street
  • Registration fee: $20 with lunch provided
  • License fee: $24 in District 5
  • Register by March 22, (406) 632-4728, [email protected]

For other pesticide related questions contact Cecil Tharp at (406) 994-5067 or email at [email protected].

 

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