MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program Hosting Multiple Programs for Pesticide Applicators in 2023

Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist

The Montana State University Extension Pesticide Education Program (MSU PEP) and participating Extension offices are coordinating multiple training opportunities for pesticide applicators in 2023. This includes the Initial Private Applicator Tour in late March and the Urban Pesticide Education Tour in April. Additionally, the Hill and Richland County Extension offices will be hosting Initial Private Pesticide Applicator Trainings this spring. 

Dr. Cecil Tharp teching calibration.

Photo 1. Dr. Cecil Tharp delivering a presentation on calibration.

Initial Private Applicator Trainings

These seven-hour training opportunities are for individuals desiring to learn more about pesticides, while qualifying for a Montana Private Applicator license. A private applicator license allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides on land they own, rent or lease for the purpose of growing an agricultural commodity. Recertifying applicators may also attend the entire event for six private applicator credits. Each program covers 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. 

View Initial Private Applicator Training details online including location and agendas. Fees listed below are for the event and materials only. If attendees desire a private applicator license, they must pay a license fee that varies by district.

Event Details

  • February 15th. Sidney, MT. MSU Extension Richland County Extension Office Meeting Room, 1499 N Central Ave. Registration encouraged by February 13th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Marley Manoukian at (406) 433-1206 or [email protected]. No fee and lunch is on your own.
  • March 21st. Lewistown, MT. Lewistown Eagles Club, 124 W. Main St. Registration encouraged by March 15th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Cody Ream at (406) 535-3919 or [email protected]. $20 cash or check at door with lunch provided.
  • March 22nd. Billings, MT. MetraPark 4-H Building, 308 6th Ave. North. Registration encouraged by March 15th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Trestin Benson-Feagler at (406) 256-2828 or [email protected]. $20 cash or check at door with lunch provided.
  • March 23rd. Hardin, MT. Big Horn County Fairgrounds, 118 Sawyer Loop. Registration encouraged by March 15th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Andrea Berry at (406) 665-9770 or [email protected]. $20 cash or check at door with lunch provided.
  • April 6th. Stanford, MT. Stanford City Hall, 102 Central Ave. Registration encouraged by April 5th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Katie Hatlelid at (406) 566-2277 or [email protected]. Free with lunch provided.
  • April 14th. Havre, MT. 4-H Chuckwagon, 1676 US Route 2. Registration encouraged by April 11th with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Colleen Pegar at (406) 400-2333 or [email protected]. $15 fee with lunch provided.

2023 Urban Pesticide Training Tour

MSU PEP is offering three urban pesticide training opportunities to assist homeowners, gardeners, and other urban pesticide applicators in understanding the basics of using pesticides. These programs will include how to select the proper pesticide, reading and understanding the pesticide product label, how to manage pests, calibrating sprayers properly, pesticide safety, and avoiding non-target impacts. This program will be offered on the following dates and locations:

  • April 19th. Missoula, MT. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, Missoula County Fairgrounds, Home Arts Building 35, 1101 South Ave W.
  • April 20th. Great Falls, MT. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, Great Falls College MSU Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave S.
  • April 21st. Billings, MT. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, MetraPark 4-H Building, 308 6th Ave N.

There is a $15 fee to cover program expenses with registration strongly recommended by April 14th as space may be limited. Registration and other urban tour details are available online or contact Amy Bowser, Pesticide Education Technician, for more information (406-994-5178). These programs will also be available for pesticide license credits.

For More Information

Contact your MSU Extension agent regarding programs in your area, or to assess your private applicator credits. See details of all MSU Extension pesticide programs online. For any other pesticide education question contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist, at the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program office (406-994-5067, [email protected]). 

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