Pesticide News - February 8, 2024
Pesticide Trainings for New Applicators Offered Across Montana in 2024
Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist
The Montana State University (MSU) Extension Pesticide Education Program and participating MSU Extension County offices are coordinating introductory pesticide application trainings (Initial Private Applicator Trainings) across Montana. These approximately seven-hour training opportunities are designed for individuals desiring to learn more about pesticides while qualifying for a Montana private (farm) applicator license. A private applicator pesticide license allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides on land they own, rent or lease for the purpose of growing an agricultural commodity. Homeowners and non-licensed applicators that wish to learn more about pesticides are also welcome, as well as recertifying private applicators. Each program will cover integrated pest management, pesticide movement in the environment, pesticide safety and toxicity, pesticide law, calibration of pesticide spray equipment, the private applicator license and reading the pesticide product label. Training opportunities are available in Choteau on February 28th, Culbertson on March 5th, Glendive on March 6th, Ronan on March 12th, Thompson Falls on March 20th, and Kalispell on March 21st.
Applicator spraying with boom (C. Tharp, 2011)
Credits and License Fees
Recertifying applicators may attend Initial Private Applicator Trainings for credits as listed below. Those attending to obtain a private applicator license must pay a license fee to the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) determined by Private Applicator District in addition to event registration fees.
Event Details
Fees listed below are registration fees covering the cost of the event and materials only. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. View event details online for more information at: www.montana.edu/extension/pesticides/events.
February 28th. Choteau, MT
Teton County Courthouse Annex, 19 Main Ave S. Registration encourage by Feb 26 with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Jamie Smith at (406) 466-2491 or [email protected]. $20 fee for those attending for a license (cost of required manuals); free if attending for credits or education only. Lunch provided. Credits: AM Session (3 PA), PM Session (3 PA).
March 5th. Culbertson, MT
Dry Prairie Rural Water, 5808 MT-16. Registration encouraged by March 1st with walk-in's welcome. To register contact Wendy Becker at (406) 787-5312 or [email protected]. No fee with lunch provided. Credits: AM Session (3 PA), PM Session (3 PA).
March 6th. Glendive, MT
Yellowstone River Inn, 1903 N. Merrill Ave. Register by March 1st - contact Gabby Sexton at (406) 377-4277 or [email protected]. Fee is $30 fee for those requiring license; $10 fee for all others. Lunch provided. Credits: TBA.
March 12th. Ronan, MT
Ronan Community Center Meeting Room, 300 3rd Ave NW. Registration encouraged by March 8th, walk ins welcome. To register contact Taylor Mullen at 406-676-4271 or [email protected]. Fee is $50 with lunch provided. Credits: TBA
March 20th. Thompson Falls, MT
Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department, 1811 Main Street. Registration required by March 12th. Register online or contact Wendy Carr at (406) 827-6934 or [email protected]. $40 fee with lunch provided. Credits: 6 PA (must attend all day).
March 21st. Kalispell, MT
Hampton Inn, 1140 US Hwy 2 West. Registration required by March 12th. Register online or contact Mackenzie Dey at (406) 758-5553 or [email protected]. $40 fee with lunch provided. Credits: 6 PA (must attend all day).
For More Information
View additional training details online including credit information and agendas. For other pesticide related questions contact Cecil Tharp at (406) 994-5067 or email at [email protected].
Cecil Tharp
[email protected]