Quarterly Newsletter - District 5 - January 2020
District 5 Winter Newsletter
Happy New Year!
District 5 Private Applicators are now in the third year of the five-year recertification cycle which means you need six recertification credits by December 31, 2022! Keep an eye out for pesticide education events as many events are offered between January and May. We want to remind you each county and tribe has a Private Applicator Training (PAT) Coordinator who you can call about license issues, credit questions and inquiries about upcoming events. If your county or tribe does not have a current PAT Coordinator reach out to a neighboring PAT Coordinator or our office.
Initial Private Applicator Trainings
If your license lapsed or you know of someone looking to get a Private Applicator license, keep in mind Initial Private Applicator Trainings are being held around Montana in 2020. The following list details the dates and locations of the currently available trainings; listings are added as they are approved. For more information visit our 2020 Initial Training Details and Registration page.
- January 22, 2020 - Hingham
- February 24, 2020 - Fort Benton
- February 25, 2020 - Chester
- March 11, 2020 - Great Falls
- March 17, 2020 - Scobey
- April 8, 2020 - Ennis
- April 9, 2020 - Anaconda
Program Policy Updates
Online Credits
Private applicators are now able to obtain all six required recertification credits through online courses. However, MSU PEP highly recommends attending several in-person classes to make sure you get experience with hands-on education and connect with MSU Extension personnel, experts and specialists. Search for online courses using the MDA Course Locator tool.
Fumigant Applicators
Private applicators who use fumigants, specifically aluminum phosphide, are encouraged to obtain the Non-Soil Agricultural Fumigation Manual for Private Applicators and test their knowledge by taking the Non-Soil Agricultural Fumigation Exam at their local extension office. Fumigants are highly toxic and are very different than other commonly used pesticides. While the manual and test are not required, it is important to have topic specific education on fumigants. For more information view our MontGuide titled Structural and Rodent Fumigation in Montana Agricultural Systems.
Upcoming Events in District 5
The following list of private applicator events are hosted by various organizations in your district. Please use the provided contact information for each event to register and obtain more information. This list is not comprehensive and only represents a few currently approved courses. Courses are added as they are sent to the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) for approval. Use the MDA Course Locator to search for more events.
- February 20-21, 2020 (Billings): MATE Show, 406-256-2828 (6 credits available over two days)
- March 3, 2020 (Billings): Recertification Training, 406-444-3732 (2 credits)
Recent Publications and News Updates
News: MSU's Schutter Diagnostic Lab releases first in educational video series
Manual: Non-Soil Agricultural Fumigation Manual for Private Applicators
MontGuide: Structural and Rodent Fumigation in Montana Agricultural Systems
Extension Resource: Integrated Pest Management Group
Pest management using multiple methods, otherwise known as Integrated Pest Management, is a strategy combining a wide range of tactics, including biological, chemical and cultural practices to provide long term, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible control. By applying a balanced approach, individuals can minimize pesticide resistance, reduce impacts towards beneficial species, and eliminate secondary pest outbreaks while maximizing long term profits.
The IPM Group at Montana State University includes specialists in agricultural, rangeland, and urban pest management, as well as the Schutter Diagnostic Lab, the Pesticide Education Program and the Master Gardener Program. Private applicators are encouraged to utilize these resources through MSU Extension to better understand options available to their specific pest management needs.
Montana Private Applicator District 5 consists of the following counties in Southeast Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, Musselshell, Petroleum, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Wheatland, and Yellowstone. District 5's five-year recertification cycle expires on 12/31/2022. Applicators wishing to renew their license will need to obtain six recertification credits by this date. You can look up your current credits online, as well as look for currently available pesticide education courses.
MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program
P.O. Box 172900 Bozeman, MT 59717-2900
406-994-5067 or 406-994-5178
[email protected]
pesticides.montana.edu
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