District 5 Spring Newsletter

Dear District 5 Private Applicators, 

You are now in the last year of your five-year recertification cycle. You have until December 31, 2022 to obtain the six required recertification credits in order to renew your license for the next cycle. We encourage applicators to obtain these credits throughout the cycle and not all in the last year. Remember, your local MSU Extension Agent is available to answer questions about events, licensing or pesticide issues. For counties or reservations currently without an Extension Agent please contact the nearest Extension office or the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program for assistance.

Preparing for Summer Pesticide Applications and Grasshoppers

Prior to summer pesticide applications you may need to do some sprayer maintenance. You will want to check your equipment for corrosion and deterioration, as well as determine what parts may need to be replaced. Pay special attention to nozzles, pumps, hose condition, valve condition and boom structure. This is also a good time to calibrate your spray equipment. Grasshoppers are also predicted to be a significant pest in upcoming months if dry conditions persist. We have several resources to help you through this process:

If you stored pesticides over the winter, keep in mind some pesticides may have frozen or separated. Sometimes these pesticides can still be used, but other times they will have lost efficacy. Read the label to determine the specifics of the pesticide you are using. For more grasshopper information contact your local Extension agent.

EPA Revokes Use of Chlorpyrifos on all Food/Feed Crops

February 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revoked all tolerances for pesticides containing chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifosis a common organophosphate active ingredient used in many pesticide products for managing insect pests in a wide array of agriculture and non-agriculture areas. CommonMontana agriculture crops impacted include alfalfa, corn, soybeans, fruit/nut trees, and wheat, among others. Read the MSU PEP news article for more information.

MSU Extension Statewide Needs Assessment

MSU Extension is gathering feedback from community members to inform and improve programs for Montanans. Please click to link to the online survey and tell us what you think.At the end of the survey, enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.  http://ow.ly/ocmF50HuY7o

Upcoming Webinars for Recertification Credits

The following list of webinars available for private applicator credits are hosted by various organizations. Please use the information provided to register for each event. This list is not comprehensive. Webinars are added as they are sent to the MDA for approval. View the instructions to search for more webinars. 

Upcoming Onsite 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 MDA for approval. Use the MDA Course Locator to search for more events.

  • May 17. Billings. Controlling Japanese Beetle and Other Pests of Concern. MNLA Billings Chapter. Gina Albaugh, (406) 755-3079 or [email protected]. 1 PA Credit.
  • SAVE THE DATE! October 3-7. Multiple locations in District 5. 2022 Pest Management Tour. MSU PEP. Details TBA. Check online for more information summer 2022. 3 and 6 PA credit opportunities.

Recent Publications and News Updates

 

Private applicator District 5 recertification cycle

 

Montana Private Applicator District 5 consists of the following counties and reservations in Southeast Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Crow Reservation, Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, Musselshell, Northern Cheyenne Reservation, 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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