Agriculture & Natural Resources
Upcoming Events
2025 MATE Show Private Pesticide Applicator Presentations
Montana State University Extension in Yellowstone County will be hosting six one-hour educational lectures during the MATE Show. One private pesticide applicator credit is available at each lecture.
NO RSVP is needed. Lecture topics and descriptions are below.
February 20, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 pm - Woody Invasive Species: Megan Hoyer, Invasive Species Education Coordinator, Montana Department of Agriculture. Learn how to identify and manage invasive species like Common Buckthorn, Russian Olive, and Salt Cedar, and understand their rapid spread in Montana's riparian ecosystems.
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Pesticide Application Best Management Practices: Amy Bower, MSU Pesticide Education Program Technician. Review strategies to protect yourself and the environment during pesticide applications, focusing on reducing non-target impacts and improving safety.
3:00 – 4:00 pm - Pesticide Transportation, Storage, and Security: Francisco Gamboa Herrera, MSU Agriculture Extension Agent, Yellowstone County. Gain insights into safe pesticide transportation, secure storage practices, and how to respond effectively to accidents and spills.
February 21, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Pesticides and the Environment: Andrea Berry, MSU Agriculture and 4-H Extension Agent, Big Horn County. Explore label instructions for minimizing environmental impact, prepare for emergencies, and understand how weather conditions can affect pesticide drift and efficacy.
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Understanding the Life Cycle of Weeds: Timing is Everything in Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Sarah-Jane French, MSU Agriculture and 4-H Extension Agent, Stillwater County. Discover how integrated weed management (IWM) supports sustainable land management through strategic timing and ecological practices.
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Noxious Weed Identification in Yellowstone County: Anthony Sammartano, MSU Horticulture Extension Agent, Yellowstone County. Improve your skills in identifying noxious weeds in Yellowstone County, differentiating look-alike species, and applying integrated management strategies.
Yellowstone County Extension is your resource for:
- Livestock and Cropping Questions
- Noxious Weed ID and Recommendations
- Plant ID and Disease Diagnosis
- Pest/Rodent Questions
And provides services in:
- Private Pesticide Applicator Licensing and Training
- Forage Nitrate and Analysis Testing
- Weed Seed Free Hay Certifications
- Water Quality Analysis
- On-site Consultations