Montana State University Extension offers initial training opportunities for pesticide applicators

MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension’s Pesticide Education Program and participating MSU Extension offices will offer multiple introductory training opportunities for pesticide applicators in February and March.

Initial private applicator trainings

Initial private applicator trainings are seven-hour trainings for individuals 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 to grow an agricultural commodity. Homeowners and non-licensed applicators who wish to learn more about pesticides are also welcome, as are recertifying private applicators.

Each program covers integrated pest management; pesticides in the environment; safety and toxicity; pesticide law; calibration of spray equipment; the private applicator license and how to read a pesticide product label. An ungraded exam will also be required if individuals wish to obtain a private applicator license.

Event details

Fees listed below cover the cost of the event and materials only. Those pursuing a private applicator license must also pay a license fee to the Montana Department of Agriculture, which varies by district. Applicators seeking recertification may attend initial private applicator trainings for credits as listed below.

Initial private applicator trainings will be held as follows:

• Wednesday, Feb. 28: Choteau, Teton County Courthouse Annex, 19 Main Ave. S. Registration is encouraged by Feb. 26, and walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Jamie Smith at 406-466-2491 or [email protected]. Cost is $20 for those attending for a license and is free if attending for credits or education only. Lunch is provided. Three pesticide applicator credits will be offered in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

• Tuesday, March 5: Culbertson, Dry Prairie Rural Water, 5808 Montana Highway 16. Registration is encouraged by March 1, and walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Wendy Becker at 406-787-5312 or [email protected]. Free to attend. Lunch will be provided. Three pesticide applicator credits will be offered in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

• Wednesday, March 6: Glendive, Yellowstone River Inn, 1903 N. Merrill Ave. Registration is encouraged by March 1. To register, contact Gabby Sexton at 406-377-4277 or [email protected]. Cost is $20 for those attending for a license and $10 for others. Lunch will be provided. Pesticide applicator credits are to be announced.

• Tuesday, March 12: Ronan, Ronan Community Center meeting room, 300 Third Ave. NW. Registration is encouraged by March 8, and walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Taylor Mullen at 406-676-4271 or [email protected]. Cost is $50, and lunch will be provided. Pesticide applicator credits are to be announced.

• Wednesday, March 20: Thompson Falls, Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department, 1811 Main St. Registration is required by March 12. Registration may be made online or by contacting Wendy Carr at 406-827-6934 or [email protected]. Cost is $40, and lunch will be provided. Six pesticide applicator credits will be offered for attendance.

• Thursday, March 21: Kalispell, Hampton Inn, 1140 U.S. Highway 2 W. Registration is required by March 12. Registration may be made online or by contacting Mackenzie Dey at 406-758-5553 or [email protected]. Cost is $40, and lunch will be provided. Six pesticide applicator credits will be offered for attendance.

Additional information about MSU Extension’s initial private applicator trainings, including agendas and start and end times for each location, is available at montana.edu/extension/pesticides/events.

Additional pesticide education questions may be directed to Cecil Tharp, pesticide education specialist, at 406-994-5067 or [email protected].