MSU Extension Ag Alerts

In a previous MSU news release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  announced its final decision regarding pesticide products containing the herbicide active ingredient, paraquat. As part of these requirements, paraquat products purchased with new label language, including mandatory paraquat trainings, must attend an EPA approved paraquat training prior to mixing, loading or applying. An online paraquat training, created by pesticide manufacturers and approved by the EPA, is available online at https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=1660. This training provides information about paraquat’s toxicity, personal protective equipment, new label requirements, restrictions, and the consequences of misuse. 

Join us for the 2019 IPM Workshop on June 18 and 19. This two-day workshop will focus on managing weeds in croplands and will include notable speakers, hands-on activities, and discussions on integrated weed management. Topics include managing weeds in cereal cropping systems, herbicide resistance prevention and research, understanding non-target herbicide injury prevention and diagnosis, soil acidification impacts to weed management, use of cover crops to manage weeds, and perennial weed control in organic agriculture. Hands-on field tours and activities will be included at the Post Farm and Fort Ellis research facilities in Bozeman. Please see this link for more information: http://ipm.montana.edu/IPM_workshop_2019.html 

The Montana State University (MSU) Pesticide Education Program (PEP) is coordinating five regional private applicator initial certification trainings across Montana. These seven hour training opportunities are designed for individuals desiring to learn more about pesticides, while simultaneously qualifying for a Montana private applicator license. Training opportunities are available in Flathead County (Kalispell) on April 9^th, Sanders County (Plains) on April 10^th, Missoula County (Missoula) on April 11^th, Pondera County (Conrad) on April 17^th, and Fort Belknap Reservation (Harlem) on April 18^th.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its final decision regarding proposed mitigation measures for the herbicide active ingredient paraquat (i.e. dichloride salt of paraquat, ortho paraquat CL, paraquat dichloride) due to increased human health concerns.  Inidividuals applying paraquat products in 2019 should be aware of the new measures to protect applicators and the public.

See attached document for details.