MSU Extension Ag Alerts

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Schutter Diagnostic Lab will be operating at reduced capacity.

• At this time, we will not be accepting walk-in samples or samples dropped off at the door of the lab.
• We encourage you to submit your sample digitally and we will ask for a physical sample in the mail if needed. You can email us (http://diagnostics.montana.edu/people.html) or try our sample submission app (http://diagnostics.montana.edu/sample_submission_app.html). Extension faculty: please use PDIS to submit photos if possible and write in PHOTOS ONLY in the comments section on the digital lab form.
• We will be checking the mail for samples on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is very important that you collect a good sample and package it properly to make sure it arrives in good condition. See our page about sample submission for details (http://diagnostics.montana.edu/physical_sample_submission.html).
• The lab telephone (406-994-5150) will be checked periodically for messages. Please see this link http://diagnostics.montana.edu/people.html to call us or email us individually.
• Refer to updated MSU policies on COVID-19 for more information (https://www.montana.edu/health/coronavirus/index.html).

Sincerely,

The Schutter Lab

The Montana Department of Ag has proposed a temporary emergency adminstrative rule change for zero tolerance of Palmer amaranth in seed coming into Montana. This rule change does not add Palmer amaranth to the noxious weed list. See attached documents for more information.

RE: Please disregard the original pesticide and hemp news release sent out on 02/04/2020.  Many previously registered section 3 pesticides were missing.  This ag alert represents a complete listing of pesticide products available in Montana as of 02/05/2020. 

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Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., was removed from the list of controlled substances and legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill if the THC content is less than 0.3%. Hemp production is now legal in 47 states with Montana ranked number one in the nation with 45,000 planted acres reported in 2019, followed by Colorado with 21,000 acres and Kentucky with 19,000 acres. Though this crop thrives in Montana, there has been confusion regarding the legal use of pesticides which vary from state to state. This alert is designed to assist producers/ag leaders in understanding the policies governing pesticides and hemp, as well as the pesticides which are now legal to use on hemp in Montana.

The Montana State University (MSU) Extension Pesticide Education Program and MSU Hill, Chouteau, Liberty, Cascade, Daniels, Madison and Dear Lodge County Extension programs are coordinating Initial Private Pesticide Applicator 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. See attached news release for more information.