The Montana State University (MSU) Pesticide Education Program will be coordinating five regional pesticide training events across Montana in April, including one in Plains April 10. These seven-hour trainings are designed for individuals who want to learn more about pesticides and/or qualify for a Montana private applicator license. A private applicator license enables pesticide applicators to purchase and use restricted use pesticide products to manage pests on land they own, rent or lease.

The registration fee is $30 and will cover training materials, speaker costs and a catered lunch. Attendees are strongly encouraged to pre-register as space is limited. The Plains training will be Wednesday, April 10, from 8:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Plains Grange.

Several speakers from MSU and the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) will cover an array of subjects at each event, including integrated pest management, pesticide movement in the environment, pesticide safety and toxicity, pesticide law, calibrating ground sprayer equipment, understanding the private applicator license, and reading and understanding the pesticide product label. Surrounding MSU Extension county and tribal agents will also be assisting with many of the presentations.

Attendees will qualify for a private applicator pesticide license by attending the entire event. Once qualified, individuals may send in a new applicator permit with license payment to the MDA to attain their Montana private applicator license. Current private applicators may attend the entire program for six private pesticide recertification credits. See program agenda and details at http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/initial.html.

The MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program is an educational program promoting the proper use of pesticides to protect public health and the environment. The program supports all applicators, businesses and homeowners by combining educational resources and knowledge from scientists, governmental agencies and the public.

For questions on registration contact Amy Bowser at (406) 994-5178 or [email protected]. For questions on pesticide education, contact Cecil Tharp at (406) 994-5067 or [email protected].