CHINOOK, Mont. (NMB) – MSU Extension offices across the Hi-Line are hosting initial private applicator pesticide trainings next Tuesday, March 23rd from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
Blaine County Extension Agent Juli Snedigar will be hosting the event in Chinook and provides an overview of what attendees should expect.
“You learn everything about holding a license, and then we break it down into more specific topics including how to read a pesticide product label, what pesticide law entails, things they need to know about pesticide safety and toxicity. And then after that, we go into how to calibrate sprayers and other equipment, what they should know about pesticides and the environment, we talk about integrative pest management, and finally we wrap up the day with a test of everything they’ve learned throughout the day.”
The test is an ungraded 50-question exam for new applicators.
Completion of the program meets requirements to obtain a private applicator license to apply restricted use pesticides on land you own, rent or lease.
“There are many restricted use pesticides in Montana. In order to apply any of these, you must be licensed. So anybody that applies chemicles on their own or rented acres needs this license if they are using specific restricted use chemicals. There is not a lot of commercial applicators in the area, so if people are looking to use these products, they need to have a license.”
Trainings are also scheduled to take place in Conrad, Chester and Shelby.
Participants that are looking to recertify will be rewarded with six private applicator credits.
Registration fees for the trainings range from $0 to $20, with an additional $60 licensing fee.
To sign up for the Chinook session, call 357-3200. For the Conrad session, call 271-4054. For the Chester session, call 759-5625. For the Shelby session, call 424-8350.
