Pesticide Education in Big Horn County

Published: 2019
By Molly Masters

In 2019, Pesticide Education in Big Horn County kicked off at a Private Applicator Initial Training in February. There were more than 30 participants, some to receive their license and some to obtain continuing education credits to keep their license. Attendance increased through a partnership with Chief Dull Knife College Extension to cover Pesticide Manual expenses for landowners on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Topics covered at the Private Applicator Training included pesticide laws, safety and environmental impact, integrated pest management with an emphasis on alfalfa weevil, and calibration of pesticide equipment. Throughout the year, many questions are asked regarding weed identification and control. Each of these encounters is an opportunity to teach community members or producers about pesticide use and the importance of having an integrated management approach that includes mechanical, cultural, and biological control options. More than 50 participants turned out for a Ventenata Invasive Grass Workshop organized by MSU Extension in Big Horn County. This workshop brought awareness to the area about the invasive grass, ventenata. Topics presented included identification, control, and research of the grass. There was also a presentation from the Northeast Wyoming Invasive Grasses Working Group and what they have learned in the fight to control ventenata. Participants were encouraged to not dismiss ventenata, as it has the potential of completely changing the landscape. They learned the best time to identify it in the field, and current best management practices for control, including working together across fence lines and agencies.