Assisting MSU Extension Clientele, Individually and in the Classroom

Published: 2022
By Makayla Paul

Meagher County MSU Extension saw an increase in office visits in 2022. The office completed five nitrate tests for producers, which was an increase from none in 2021. The nitrate tests provided an opportunity for one-on-one consultations with agriculture producers about nitrates. There was also an increase in residents utilizing the Extension office for weed and insect identification. The community also utilized MSU Extension diagnostic services for diseases of plants, trees, and lawns. In addition to office visits, Meagher County MSU Extension also hosted educational programming for residents. In April, an Initial Private Applicator Training provided residents with the opportunity to receive a Private Pesticide Applicator license and for current license holders to receive recertifying credits for the current cycle. The program had 34 attendees, 18 received their license and 16 received recertifying credits. In the fall of 2022, Meagher County MSU Extension agent Makayla Paul invited three MSU Extension faculty to present topics at a local Rancher Roundtable Discussion. The producers in attendance investigated weed seed dispersal, forage insects, and supplementation of beef cattle. In evaluations, producers rated the program as excellent and said they learned something new. One producer in attendance noted “he was glad he came because everything discussed related to his personal ranch.” Lastly, Agent Makayla Paul noticed a call for information about canning to preserve foods on a local Facebook gardening group. To address the need, she offered a program on canning salsa, with assistance from Katrin Finch, Cascade County MSU Extension agent, and Sarah Bock, Fergus County MSU Extension agent. Attendees reported they enjoyed the program, and would like to attend more canning classes for further education.