Mid-Mountain Pest Series

Published: 2022
By Mat Walter

The Mid-Mountain Pest Education Series was a five-session pesticide applicator training held from January through March 2022. The series focused on providing applicators with subject matter beyond what is commonly found at most PAT continuing education programs. During past programs, applicators have indicated through evaluations that they would prefer to learn a greater variety of subjects. The series included presentations on weed control, vertebrate pest control, pasture management, range systems, entomology, and drought considerations. Six guest speakers were invited to present on fifteen subjects. Speakers included MSU Extension Specialists and Agents and partners from the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Lewis and Clark County Weed Department. The Montana Private Applicator Training program requires license holders to obtain six continuing education credits over the course of five years. By ensuring that multiple opportunities are provided over three months, applicators have multiple chances to acquire their six credits. Our five-year cycle ends in 2024, and this program provided 15 credits. In total, 64 applicators attended the series, with 36 attending two or more classes to obtain six credits. This attendance is roughly half of Lewis and Clark County’s 125 licensed applicators. The popularity and convenience of the programs mean they will be provided regularly for area applicators.