Be Aware of the Montana Pesticide Disposal Program and 2017 Disposal Sites

by Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist

Delaying removal of unused pesticide products often leads to corroded containers that pose unnecessary risks towards the environmental and human health. Pesticide applicators should be aware of the resources available for discarding pesticide waste. By following a few simple steps applicators can ensure that unused pesticides are discarded and disposed of legally and safely.

Disposing of Pesticide Waste

Applicators should use the Montana pesticide waste disposal program if they have unknown pesticide products (due to worn product label), unregistered pesticide products or unusable pesticides that are in need of disposal. The Montana pesticide waste disposal program began in 1994 and has collected more than 559,000 pounds of pesticide waste from more than 1,603 participants since its onset. Some delisted pesticide active ingredients commonly collected include DDT and 2,4,5-T. Costs for participating in the program are significantly lower than other pesticide disposal alternatives. The disposal fee is FREE for the first 200 pounds and $0.50/lb for amounts greater than 200 pounds. Licensed applicators and dealers receive credit for the portion of their license fees earmarked for the program.

Pesticide disposal program locations and dates are:

September 19th, 2017 – Kalispell, MT

September 20th, 2017 – Missoula, MT

September 21st, 2017 – Helena, MT

September 22nd, 2017 – Dillon, MT

Participants must pre-register their pesticide with the Montana Department of Agriculture before the event so the collection can be managed safely and efficiently. All materials including the pesticide disposal registration form can be downloaded from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) pesticide waste disposal site at http://agr.mt.gov/Pesticide-Waste-Disposal. Mail registration form to Montana Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Disposal Program, 54 East Larslan Road, Larslan, MT 59244.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Carli Lofing for additional information regarding the MDA Pesticide Disposal or Container Recycling Program at (406)228-9512 or email [email protected]. For any other questions contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist (406-994-5067, [email protected]).

MDA seeking applicants for Beef Genetics Trade Mission

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking applications from producers interested in attending the World Angus Forum, to be held in the United Kingdom June 20-July 2, 2017, as part of a beef genetics trade delegation.

“This trade mission will be a great opportunity for producers to showcase Montana’s world-class beef genetics,” said Marty Earnheart, Business Development Marketing Officer with MDA. “I’m looking forward to the forum and the opportunity to help Montana’s producers network with their international counterparts.”

MDA will select 5 to 7 applicants to serve as delegates for the mission. Applications are due January 31, 2017 and selections will be made shortly thereafter. Applications can be sent to [email protected]. The trade mission is made possible through a grant from U.S. Livestock Genetic Export, Inc.. Some travel expenses may be covered through the grant, with that determination being made after delegates have been selected. An application is included with this release and can also be found here.

The World Angus Forum is held every four years and provides a platform for the exchange of genetics information and breeding objectives, and also acts as a forum for youth involvement. The forum will attract many Angus breeders, farmers and associated companies from all over the world to listen to speakers, share their knowledge, expertise, experiences and network together.

“This trade mission will be a great opportunity for producers to showcase Montana’s world-class beef genetics. I’m looking forward to the forum and the opportunity to help Montana’s producers network with their international counterparts.” Marty Earnheart, business development marketing officer with MDA

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

–Montana Department of Agriculture

Over $1.6 Million Awarded to Combat Noxious Weeds in Montana

Every county and tribal reservation is eligible for $7,500 in funds

The Montana Department of Agriculture announced the award of over $1.6 million for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs. 

The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council reviewed 86 Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant applications requesting over $2 million and recommended awarding over $1.6 million for education, research, and cooperative noxious weed management projects.

The advisory council met the first week of March to review applications and make selections to assist counties, local communities, tribes, researchers and educators in efforts to combat noxious weed problems in Montana.  In total, 83 grant proposals were awarded funding, including 60 local cooperative projects, 13 research projects, and 10 education projects.  In addition to the $1.6 million awarded, each of the 56 counties and 7 reservations in the state are eligible to receive $7,500 per year.

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1985.  The advisory council reviews applications, hears applicant testimony, and provides funding recommendations to the director for final approval. Funding is typically passed through a governmental organization, local weed district, conservation district, extension office, or university. 

A compiled list of award recipients is available at http://bit.ly/2016NWTF.

Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.  For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

 

Contacts

Dave Burch

Weed Program Manager
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3140
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (406) 444-9493

Source: Montana Department of Agriculture