Park County Montana | Weed Control District | Training & Private Applicators

Agricultural Worker and Handler Pesticide Safety Training

New rules require that agricultural workers have annual training, that the training meets standards, and is documented.

Below is an example of currently accepted training.

Link to video:

https://www.pesticideresources.org/wps-resources/agricultural-worker-and-handler-pesticide-safety-training/

For more information, reach out to MSU Extension: https://www.montana.edu/extension/pesticides/

MSU Extension-Park County has credit opportunities coming soon!

Next training opportunity

April 21, 2026

Sweet Grass Weed Summit

For more information or to RSVP contact the Sweet Grass County Weed District

30 - Agricultural Plant Pest Control - 4 credits.

39 - Demonstration & Research Pest Control - 5 credits.

33 - Forest Pest Control - 4 credits.

34 - Ornamental and Turf Pest Control - 1 credit.

55 - Regulatory Weed - 5 credits.

37 - Right of Way Pest Control - 5 credits.

44 - Special Utility - 4 credits.

10 - Dealer - 5 credits.

60 - Private Agricultural Pest Control - 5 credits.

9:30-10:00 Coffee, Registration, and Introductions

10:00-10:50 Title: Cheatgrass & Native Community Plant Community Long-Term Response to Disturbance and Controlling Invasive Annual Grasses Below and Above Ground Perspective

Description: In 2012, a large portion of the Montana State University Red Bluff Research Ranch burned in a wildfire, and there was concern that the fire and soil disturbance associated with fuel breaks would result in cheatgrass dominance at the site. Post-fire data was gathered over the first three years following the fire (2013 – 2015), indicating substantial increases in cheatgrass along the fuel break.

These trends prompted further research, and the site was further monitored in 2021, 2023, and 2025. In these later years, cheatgrass levels in the fuel break were reduced compared with earlier levels and did not differ from unburned levels. Notably, there was also a consistent increase in native grass cover through time, which demonstrates the natural resilience of the system, and its resistance to cheatgrass invasion.

Native plant species in the western United States are becoming replaced by invasive annual grasses (IAG) like Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) and Ventenata dubia (ventenata). Effectively controlling cheatgrass and ventenata is a concern for producers and land managers, as these species reduce forage quality and yield in addition to decreasing plant community diversity. Herbicides are the primary tool used for management, however with the increased interest in soil health, many are turning to soil amendments as a way to address these invasive species. Soil amendments aim to address underlying reasons for invasion by altering conditions to favor desired species, but there’s little research on their effectiveness or their integration with herbicides. Through two field studies and a greenhouse experiment, we will evaluate the effect of two herbicides and two soil amendments on IAG and perennial grasses.

Bio: Christian Larson: Originally from Utah and a Montana resident since 2007, I hold a B.S. in Land Rehabilitation (2013) and an M.S. in Environmental Sciences (2016) from Montana State University. Since 2011, I have worked in MSU’s Weed Ecology and Management Group, where my research centers on non-native plant community dynamics across rangeland, montane, and agricultural landscapes. Currently a third-year PhD student advised by Drs. Lisa Rew and Jane Mangold, I am investigating invasive species management following disturbances and the subsequent restoration of native communities.

Claire Anderson is a graduate student at Montana State University in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. Advised by Jane Mangold and Cathy Zabinski, her research focuses on evaluating the efficacy of annual grass management tactics while prioritizing native plant communities and soil health.

10:50-11:40 Title: Navigating Recent Regulatory Requirements

Description: This presentation will assist pesticide applicators in navigating recent regulatory requirements. This includes new Montana private applicator certification and training requirements, as well as recent changes to pesticide product labels in response to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This will include private applicator and commercial C and T updates, Endangered Species Act (ESA) buffer requirements, ESA runoff-erosion requirements, and updated ESA language on “Bulletins Live 2!.

Bio: Cecil Tharp is the Pesticide Education Specialist for the Montana State University Extension Service. He received his PhD in Entomology with emphasis in Integrated Pest Management from MSU – Bozeman in 2014. From 1995 to 2007 Cecil conducted research on insect pests with the USDA / Agricultural Research Service and Montana State University. As the Pesticide Education Specialist, he coordinates the certification and training of Montana private applicators and assists in meeting the needs of pesticide applicators across the state.

11:40-12:30 Title: New Invaders in Montana

Description: Distribution, harmful effects, identification, and treatment of new invaders and high priority species, such as blueweed, dyer’s woad, purple loosestrife, common buckthorn, and non-native phragmites; threatening Sweet Grass County and surrounding areas.

Bio: Josh Wagoner has been Montana Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Early Detection, Rapid Response Coordinator for just over four years. This position involves tasks like working in the field with landowners and agencies to stop new invaders, traveling around the state and beyond spreading awareness, and trying to spend as little time in the office as possible making plans. Josh loves his job, and if he can help you, you can be assured that he’d be glad to.

12:30-1:00 Lunch will be served.

1:00-1:50 Title: Caring for Stressed Trees in Montana

Description: Drought, winter injury, and other abiotic (non-living) factors can have a significant impact on the overall health of trees in Montana. Stressed trees are more susceptible to pest and disease issues, making tree health an important consideration, especially when we deal with unpredictable environmental conditions. This presentation will be focused on the issues that can impact tree health, how to prevent and reduce their effects, and caring for trees to improve their overall health.

Bio: Abiya (Abi) Saeed is the state Extension Horticulture Specialist at Montana State University. She assists home gardeners, commercial and private green industry professionals, and county and reservation extension offices with horticulture-related workshops, questions, support, and diagnostics throughout Montana. She is also a writer for the Garden Professors Blog, and a recurring panelist on Montana Ag Live. Abi has been a faculty member in the Plant Science department at MSU since 2020 and teaches Topics in Horticulture (including Turfgrass Management and Horticultural Entomology) on campus. She also travels frequently throughout Montana and teaches several classes across the state on a variety of horticultural topics. Originally from Pakistan, Abi has a Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Kentucky, and is currently working on her PhD in Plant Sciences through MSU. She has over 12 years of research, education, and outreach experience in horticulture, entomology, and Integrated Pest Management at multiple higher education institutions including Montana State University, Michigan State University, Colorado State University, and University of Kentucky.

1:50-2:40 Title: Why Herbicides Sometimes Fail

Description: During this presentation, we’ll explore the various reasons why herbicide applications sometimes do not meet the expectations of applicators. We’ll discuss key topics such as accurate pest identification, proper product rate and selection, application timing, calibration, equipment selection, weather, and environmental factors.

Bio: David Mejia is a Pasture and Land Management Specialist with Corteva Agriscience, supporting applicators and land managers across Montana and Wyoming with effective weed control strategies and herbicide protocols. He holds a degree in Animal Science and Wildlife Management, providing a strong foundation in both ecological and operational considerations. With experience in range management, veterinary health, and large-scale livestock operations, David delivers practical, clear guidance tailored to vegetation management needs.