Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar in Fort Benton on January 6th
Montana State University (MSU) Extension will host its annual cropping seminar series January 6-10, 2025, in the Golden Triangle area. Speakers will cover noxious weeds, pulse insect management, pesticide updates, and winter barley. The Fort Benton seminar will take place on Monday, January 6 at the Ag Center, 1205 20th Street. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m. A special thanks to MaxAg of Montana for sponsoring the lunch.
Montana’s croplands face growing threats from invasive species like rush skeletonweed and ventenata, which could significantly impact grain production if widely established. Dr. Jane Mangold will cover identification, biology, distribution, and Integrated Weed Management strategies for these priority
species. Attendees will also receive updates on palmer amaranth in Montana and an overview of the Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage program.
Dr. Tiziana Oppedisano, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Insect Ecology at the MSU - Western Triangle Ag Research Center, will discuss strategies for managing pulse crop pests such as pea leaf weevil, army and pale western cutworms, and lygus bugs using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Tom Allen will highlight the Northern Pulse Growers Association’s role in supporting producers and how checkoff funds are utilized to enhance pulse crop production.
Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist, will explore common reasons for ineffective pesticide applications and provide updates on new pesticide regulations, including certification and training requirements, paraquat training, and potential changes to the EPA’s endangered species plan.
Dr. Joseph Jensen, Assistant Professor and Cropping Systems Agronomist at the MSU - Northwestern Ag Research Center, will share updates on MSU’s winter barley breeding program and plans for the release of the first winter barley line. He will also discuss current research on agronomic performance and pest management in the Golden Triangle, followed by a Q&A session to address growers’ concerns and future research needs.
Four private and four commercial pesticide credits will be offered for attending the event, If you can’t make it to Fort Benton on Monday, classes will be offered in Havre and Chester on January 7th, Shelby and Cutbank on January 8th, Conrad and Choteau on January 9th and Great Falls on January 10th. Please contact the Chouteau County Extension office if you have further questions.
Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
