Montana

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Professional Development Program

2003 Annual Report

Sue Blodgett

Extension Service

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana

I. Ag Agent Sustainable Agriculture Training

Camp Needmore May 20^th - 22^nd, 2003

5/20 11 AM - Registration

Noon - Lunch served at the camp

1 - 5 PM - IPM for Rangeland Pests - Sue Blodgett; IWM

Weed Prevention Areas - Roger Sheley and Marko Manoukian

6 PM - Steak Fry

7 PM - MACAA meeting

5/21 7 AM - Breakfast

8 AM - 12 noon - Assessing feeding areas for AFO/CAFO issues and Assessing Water

Quality in Eastern Montana Streams - Gene Surber

Noon - Lunch

1 - 5 PM - Tour of Kraft Spring Fire,

Discussion of Wildfire recovery, and Assessing Rangeland Condition

6 PM - Steak Fry

7 PM - On your own, cards, games, whatever

5/22 7 AM - Breakfast

8 AM - 12 noon - Tour of Bannister and Tunby ranches in Fallon and Wibaux Counties

Noon - Lunch in Baker, Head Home

Rangeland Quality Assessment and Livestock Grazing

Bok Sowell

Two hours were spent conducting a training session to determine seral stage of rangelands. A training/update presentation emphasized soil texture determination and rangeland plant identification. The group discussed the effects of livestock grazing on rangeland plant species and soils. /there was a discussion of changes associated with non-native plant invasions. We concluded with the implications of prairie dog and sage grouse listings on ranchers in eastern Montana.

Ground Squirrel Control

Jim Knight and Carolyn Johnson

In April, 2003, the Montana State University Extension Service Wildlife Program began a pilot study to explore the possible economic benefits of controlling ground squirrels in Montana. Based on preliminary results of a survey sent out in March, the average alfalfa producer in Montana has 370 acres of alfalfa or alfalfa-grass, which produced about 2.7 tons/ac in 2002. Producers identified that 27% of alfalfa is occupied by ground squirrels and production is decreased in these areas by an estimated 17%. This equals a $3400 annual loss to the average alfalfa producer in Montana.

Varying degrees of ground squirrel control can be achieved by manipulating timing and application of control treatments. Control methods range from shooting to trapping to application of toxicants. Proper application procedures were demonstrated at Camp Needmore. Control is most effective in early spring, before young are born, and when bait acceptance is highest. As part of MSU’s pilot study, four 1 acre plots were established in an alfalfa field, and one of the following treatments was assigned to each: zinc phosphate treated oats, Rozol treated oats, Ramik Green bait pellets and a control. Effectiveness ranged from 88% (Rozol) to 13% (Ramik Green).

In addition, integrating ground squirrel control practices includes, small scale baiting, use of burrow builders and trapping were the primary methods covered. A discussion of fencing methods to exclude deer and elk from high value pastures and croplands. We are presently testing fence designs costing as little as $1500 per mile.

Environmental Assessment for Livestock Handling Areas around the Ranch

Gene Surber

A hands-on work session was provided with the goal of teaching agents how to do an Environmental Assessment of the ranch livestock handling area. Agent learned how to assess drainage from the lot that may affect state waters and how to prevent run-in from areas outside these facilities. Agents were given information on how to teach livestock operators the effectiveness of filter strips, settling ponds, evaporation ponds and diversions. Potential pollutants from livestock handling areas were discussed and how to minimize their effect on the environment. Agents were given an assessment document on a ranch and ask to complete it. We followed that exercise with a discussion that included the landowner.

Insect Monitoring

Sue Blodgett

A sweep net can be used to quickly and efficiently sample insects in both crop and rangeland situations. Participants were able to gain experience using a sweep net and then identify insects from alfalfa/grass mixture. Pest management decision making guidelines and options were discussed emphasizing non-chemical control measures. The insect and disease recommendations for Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado are part of the High Plains IPM guide current maintained on the web <highplainsipm.org>. These recommendations include life history and biology, monitoring suggestions, decision-making guidelines and control measures. Control measures include biological, chemical, and cultural alternatives.

Dyanmics of fire recovery in eastern Montana

John Clark

John Clark from US Forest Service updated us on the dynamics of fire recovery in eastern Montana Ponderosa Pine Forests. A major fire occurred in the Long Pines area during September of 2003. Of particular interest were the intense burns in areas where fuel remained from the burn in 1988. Clark also talked about the recovery of the range and timber species and how the pines will regrow too rapidly. Also on the program was Lance Vermeire, Ft. Keogh LARRL fire ecologist who offered some perspective on recovery after wildfire and challenged the widely held notion that long term grazing deferment is necessary after a major fire.

Ranch Tours:

Tunby Ranch

Tunby talked about his project where he will be looking at the complementarity of sheep and cattle grazing together. The thought is that sheep and cattle will share the same range with no noticable change in range condition. An added benefit will be the control of a small amount of leafy spurge found in the area.

Banister Ranch

Bannister shared his ideas as they relate to the intensive grazing program he has employed over the years. He has managed to maintain range condition and utilized many unconventional resources for grazing such as summer fallow ground.

Comments from Participants:

Camp Needmore Sustainable Ag/Natural Resources Training

Sharla Sackman, Prairie County Extension Agent

This training was very helpful to me as an Agent early in my career because it put technical information to practical use in an environment like that of my county.

Vertebrate Pest Control- I learned how to build two kinds of bait stations for ground squirrels and learned the pros/cons of each type. I also learned how to set traps for pocket gophers, a very common pest in my county. I even trapped a few at the fairgrounds when I got home!

Weed Prevention Areas- The discussion on Weed Prevention Areas prompted a new weed prevention/management strategy in the Tri-County Leafy Spurge Project. The Tri-County Leafy Spurge Project has been a cooperative effort to manage leafy spurge in the Cabin Creek area where Prairie, Fallon, and Wibaux Counties intersect since 1989. Progress has been made, but a problem still exists. Consequently, our approach has been revised to include a Weed Management Area focusing on containment of the main infestation, a Barrier Zone to step-up weed control efforts around the WMA, and a Weed Prevention Area surrounding the Barrier Zone to prevent the spread of leafy spurge to un-infested rangeland.

Range- This session was a very hands-on, practical session in the field that helped me improve my range plant identification skills and gave me a more realistic understanding of how to determine range condition.

AFO/CAFO- This session gave us the opportunity to work through the new AFO/CAFO self-assessment tool on a working ranch. This provided good experience on how to best use the assessment with producers and clarified form for me. I am able to use the assessment tool more efficiently and effectively as a result.

Water Quality- This is the first time I have been through a water quality session that demonstrated how to collect stream data. It was very useful to work through each of the monitoring techniques and learn how to interpret the information.

Insect Monitoring- I found the information on alfalfa weevils especially useful to me since a lot of alfalfa is grown in my county and I often get requests for information. The demonstration on how to sweep fields to identify insects present and determine populations was very helpful as well as the follow-up information on economic thresholds and control recommendations.

Forest/Fire- We visited a forested site that had been recently burned. I found it very interesting to observe the difference in the impact that the fire had in areas that had not burned for many years and those areas that had more recent burns. The damage was reduced significantly in areas of recent burn, demonstrating to me the importance of reducing deadfall.

Tunby Ranch- The biggest impression left with me from the Tunby ranch tour was of a fenceline that bordered his neighbor. Tunby’s side of the fence was a pasture that had historical sheep use, the neighbor’s side of the fence did not. The creek in the neighbor’s pasture was solid leafy spurge, Tunby’s pasture had none. It was a perfect visual on how sheep grazing can be an important weed control method in an area where leafy spurge is a very expensive pest.

Bannister Ranch- Bannisters use some grazing methods that may be considered unconventional and extreme. The important thing I learned was that it is not necessarily the grazing time/duration that is important, but how closely it is monitored and how that monitoring information is used that determines the success of a grazing system.

Kent Williams, Custer County Extension Agent:

I learned how the afo-cafo regs and how Montana water quality law may affect small, seasonally used feedlots in Montana and how to assess the water quality of small streams in eastern Montana. I learned better ways to control vertebrate pests, ground squirrels. I learned how to identify and sample for alfalfa pests. This was very important for IPM techniques in alfalfa management. The tours of the ranches showed me ways to use livestock (sheep) to control invasive species and a new method of grazing management.

Mary Rumph, Powder-River County Extension Agent:

The SARE program organized by Larry Brence in Ekalaka in May of 2003 was an exceptional learning opportunity. The highlight of the program for me was the format used to assess a farmstead to determine whether it met AFO/CAFO regulations. This was done by giving program participants a short orientation; then we were on our own. The land-owners were avaiable to answer questions and were extremely cooperative in providing information. It was a valuable learning experience; the practical application was thought provoking and excellent preparation as we work with additional land-owners in evaluating feeding operations.

Another topic of great interest was seeing forested areas that had burned and viewing the regrowth of vegetation in these areas. An interesting discussion of the political arena surrounding lands owned by the Forest Service and BLM and grazing permits and decisions affecting leasees was enlightning. Decisions that lead to an overabundance of fuel on FS lands were explored.

Specialists provided an excellent review of vertebrate pest control; crop pest control; water quality assessment; plant identification and grazing systems. This review and update was helpful in preparing me for a summer of dealing with pests!

A near lethal game of horse-shoes provided spectator entertainment...the steaks were great...the company even better...heated showers (and cabins) would be a nice improvement!

Crop and Pest Management School

CPMS Logo

For: Agencies, Producers, Certified Crop Advisors, County Agents, and Agribusiness's

January 6 - 8, 2004
Location: MSU Plant Growth Center
Bozeman, MT 59717

Agenda, Registration, Presentors, Proceedings

News Release 1, Ethics Session added News Release

Presentors:

School Includes:

Selected Guides and Publications
Subscription: Montana Crop Health Report
Plant Growth Center Facilities
Refreshments

For specific content and registration information contact:

Will Lanier, IPM Program
Department of Entomology
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana 59717
Ph: (406) 994-5690 or (406) 994-3680
email: wlanier@montana.edu

Faculty:

S. Blodgett, PhD., IPM
D. Brown, PhD., LRES

P. Carr, PhD., Agronomy NDSU

E. Davis, MS., L.R. and E. Sciences

B. Grey, PhD., Plant Pathology

S. Harting, PhD., Ecology

G. Johnson, PhD., Ext. Pesticide Spec.

W. Lanier, MS, IPM

A. Lessen, PhD., Entomology

J. Mangold, MS., L.R. and E. Sciences

B. Maxwell, PhD., L.R. and E. Sciences

P. Miller, Ph.D., L.R. and E. Sciences

B. Peterson, PhD., Entomolgy
D. Roddy, MS. Producer Fort Benton

D. Ryerson, PhD., Monsanto

J. Sherman, PhD., Plant Pathology

AGENDA

Tuesday, January 6	Wednesday, January 7	Thursday, January 8
8:30 am Registration, Opening Remarks and Presession Materials	8:00 am Perceptions of Risk (Peterson) • Risk Assessment, Perception and Communication 9:45 am Break - coffee cookies	8:00 am Concurrent session Montana Sustainable Pest Management projects (Lenssen) • Havre, Froid, Moore 10:00 am Break - coffee, breads
9:00 am Model Producer (Roddy ) 9:45 am BREAK - coffee, breads	10:00 am Increasing Input Returns (Ryerson) • Returns from Biotech 11:45 Break for Lunch	10:15 am Concurrent session Pathogens in Sustainable Cropland Systems (Grey) • Diseases in Natural and Ag Systems
10:00 am Environmental Awareness (Maxwell) • AgroecoregionsLandscapes Water and Diversity 11:45 am Break for lunch	1:00 pm • Soils: Taxonomy, Sampling and Radiometry (Brown) 3:00 pm BREAK - coffee, cookies	8:00 am Concurrent session Ethics in Agriculture (Zimdahl) • Acquisition of ethics • Cultural differences and verifiability • Ethical theories • Moral obligations
1:00 pm Reducing Input Costs (Carr) • Multiple Enterprises	3:15 pm Land Use, Rivers and Lakes (Harting) • Global Nutrient Cycling, Erosion, Watersheds	12:00 pm CPMS Session Ends
2:30 pm Adaptability and Cropping (Miller) • The Rotation Game BREAK - coffee, cookies	4:30 pm Plant Growth Center Tour "Hands On" Biotech lab and Demonstration. (Sherman, Giroux) 5:30 pm Hosted Dinner, Pizza, and Short Topics
4:15 pm Cropland Weed Community: (Davis, Mangold) • Noxious and Cropland • Hands on Identification and Biology 5:45 pm Break Dinner	7:00 pm Hands On Computers Crop Sequencing Calculator - Hands on Software (Lanier) • “What if” Rotation Calculation • High Plains IPM Guide • Cutworm survey
7:00 pm Alternative Cropland Insect Management (Blodgett, Johnson) • Identification and Biology • Biopesticides, Noesema and Dimlin

MSU University News

Ethics segment added to Crop Pest School

November 19, 2003

An "Ethics in Agriculture" segment has been added to this year's Crop Pest Management School at Montana State University - Bozeman.

The annual school is for both producers and other agricultural professionals such as certified crop advisors and consultants, says William Lanier, the crop pest school's organizer. It is scheduled for Jan. 6-8, 2004.

The "Ethics in Agriculture" segment of the 2004 program will be taught by R. L. Zimdahl, a professor at Colorado State University. It will have four parts.
--A discussion of the acquisition of ethics focusing on personal, social and professional ethics. Examples will be used to illustrate how ethical standards change with time.
--A discussion of why people tend to believe that there is no standard of objective truth in ethics. The arguments based on cultural differences and verifiability will be presented.
--The role of a few major ethical theories with agricultural examples.
--A group discussion of an agricultural case that focuses on whether or not society has any moral obligation to save family farms and the moral justification for the group's decision.

Participants are eligible to receive 18 certified crop advisor credits as well as six pesticide applicator recertification credits. Request a brochure by calling (406) 994-3860 or see the link to schedule and registration details at
http://IPM.montana.edu.

Participants should register by Dec 15 to receive the $195 registration fee. After Dec 15 registration is $225. The fee includes a certificate of completion, Crop Sequencing Calculator software, subscription to the Montana Crop Health Report, other publications and refreshments. For more information contact the CPMS Registrar at (406) 994-3860.

Contact: William Lanier (406) 994-5690

University News Archives

2004 Crop and Pest Management School

(Presenter Evaluation)

January 6, 2004

Name: Roddy

Model Producer

Poor Excellent

Total pts

Avg

Was well prepared and organized.

3.85

Presentation was understandable.

3.95

Demonstrated enthusiasm for subject.

3.85

Allowed time for questions and interaction.

4.26

Stimulated me to think how to use the information.

3.75

Visual aids were appropriate for presentation.

3.63

Information presented was of educational value.

3.65

My ability to understand subject was improved.

3.60

My ability to make sound decisions was improved.