MWCA Library » FAQ http://www.mtweed.org/library To Strenthen, support, and coordinate weed management efforts in Montana. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:22:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Learn About Calibration for Using Herbicides http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/options-to-learn-about-calibration-for-using-herbicides/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/options-to-learn-about-calibration-for-using-herbicides/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:59:58 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=626 One of the most important things that can be done when using herbicides is making sure you are spraying the right plant and you are using the right amount of herbicide.  Learning how to use the right amount of herbicide is called calibration.

There are many ways a person can learn about calibration.

  • Contact your local weed coordinator or extension agent.
  • Attend a Private Applicator’s Class in your area.
  • Use a combination of print and video materials available.

The following are some of the print materials available.  We have provided links or you may contact your extension agent.

MWCA helped to underwrite this short video that demonstrates calibration of equipment.  We have broken it down in to 6 steps.

Chapter 1 Importance of Calibration

[See post to watch Flash video]

Chapter 2 Equipment & Pre-Calibration Check

[See post to watch Flash video]

Chapter 3 Understanding Calibration
[See post to watch Flash video]

Chapter 4 Calibrating Backpack Sprayer and Handline
[See post to watch Flash video]

Chapter 5 Calibrating Using the Strip Method
[See post to watch Flash video]

Chapter 6 Adding Pesticide to Your Tank
[See post to watch Flash video]

MSU Extension also has a DVD available for purchase on their website.  There is also information on the MSU Webpage on Calibration.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/options-to-learn-about-calibration-for-using-herbicides/feed/ 0 Are noxious weeds ranked or prioritized? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/are-noxious-weeds-ranked-or-prioritized/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/are-noxious-weeds-ranked-or-prioritized/#comments Mon, 17 May 2010 15:04:29 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=671 In 2010 the Montana Department of Agriculture revamped the noxious weed priority system.   Noxious weeds are now rank one of 5 priorities.

Priority 1A - These weeds are not present in Montana.  Management criteria will require eradication of detected; education and prevention.

Priority 1B – These weeds are have limited presence in Montana.  Management criteria will require eradication or containment and education.

Priority 2A – These weeds are common in isolated areas of Montana.   Management criteria will required eradication or containment where less abundant.  Management shall be prioritized by local weed districts.

Priority 2B – These weeds are abundant in Montana and widespread in many counties.   Management criteria will require eradication or containment where less abundant.  Management shall be prioritized by local weed districts.

Priority 3 – Regulated Plants – NOT Montana Listed Noxious Weeds.  These regulated plants have the potential to have significant negative impacts.  These plants may not be intentionally spread or sold other than as a contaminant in agricultural products.  the state recommends research, education and prevention to minimize the spread of the regulated plant.

Download a copy of the current priority list of Montana Noxious Weeds.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/are-noxious-weeds-ranked-or-prioritized/feed/ 0 Does the Montana Weed Control Association have a specialty plate? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/does-the-montana-weed-control-association-have-a-specialty-plate/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/does-the-montana-weed-control-association-have-a-specialty-plate/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:59:25 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/does-the-montana-weed-control-association-have-a-specialty-plate/ In 2005, the MWCA, through initiative by board member Kim Goodwin, contracted with Fossil Creative out of Kalispell to design a specialty plate and the Association was extremely fortunate to obtain such an appealing design. The MWCA specialty plate portrays a cowboy on a horse with cattle and mountains in the background, and it remains one of the top fifteen selling plates in Montana today. Special edition prints of this design are also available through Fossil Creative. If you are looking for a special plate, we encourage you to support our cause and not only help in the war on weeds, but purchase a unique and very “Montana” license plate.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/does-the-montana-weed-control-association-have-a-specialty-plate/feed/ 0 How much chemical do I use for my sprayer? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-much-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-sprayer/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-much-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-sprayer/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:04:56 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=198 Because soil and environmental conditions vary greatly across Montana, and all sprayers distribute spray at different rates, generic recommendations cannot be made. Please contact your local county weed professionals to obtain the best recommendations for your specific plants and conditions.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-much-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-sprayer/feed/ 0 What is sprayer calibration and why do I need to calibrate my sprayer? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-i-calibrate-my-sprayer/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-i-calibrate-my-sprayer/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:03:14 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=194 The objective of calibration is the same no matter what kind of sprayer you are using, to apply the correct amount of chemical to do the job.  All pesticide labels tell you how much you should be applying.  If you apply too much chemical you may impact other plants and resources that you do not want to.  If you apply too little chemical you may not get the results you want. 

MWCA has a web page with videos and reference materials to help demystify calibration.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-i-calibrate-my-sprayer/feed/ 0 What chemical do I use for my noxious weeds? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/what-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-noxious-weeds/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/what-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-noxious-weeds/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:59:59 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=190 Again, because of the variety of herbicide available, differing soil conditions, and because of a variety of environmental conditions, it is best that you contact your weed professional(s) to properly assess your weeds and identify the best options for your specific environment.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/what-chemical-do-i-use-for-my-noxious-weeds/feed/ 0 I don’t want to use chemicals, what are my options? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-use-chemicals-what-are-my-options/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-use-chemicals-what-are-my-options/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:58:32 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=185 There is no silver bullet in weed management, and integrated control measures are the best bet. There are many options available for noxious weed control, but not all options work for every invasive. Please refer to integrated weed management for more specific recommendations.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-use-chemicals-what-are-my-options/feed/ 0 How do I identify which plants are actually noxious weeds on my property? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-identify-which-plants-are-actually-noxious-weeds-on-my-property/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-identify-which-plants-are-actually-noxious-weeds-on-my-property/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:57:11 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=178 Many publications are available for weed ID including Weeds of the Prairies, Weeds of the West, many publications through Montana State University, and several websites. However, if you don’t want to go that route, you can contact a local weed professional to walk through your property with you or you can take samples of the plants and have them identified at Montana State University.

- Guidelines for Submitting Plant Specimines for ID (PDF)
- Plant ID Contacts (PDF)
- Plant Identification Form (PDF)

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/how-do-identify-which-plants-are-actually-noxious-weeds-on-my-property/feed/ 0 I don’t want to spray my weeds, who can I call to do it for me? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-spray-my-weeds-who-can-i-call-to-do-it-for-me/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-spray-my-weeds-who-can-i-call-to-do-it-for-me/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:35:49 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=175 Most local weed coordinators, either in your county or in surrounding counties can direct you to commercial applicators in your area.

]]> http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/i-dont-want-to-spray-my-weeds-who-can-i-call-to-do-it-for-me/feed/ 0 My neighbors don’t take care of their weeds, what can I do? http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/my-neighbors-dont-take-care-of-their-weeds-what-can-i-do/ http://www.mtweed.org/library/index.php/my-neighbors-dont-take-care-of-their-weeds-what-can-i-do/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:31:46 +0000 MWCA http://www.mtweed.org/library/?p=172 Depending on your county weed program, you can report your neighbor anonymously or you may have to file a report that is not anonymous. Again, some counties do not enforce the county weed act and in this case, the best you can do is try to offer your neighbor a form of education concerning noxious weeds or engage them in forming a weed management area.

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