Fallon/Carter Extension, Carter County Weed Department, and Carter County Conservation District invite everyone to attend the Carter County Range Tour on Tuesday, July 18. The tour will start at Camp Needmore at 2:00 p.m. and a meal will be served at the conclusion of the program by the Puptown Pioneers Homemakers. There will be three pesticide applicator recertification credits offered.

What can drone technology do for you? Brady Woodard, Moore Engineering, Inc.

There is a handful of benefits we can provide via drone technology. We’ve worked with several Weed Boards, covering land areas efficiently and effectively. The result? High detail photography that can determine location of noxious weeds. Woodard will provide real-time tracking of flight plans, even while in the field. This is most beneficial for areas that are difficult – or even impossible – to reach on foot. In this presentation, he will cover more of the benefits to your Weed Board as well as talk about permissions, file sizes, GIS integration, regulations, insurance and additional technology and data information.

Cheatgrass suppressive bacteria and Houndstongue, Jane Mangold, MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist

Over the last couple years, there has been a lot of interest in the weed-suppressive bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens for controlling cheatgrass and other annual grasses. This portion of the presentation will cover basics of how this bacteria may impact cheatgrass and Japanese brome growth and abundance, including data from a three-year study at multiple sites in Montana and Wyoming. The second half of the presentation will focus on identification, biology and management of houndstongue. This toxic, biennial noxious weed with bur-like seeds is easily moved from place to place and is a relative new-comer to the far eastern part of Montana. Learning how to identify it, understanding how it grows, and being aware of various ways to manage it will help protect range and natural areas in eastern Montana.

Red Grass Invasion, Jeff Mosley, MSU Extension Range Management Specialist

Little bluestem is a native, perennial bunchgrass that, in recent years, has become invasive in many areas of eastern Montana. Management options for controlling little bluestem include fertilizer, herbicide, prescribed fire, mowing, and targeted grazing. The advantages and disadvantages of these options will be discussed, as well as grazing management guidelines to prevent little bluestem from gaining the upper hand.

Fallon/Carter County Extension Water Quality Update, Elin Kittelmann, Fallon/Carter County Extension Agent

Water is the most important nutrient for livestock. A quality and safe water supply is essential to the production of healthy livestock. If water is not suitable for consumption, it can adversely affect the growth, reproduction and productivity of livestock. Kittelmann will discuss the water quality results she has seen this year and total dissolved solids and sulfate guidelines for livestock water. Producers are encourage to bring their livestock water to the program to be tested.

A tour will also be held in Broadus July 17th and the Tri-County Weed Tour will follow on July 19th. Call the Fallon/Carter County Extension Office for more information at (406) 778-7110.