Paraquat Mitigation Measures

Today’s material comes from an MSU Ag Alert regarding Paraquat Mitigation Measures, put out by Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education specialist. 

Photo by Kari Lewis

The EPA has approved several paraquat mitigation measures due to increased human health concerns.  Paraquat was first registered in 1964 in the US for weed control and crop desiccation; however, it is categorized as highly toxic through all routes of exposure by EPA where as little as one sip can be lethal with no known antidote. Many human poisonings through the ingestion of paraquat, either accidental or intentional, have been reported to EPA from poison control centers, product registrants, health agencies, environmental agencies and individual consumers. 

EPA has ordered the following measures to adequately protect applicators and the public.

1. Label changes emphasizing paraquat toxicity and supplemental warning materials.

2. Targeted training materials for paraquat users.

3. Closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (< 120 gallon) end use containers of paraquat.

4. Restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only.

In regard to the Targeted Paraquat Trainings, EPA is requiring all applicators who handle paraquat to take an EPA-approved paraquat training program when indicated on the new product label. EPA-approved paraquat training programs must provide information on: (1) paraquat toxicity; (2) a summary of the new label requirements; (3) consequences and examples of misuse of paraquat; (4) how to apply paraquat; (5) what to do in case of accidental exposure, and (6) appropriate handling, storage, disposal, and personal protective equipment requirements and instructions. The paraquat training program will be available via an internet link included on all paraquat end-use labels. All persons handling paraquat are expected to take the training every three years and retain documentation of successful completion.

At this point, we have not yet received specifics on the Targeted Paraquat Trainings, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we have more information.  The MSU Extension Pesticide Education program will continue to provide updates on that platform as we receive more information.   In the meantime, be sure to keep this on your radar.  For anyone needing a restricted use pesticide license or who would like one of their employees to become certified, you may test in your local Extension Office, or attend the training that will be held on April 17 in Conrad, watch for details on that.  Registration deadline is April 12, so register now to be sure to get on the list!

My Top 3 Takeaways from Montana's Next Generation Conference

Kari Lewis
                As a Montana’s Next Generation Conference host committee member, I certainly didn’t get to see as many of the presentations as I would have like, but those that I did see were excellent.  Throughout the talks I noticed some common themes that I hope to apply to my own operation in the coming year.  The following were my top three takeaways.

"You cannot be a low-cost producer
unless you have great records."  Matt Roberts

                First, it’s the low-cost producer that wins.  The low-cost producer is the first producer to start making money when the market begins climbing, and they make money longer into the market cycle as well.  The low-cost producer knows their costs of production.  Matt Roberts, Friday’s keynote speaker, said, “You cannot be a low-cost producer unless you have great records.” 

                This point tied into Travis Standley’s ‘Top Tier Producer’ workshop on Saturday where he said that of the top ranches he has worked with, they know their costs/head/day, and that their budget is far more important to them personally than it is even to their banker.  Whether it’s feed supplement for the cowherd or fertilizer costs for the wheat crop, it is critical to know costs/unit when making decisions.  Standley had ranchers work through an example comparing various feed supplements to illustrate that less dollars/ton may not always be the most economical, it’s cost/head/day that really matters. 

Secondly, “If you want to improve your business, improve your books,” Roberts pointedly said.  Roberts shared that Apple knows their cost of production to the fourth decimal point, yet most farms don’t know their returns within $10/acre.  You must know where you’re making your money in order to know where to put your money.  Did that soil amendment or extra fall supplementation really pay?  Only your records can explain if that was a wise investment or not. 

Lastly, when it comes to farm or ranch transition, Matt Roberts shared two tips.  First, the number one thing that you can do to increase the probability of transferring your operation to the next generation is to improve your bookkeeping.  Secondly, build the farm so you have something to transition.   

“You’re in the absolute most complicated small business in the world,” Matt Roberts shared. As one producer, I can’t control the markets, weather, or Washington politics.  However, I can control my bookkeeping and costs and to me, and that’s a great first step towards striving to be a top tier producer.