By PR Extension Office

Landowners interested in a Rangeland Grasshopper Suppression through USDA/APHIS are encouraged to complete the paperwork necessary to send shapefiles of prospective treatment areas. A request form to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in addition to a new AD-2047 (dated 01-08-24) form through the FSA are needed to complete the request for shapefiles (digital maps).

This information will be used to plan large scale treatment blocks, and to ask for and prioritize funding if it becomes available, according to Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph.

Copies of the two forms for requesting the shapefiles are available at the Powder River Extension Office and at the FSA office.

Additional forms will need to be completed to APHIS including the 1) 2024 USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Montana Grasshopper Suppression Program Site Specific Information Questionnaire and (2) Request for Assistance and the Cooperative Service Agreement. All the above forms are available at the Powder River Extension Office (406-436-2424).

Other information that might be helpful to producers is that Custer County is offering a coordinated program to assist landowners by providing the opportunity to participate in a bulk chemical order for grasshopper suppression activities for Spring 2024.

They have extended the program to include neighboring counties.

The product that will be purchased is Diflubenzuron (Demilin or similar product) an Insect Growth Regulator that needs to be applied early in the season shortly after spring grasshopper’s emergence. The recommended labeled rate for application is 2 ounces per acre. Producers will be responsible for application or hiring a commercial applicator to apply this product. Diflubenzuron is a “Restricted Use Pesticide” and can only be purchased and applied by licensed applicators.

Producers interested in purchasing the pesticide will be required to submit $50 per gallon pre-payment for your product prior to April 25th, 2024. Producers will be billed for the balance once the final cost (estimated to be $65-$75) is determined after the bulk order is placed.

An order form to participate in the Custer County program is available at the Powder River Extension Office.