USU Extension - PSEP

07/09/2026

USU PSEP is beginning to develop agendas for the 2026 CEU webinars. I have sent out a call for presenters, and responses with proposed topics are coming in.

I am writing this post to ask whether you (the professional pesticide applicator) have any topics of interest you would like to learn more about. If so, please comment here and let me know.

I'm not saying your topic will automatically be included, but knowing your interests while I receive proposed topics will help build a more productive webinar.

Cheers,
Dr. Michael R. Wierda
USU PSEP Director

06/04/2026

Here is an article from this year's work in MI with Bald Eagles.

Blood is thicker than water. Scientists are using baby eagle blood to assess the health of Michigan’s environment. Because eagles are top predators, heavily linked to lakes and rivers, they provide a proxy for water quality.

06/04/2026

I wanted to let you know that the public comment period for the draft fungicide strategy is now open. If you or your company works with fungicides, I would strongly suggest you review the strategy and comment.

05/16/2026

As temperatures continue to rise and applications become more common remember to read your labeling to make sure you are applying appropriately. Many pesticides come with temperature limits for applications. Applying outside of these limitations may result in off target drift and the need for reapplication.

03/16/2026

Hello. This is one last reminder for the upcoming Respiratory Safety/Fit Testing CEU event happening next week. We have only 3 people registered in Moab and 13 in Kaysville. These events are costly to host, and if interest has decreased, this may be the final respiratory safety/fit testing event that USU PSEP hosts. If you need training on the safe use of a respirator and 6 CEUs, with lunch included, please follow the links to register. The registration fee is $20 and registration is open until 6 pm on March 20th.

If you know anyone with a license who wears a respirator, please pass this email to them as soon as possible! If you have an email list and are willing to share, please do.

ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The USU Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program is pleased to partner with North Carolina Agromedicine and industry collaborators to offer two Respiratory Safety and Fit Testing events in March 2026. These trainings will be held on March 24 in Moab and March 26 in Kaysville.
The events will focus on respiratory protection related to pesticide use and will include hands-on fit testing. In addition, regulatory agencies have found these programs valuable in supporting compliance efforts. Topics will include regulatory requirements, selecting and purchasing appropriate respirators and cartridges, training obligations, medical clearance, fit testing procedures, and the safe and effective use of respirators.
The program will:
Prepare you to be a Respiratory Safety Supervisor or someone who can provide fit testing.
Provide Use, Safety, and Law CEUs for pesticide applicators using respirators.
Provide hands-on fit testing opportunities. Attendees will fit test each other.
Approved for 2 Law, 2 Use, & 2 Safety CEUs
Resources, refreshments, snacks, and lunch provided!
Agenda
8:30 am doors open
9:30 am to 12:30 pm training lectures
12:30 - 1:00 pm lunch break (provided)
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ppt lectures
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm hands-on fit testing training
Times are approximate.

Please see the Respiratory Safety / Fit Testing flyer for more information and registration links.
Please share this announcement as appropriate.

Registration Pages: Registration opens on February 1st.
March 24th Moab: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976740206169?aff=oddtdtcreator
March 26th Kaysville: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976740677579?aff=oddtdtcreator

Respiratory Safety and Fit Testing Training

03/09/2026

In Utah, Dicamba is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP), requiring applicators to hold a valid state certification (Private or Commercial) and complete mandatory annual, product-specific training before application.

You can find both dicamba training at the following link. If you spray these products, specific training is required.

02/11/2026

I wanted to share this regulatory change with you all. Please follow the link about pesticide applications near schools.

https://usu-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/a02296072_aggies_usu_edu/IQBkMjWXQ7VYRZ3iiquxbGfRAYHyESRGOdK4nfAfFXFgZL8?e=ONN01V

02/09/2026

FYI

The virtual Urban and Small Farms Conference is February 17th – 19th. It looks like some great sessions. Find out more at https://extension.usu.edu/diverseag/. If you have any questions, please contact Ginger Dalde at [email protected] 385.468.4824 or Katie Wagner at [email protected] or 385.468.4826.

As other years, registration will be free but required. You can register from the link on the website or use this direct link: https://2026UrbanandSmallFarmsConf.eventbrite.com.

The general outline is below. Please note that the Wednesday morning session on Cut Flowers will start earlier at 8:30 AM. There is more information about the topics on the website, and more details about the speakers and topics will continue to be posted over the next few weeks.

Tuesday February 17th
9:00 AM – Animals
1:00 PM – Water Quality Considerations & Resources for Small Producers

Wednesday February 18th
8:30 AM – Cut Flowers
1:00 PM – Fruit

Thursday February 19th
9:00 AM – Vegetables
1:00 PM – Agriculture & Food Business Management

Annual conference for small-acreage urban and specialty crop producers located in the State of Utah and the Intermountain West.

01/08/2026

The USU Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program is pleased to partner with North Carolina Agromedicine and industry collaborators to offer two Respiratory Safety and Fit Testing events in March 2026. These trainings will be held on March 24 in Moab and March 26 in Kaysville.

The events will focus on respiratory protection related to pesticide use and will include hands-on fit testing. In addition, regulatory agencies have found these programs valuable in supporting compliance efforts. Topics will include regulatory requirements, selecting and purchasing appropriate respirators and cartridges, training obligations, medical clearance, fit testing procedures, and the safe and effective use of respirators.

Registration Pages: Registration opens on February 1st.

March 24th Moab: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976740206169?aff=oddtdtcreator

March 26th Kaysville: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976740677579?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/31/2025

We had a new article about the MI Eagle work and avian influenza come out recently. MI is far away but the effects of this virus are vast and ongoing