Grasshopper Suppression Program Update

Courtesy PR Extension Office

Encouraged by the recent moisture and at least the possibility of grass to protect this summer, there is a request for additional information from cooperators interested in participating in the APHIS Grasshopper Suppression Program.

“Over the last few months, we have eighty-seven landowners representing over 520,000 acres in Powder River County interested in participating in a treatment program,” according to MSU Powder River County Extension Agent Mary Rumph. Specific information from each landowner will be needed to finalize treatment areas. Providing the necessary information will involve cooperators working with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Powder River Extension, and APHIS.

“Although additional federal funding has not been approved at this point,” said Rumph, “we need to be in a position to utilize the funds IF and WHEN they do become available. Once again, best case scenario is abundant moisture and a grasshopper population we can live with…however, it makes sense to be prepared for the worse-case scenario, too.”

Extension will be sending the required forms to sign up for the program via email whenever possible. The paperwork needs to be completed and sent to APHIS in Billings ASAP. Forms can also be picked up at the Extension Office.

“The biggest challenge is creating electronic maps of areas to be treated,” said Rumph. “Fortunately, the FSA staff can provide you with files of your properties, which you can provide to APHIS personnel to develop potential treatment area maps” said Rumph.

The purpose of the meeting on Tuesday, May 18th beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Broadus Community Center, will be to finalize cooperative agreements and maps. The more shape files completed by that date will expedite the process.

Please contact the Extension Office at 436-2424 with questions.