Japanese Beetle

Join the Montana Department of Agriculture during Noxious Weed Awareness Week for a weed pull and trailhead clean-up event! 

When: 2 - 4 PM on Wednesday, June 9th 

Where: Meet at the Old Shooting Range Trailhead (1782 Davis Gulch Rd. Helena, MT)

What: Connect with other Montanans interested in learning more about noxious weed prevention and management initiatives across the state as we work together to beautify the department's Adopt-a-Trailhead area! Bags, water, prizes for pulled weeds, and root beer floats are provided!

Why: Noxious weeds can have serious economic and environmental impacts, especially on Montana's agricultural lands. This event is designed to raise awareness and education around noxious weed prevention and management strategies, and celebrate our state's continued efforts to make a difference together! 

Learn about: 

• Noxious Weeds & Weed Identification
• Hand Sprayer Calibration
• Biocontrol Use
• Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage
• Certified Weed Free Materials
• Adopt-a-Trailhead

As people across the state gear up to plant their gardens this spring, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding growers about the importance of buying and planting seeds from licensed seed dealers to protect against invasive species and plant diseases.

“Spring is such an exciting time for agriculture in Montana, from our farmers and ranchers out in the field to the folks planting gardens in their backyard,” said Director Mike Foster. “Along with this excitement comes a responsibility to look after our state by purchasing seeds from trustworthy sources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Department to ensure that your seeds are safe before planting them.”

Last year, residents in all 50 states received unsolicited “mystery seeds” through the mail that originated in China causing federal and state agencies to urge recipients not to plant them, and to contact their state regulatory officials to submit them for testing or dispose of them instead. Close to 150 seed packages were received in Montana and sent to USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) for testing. A mix of ornamental, fruit and vegetable, herb and weed species were discovered and fortunately determined not to be severely hazardous. In this case, the unsolicited seeds appear to have been sent as part of a brushing scam designed to boost e-commerce rankings for companies by shipping items to unknowing individuals and then creating false profiles and fabricated positive reviews.

Whether it be as part of a brushing scam or otherwise, planting unknown or unsolicited seeds can introduce harmful pests and/or diseases. To ensure your seeds are safe, please:

• check to confirm the seed species information is printed on the seed package
• do not plant any seeds of unknown species or origin
•  verify seed suppliers are licensed in MT at mtplants.mt.gov or call MDA at (406) 444-3144.

The Federal Seed Act and Montana Seed Laws require seed sellers and distributors to plainly label their packages. The MDA Seed Program ensures that seeds offered for sale in Montana are truthfully labeled for identity, purity, and viability. To learn more, visit the Montana Department of Agriculture’s web page at agr.mt.gov/SeedProgram.

Governor Greg Gianforte has proclaimed March 22 - 26, 20201 Montana Agriculture Week!

Click here to view the full proclamation.