ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 4, 2010

NORTH DAKOTA WEED CONTROL OFFICIALS TO MEET

BISMARCK – Weed control officials from across the state will gather Tuesday through Thursday, Jan. 12-14, for the 2010 North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner’s Weed Forum and the annual meeting of the North Dakota Weed Control Association (NDWCA).

The meetings take place at the Best Western Seven Seas Hotel, 2611 Old Red Trail, in Mandan.

“This is an opportunity for city and county weed officers and weed board members to network with weed scientists from North Dakota State University, pesticide industry representatives and state and federal weed control personnel, and to gather information on the latest weed control issues,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “The forum focuses on developing cooperative programs and strategies efforts to provide weed control more efficiently and economically.”

The morning session at the commissioner’s forum on Tuesday, includes presentations on the emerald ash borer, noxious weed enforcement, and education and outreach.

Goehring is the luncheon speaker and will also present the 2010 Weed Partner Awards.

During the afternoon session, participants will hear an update on biological control and a presentation on weed identification. A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. on proposed changes in North Dakota’s list of noxious weeds.

All forum sessions are open to the public.

At the NDWCA meeting, members will discuss the new invasive weed halogeten, as well as pesticide registration, native seedings, aquatic weeds and new herbicides. They will also participate in a panel discussion with members of the interim State Agriculture Committee on the growing concern of weed infiltration throughout the state.

Ron Smith, North Dakota State University horticulturist, is the featured speaker for the spouses’ brunch on Wednesday.

Convention registration forms are available on the NDWCA website: www.ndweeds.homestead.com  or by calling Becky Schroeder, NDWCA executive secretary, at (701) 570-3545.

A non-profit organization that encourages education and awareness in weed management, the NDWCA provides a liaison among city and county weed boards, weed control officers, groups, organizations, agencies, companies and individuals with weed management programs.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov.