Produced by Jack Riesselman, the program is aired weekly for 6 weeks each fall and 10 weeks each spring. Funding is contributed by MSU Cooperative Extension Service and private industry sponsors. Field tours and on-farm demonstrations are conducted each year on a variety of production topics. Additionally Extension Specialists participate in Agricultural Research Station field days, Cooperative Extension field days, and private and industry-sponsored farm demonstrations and tours. County Extension personnel organize these programs with support by Extension Specialists.
Class size is limited to accommodate laboratory facilities.
Much of the schoolwork is hands-on, laboratory style teaching. In 1994 a significant electronic component was added to the school, to train participants in use of computer software programs including the Stored Grain Advisor and internet resources. When completed, information in the pest recommendation network will include pest and symptom identification, life cycle, host ranges, conditions favoring outbreaks, and control strategies. The system condenses an immense body of literature on wheat problems into standard sub-categories for each topic, allowing for continual editing of information. Occurrence and control of wheat production problems in Montana is emphasized.