Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1939-07-29

Noxious weed control is one of
the most difficult and complex
problems of farmers using irriga-
ton throughout Montana. The
damage caused by weeds in the
state is estimated at millions of
dollars annually. Because infesta-
ton of weeds in many counties was
spreading rapidly with scant at
tention being given the problem
and but a few counties sponsoring de-
velopment Of an extensive control pro-
gram, Montana legislators took action
at their last session in enacting a
state weed control law, effective for
the first time this year.
This new legislation Is expected TO
materially aid the war on weeds this
year and In the next few years should
return vast benefits to agriculturists Of
the state
Whether effective chemical warfare
can be waged on weeds in the state
Is still largely predetermined. Through
the experiments already conducted at
three trial plots in Yellowstone county,
the estimated cost of combating weeds
With chemicals ranges from $50 TO
1853 an acre.
bllC WtEQ liCudCC LDI-
ttnues TO present such a serious prob
lem that, unless some effective and
economical control methods are worked
out, the number Of acres infested will
be so great that the cost Of control
win be prohibitive, according to ag-
ricultural experts
Principal NoxiOus Weeds
Weeds that are proving the main
menace to Montana irrigated farm
lands are wild morning glory, Canadi-
an thistle, white top, SOW thistle and /
Russian knapweed. Seeding and feed
ing operations on farms, birds, water /
and wind contribute to the spread Of /
the eradicators Is that the termination
OF weed seed Is low.
Four methods Of control are rec
commended at present on weed patches
already established. One that is en-
phasized Is the destruction of all seed
through cutting the weeds before they
blossom or shortly afterwards and then
drying and burning the plants. other
control methods recommended are
black following Of land, seeding Of
permanent pastures, chemical treat
ment and rotation of crops.
Soil building payments are paid to
co-operators under the federal agri-
cultural conservation program for weed
control work through chemical or fall
lowing methods. As a further means
toward effective control, the new Mon
tana noxious weed law provides for
the creation Of districts where the In
festation Is severe and empowers coun-
ty officials to force nonco-operators
TO carry out control measures on their
land.
Provides for Districts
Weed districts are set up under the
new law on petitions signed by %
percent Of the freehOlders residing In
the proposed district and the written (
consent of landowners owning 81 per-
cent OF the agricultural land within (
the district.
Under the act county commissioners
are empowered to pass upon weed con-
troll and weed seed determination dis >
trtcts and are given authority to ap- :
point supervisors to direct an eradica-
ton program and to name county :
weed commissioner in direct charge OF :
field work.
The state weed law designates the .
live worst perennials found in Mon
ana, and empowers the board of coun- !,
" commissioners to designate any
)ther noxious weed which has become =
/ serious menace in county areas. !.
ANY weed control program to be ef- :
'ecttye and Of real benefit in reclaim +
ng and protecting farm lands must :
,e established on permanent basis,
{ Is pointed out by agricultural lead o
IT'S. The program cannot be started !
me year and dropped the next. Weed
control is recognized as a longtime :,
,roblem and worthy Of the expenditure y
# county funds
To Finance Control Work n
The new state law provides for trans q
er of money from the county general K
und or by levy up to one mill on II
he total taxable valuation of the IA
county to finance a weed control pro- q
ram. 1t Is recommended that a long 2,
lime control program should be fl Il
lanced through levy, providing a