AUSTIN — A predator management training program will be presented from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin.
Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the program to begin at 9 a.m.
“Predators such as coyotes, foxes and feral dogs cause property and crop damage, and can injure or kill livestock, resulting in economic loss for Texas farmers and ranchers,” said Julie Ansley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources, Travis County. “Predators also can serve as vectors for many diseases.”
To help address predator concerns, the Texas Department of Agriculture works with AgriLife Extension to help Texans in the livestock industry find the most appropriate control method, said program coordinators. The training helps ensure the methods used to manage livestock predation are not hazardous to humans, non-target animals or the environment.
“This program covers training on available management and monitoring techniques and certifies applications for use of M-44 sodium cyanide — for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires special training for certification,” Ansley said. “Before using these pesticides, applicators must have the appropriate TDA license and attend a predator management training.”
The cost for the workshop is $35 and includes breakfast. Participants must RSVP by Sept. 13. No cash will be accepted, so participants are asked to pay by check or money order made out to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service #280100-60020.
To RSVP and for more information, contact Sue Carrasco at 512-854-9610 or SACarrasco@ag.tamu.edu.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, to obtain M-44 certification, participants must attend a TDA predator management training session, pass the M-44 Exam with a score of 70 or above and possess one of the following TDA applicator licenses:
–Private applicator certificate or license.
— Non-commercial applicator license with the predatory animal control subcategory or the regulatory pest control or demonstration and research categories.
–Commercial applicator license with the predatory animal control subcategory.
According to state agriculture department, M-44 certificates with numbers below 5000 are no longer valid.
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