Becker County agricultural inspector summarizes weed‑control programs and gravel‑pit certification

Brandon Gill, Becker County agricultural inspector, told the board about ongoing noxious weed management and an active “weed‑free gravel pit” certification program.

Program highlights: Gill said Becker County was an early adopter of a national weed‑free gravel‑pit certification program and that the county inspects pits each spring and fall. Since the county’s program start in 2009, Gill said certified pits have shown a roughly 75% reduction in noxious and invasive weeds (number calculated two years ago; Gill said he will recalculate with current data). The county helps landowners with grant‑funded cost‑share herbicide programs and distributes biological control agents such as flea beetles for leafy spurge and weevils for knapweed.

Public‑land and partner work: Gill said he coordinates a cooperative weed management area (CWMA) that includes DNR, US Fish and Wildlife, NRCS, county highway, townships and cities. He reported distributing roughly 29,000 leafy‑spurge beetles to six sites in 2024, administering 124 pesticide applicator exams, and providing cost‑share grants to 62 recipients in the last year. Grant awards for 2024 totaled about $24,000 for weed‑control activities and outreach, he said.

Why this matters: Gill said invasive species such as non‑native phragmites and wild parsnip threaten public health, water bodies, pasture productivity and land values. He described the county’s proactive, multi‑agency approach—inspection, education, cost share and biological controls—as a cost‑effective strategy that reduces long‑term control costs.

Ending: Commissioners thanked Gill; he said he will continue to coordinate the CWMA, monitor invasive species, and present updates to townships, cities, and the board when new problem areas emerge.