Fallon County weed staff report expanded spraying and set 'spray days' training for Jan. 7

County weed program staff told commissioners the department completed 66 spray jobs this year and has already received many cost‑share payments. The staff member said the program split costs across labor, equipment and chemical purchases, added six or seven new customers who bought chemicals or used the county spray service, and noted one common subsidy—the "white top" credit that historically covers up to $200 per person for white top control.

“The very back page has the total numbers ran on it: sales, cost, share, all that stuff,” the staff member said, summarizing the department’s bookkeeping. They said some bills were higher than expected and they reviewed the totals multiple times to reconcile the grand total.

The department plans to hold a combined outreach and training event on Jan. 7, hosted with the Little Beaver Conservation District. Presentations are scheduled for the morning on range‑land and saline patches, followed by spray‑day demonstrations after lunch; five presenters are expected and the county and conservation district mailed about 307 postcards to advertise the event.

Staff also described an education grant application to the Noxious Weed Trust Fund aimed at offering classes for children, landowners and town residents, plus a plant‑pressing activity intended to help schools and local groups recognize invasive plants. The department said it hopes to involve FFA and 4‑H groups.

Commissioners did not take formal action at the meeting; staff asked to continue outreach and finalize logistics for the January event.