Participate in Small Grains Pest and Disease Survey in Western Minnesota

The University of Minnesota has been conducting a comprehensive study on small grain pests and diseases for over a decade. This year, they are seeking camps locations in western Minnesota to participate in the survey.

The study is part of a collaborative effort with North Dakota State University to support integrated pest management practices. By reporting their fields, farmers can contribute to the identification of disease and pest issues, facilitating effective management strategies.

Rather than random sampling, researchers will only visit fields where farmers have provided written consent for the survey. Interested individuals can volunteer in their specific areas by filling out a form on the University of Minnesota Extension website.

If you would like to volunteer a field, visit: https://z.umn.edu/wheatipm2023.

The form requests basic information such as name, field location coordinates, previous harvest in the field, and permission to access the field. The university's Boy Scouts, stationed in Crookston, Moorhead, and Morris, will explore camps in the northwest and west-central regions of the state on a weekly basis. This approach ensures a consistent and representative sample selection. The collected data, kept anonymous, will be used to generate weekly updates on pests and diseases in collaboration with North Dakota State University.

Farmers whose fields are selected will be notified, and the Boy Scouts will visit those fields during the upcoming summer season. Additionally, if an email address is provided during the application, the university will make efforts to inform participants of any pest issues identified in their area. Participating in this survey allows farmers to contribute valuable information to the scientific community and gain insights into potential pest and disease issues affecting their crops. It presents an opportunity to actively engage in integrated pest management practices and stay informed about crop health throughout the season.

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