Class: Pest and Weed Management Strategies for the Transitioning Producer

Because the need for organic feed grains greatly exceeds domestic supply in the United States, organic transition and certified organic production systems offer some exciting opportunities for grain producers. However, these systems also present challenges, including effective weed and insect pest management. Synthetic pesticides are not allowed in organic production, so pest management is largely based on crop rotation, cultural and mechanical practices, and biological insect control (e.g., beneficial insects, insect pathogens). This webinar will provide information on approaches to pest management in organic transition and certified organic grain production systems. Research results that demonstrate how these practices and processes can effectively suppress weed and insect pests will also be discussed.