Pest Patrol – Innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Education and Training for Agricultural Professionals in Idaho

Commodities

• Agronomic: barley, potatoes, sugarbeets

Practices

• Education and Training: demonstration, technical assistance, workshop

Effective management of agricultural pests is crucial for food security and sustainable farming in Idaho. However, the growing complexity of pest challenges exacerbated by climate change, evolving pest resistance, and an influx of new agricultural producers creates a pressing need for comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) education. Many new farmers lack experience with IPM strategies in Idaho, while seasoned producers can benefit from updated practices and technologies. As pest management becomes increasingly intricate, agricultural professionals like University of Idaho (UI) Extension Educators must remain informed about the latest techniques.

The Pest Patrol initiative addresses this gap through an innovative training program centered around an IPM Demonstration Farm. This hands-on learning environment allows agricultural professionals to engage with practical IPM techniques, including companion planting, crop rotation, pest identification, and beneficial insect use, alongside cutting-edge approaches like biological soil amendments, pheromone disruption, and drone-based pest monitoring. By incorporating technology, Pest Patrol will also showcase data-driven tools such as remote sensing for early pest detection and precision pest management to reduce pesticide reliance.

Building on existing IPM initiatives by the UI Extension and local agricultural organizations, this program aims to enhance educators’ knowledge and skills in IPM principles. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the training will encompass best practices, innovative techniques, and the latest research findings, facilitating effective communication with diverse producer groups. The program will include peer discussions, expert-led webinars, podcasts, and best practice resources to foster a collaborative learning community.

By establishing the Pest Patrol initiative, we aim to develop a network of skilled IPM practitioners capable of leading sustainable pest management efforts throughout Idaho. This initiative will enhance the ecological health of agricultural systems, improve crop yields, and bolster the economic viability of farming operations, thereby promoting pest management excellence and ensuring sustainable food production in the region.

Objectives

1. Establish an Innovative IPM Demonstration Farm for Hands-On Training: The goal is to create a hands-on IPM demonstration farm at the Parma Research and Extension Center, Parma, Idaho. Success will be measured by establishing a farm that demonstrate at least five distinct IPM practices. We aim to train a minimum of 60 agricultural professionals over three years through workshops and hands-on activities. The project team, composed of agronomists and extension specialists, will oversee the farm's development. Given the existing infrastructure at the center, this objective is feasible, with a target within the first 18 months for laying the foundation.
2. Build a Collaborative Network of IPM Practitioners and Educators: Develop a collaborative network among agricultural professionals and extension educators to enhance knowledge sharing in agricultural pest management. Success will be tracked by organizing at least two hands-on workshops and six interactive networking sessions annually, aiming to engage at least 60 professionals trained as the first target audience. The project team will recruit participants from local agricultural organizations and educational institutions to ensure diverse representation. This objective aligns with current educational frameworks, with the development of training materials and execution of sessions to be completed within the project completion.
3. Advance Region-Specific IPM Education: The aim is to deliver targeted IPM training that addresses Idaho's unique agricultural conditions and pest profiles and, ultimately, judicious usage of pesticides. We plan to train at least 60 individuals, who will, in turn, educate and assist a minimum of 100 growers in their regions. Experienced educators will lead sessions supported by local agricultural agencies. Stakeholders will gain IPM knowledge through extension and outreach activities, including field days with 30 participants each, organized regionally. An IPM Symposium will be conducted in the last 12 months to engage 100 participants statewide and showcase program impacts.