Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based approach that emphasizes long-term pest prevention through biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural practices, and resistant crop varieties. Pesticides are only applied when monitoring shows they are necessary, targeting specific pests while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Scouting is key to accurately identify pests and determine when intervention is needed.
The key steps in implementing IPM include:
Setting action thresholds: Establishing the pest population level that triggers control measures tailored to crop type, stage, and local conditions.
Monitoring and identifying pests: Ensuring proper identification and tailored control strategies to specific pests.
Prevention: Using crop rotation, resistant varieties, and adjusted planting dates to reduce pest problems.
Control: Applying control methods only when necessary based on pest monitoring and action thresholds.
In dairy farming, IPM integrates pest monitoring and management in both crop fields and barns. Techniques include crop rotation, biological control with beneficial insects, and mechanical methods like screens and traps. Within the farm, regular checks and tools like traps help manage pests such as flies and mites. Cultural practices like clean barns and proper manure management, combined with biological controls like parasitic wasps, support natural pest management. Chemical controls are applied selectively, with an emphasis on rotating pesticide types to prevent resistance, while environmental management—such as rotating grazing areas—further reduces pest breeding grounds.
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
All Sizes
Practice Benefits
Reduced pesticide use: By focusing on targeted interventions, IPM reduces the need for chemical pesticides, lowering costs and minimizing the risk of pesticide resistance.
Improved animal health: Effective control of insect pests reduces stress and disease transmission among dairy cattle, leading to better overall health and productivity.
Cost-effective pest control: Through monitoring and targeted interventions, IPM can lead to more efficient resource use, ultimately lowering operational costs.
Reduced health and safety risks: Decreasing pesticide use lowers health and safety risks for the environment, farm workers, and livestock.
Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements
In most cases, there are no specific site or farm requirements.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)
Monitoring and diagnostic tools: Investment in monitoring equipment is necessary for both field crops and livestock areas, with additional tools required for barn environments.
Infrastructure modifications: To prevent pest entry, barns may require physical modifications, such as screens, fans or barriers, which can increase capital costs.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)
Agronomy support: Most farmers can rely on agronomists to implement IPM strategies for forage crops. Agronomists bring expertise in pest identification, monitoring, and treatment options, reducing the direct burden on the farmer.
Labor for monitoring: Regular monitoring in both field and barn environments requires consistent labor input, particularly in barns, where pest populations can more directly impact livestock health.
Biological and chemical controls: Recurring costs include purchasing biological controls and applying chemical treatments as needed, with variations depending on the environment.
Record-keeping: Accurate record-keeping is essential for tracking pest populations and the effectiveness of interventions across different areas of the farm.
Implementation Considerations
Knowledge and expertise gap: IPM requires a deep understanding of pest biology, ecology, and the interactions between different control methods. The practice also relies heavily on regular monitoring of pest populations, which can be time-consuming and requires expertise in identifying pests and determining the appropriate thresholds for action. Without this expertise, farmers may find it difficult to implement IPM properly.
Time and labor requirements: The approach is often more labor-intensive than conventional pest control methods, particularly in monitoring and implementing non-chemical controls. This can be a significant barrier for farmers with limited labor resources. Additionally, the ongoing monitoring, data collection, and application of multiple control methods can be time-consuming, which is challenging for farmers already managing multiple aspects of their operations.
Economic considerations: While IPM can reduce long-term costs, the initial investment in monitoring equipment, biological controls, and potential infrastructure modifications can be a deterrent, especially for smaller farms with limited capital.
Short-term vs. long-term perspective: Conventional pesticides often provide immediate results, which can be more appealing to farmers facing urgent pest problems. IPM, on the other hand, often emphasizes long-term prevention and may not offer the same immediate relief. The approach requires a long-term commitment to monitoring and prevention.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Related EQIP Practice Standard: Pest Management Conservation Systems (595).
Related CSP Enhancements: Reduce risk of pesticides in surface water by utilizing precision pesticide application techniques (E595A), Reduce risk of pesticides in surface water and air by utilizing IPM PAMS techniques (E595B).
Notes:
Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and practice requirements relevant to your location.
Additional Resources
Article: Cut Hay or Spray - 7 Points to Consider in Alfalfa Pest Control (Progressive Forage)
Website: Integrated Pest Management (USDA)
Website: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles (EPA)
Website: New York State Integrated Pest Management (Cornell University)
Website: UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (University of California)
Environmental Impacts
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
IPM promotes the careful, targeted use of pesticides, applying them only when necessary. This reduces the amount of chemicals used, minimizing the potential for runoff into surface waters and leaching into groundwater. By prioritizing non-chemical pest control methods—such as biological control, mechanical removal, and cultural practices—IPM helps protect water quality and reduce environmental damage.
SUPPORTS BIODIVERSITY
IPM encourages the preservation of natural habitats and non-crop areas, which support diverse ecosystems, including beneficial insects, birds, and plants. Practices within IPM, such as fostering pollinators and natural pest predators, enhance populations of beneficial organisms that help control pests naturally. By minimizing the use of broad-spectrum pesticides, IPM reduces harm to non-target species and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
REFerences
Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
The optional FARM ES Conservation Practice Questionnaire (CPQ) asks if an integrated pest management (IPM) plan is used.
Contents
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based approach that emphasizes long-term pest prevention through biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural practices, and resistant crop varieties. Pesticides are only applied when monitoring shows they are necessary, targeting specific pests while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Scouting is key to accurately identify pests and determine when intervention is needed.
The key steps in implementing IPM include:
Setting action thresholds: Establishing the pest population level that triggers control measures tailored to crop type, stage, and local conditions.
Monitoring and identifying pests: Ensuring proper identification and tailored control strategies to specific pests.
Prevention: Using crop rotation, resistant varieties, and adjusted planting dates to reduce pest problems.
Control: Applying control methods only when necessary based on pest monitoring and action thresholds.
In dairy farming, IPM integrates pest monitoring and management in both crop fields and barns. Techniques include crop rotation, biological control with beneficial insects, and mechanical methods like screens and traps. Within the farm, regular checks and tools like traps help manage pests such as flies and mites. Cultural practices like clean barns and proper manure management, combined with biological controls like parasitic wasps, support natural pest management. Chemical controls are applied selectively, with an emphasis on rotating pesticide types to prevent resistance, while environmental management—such as rotating grazing areas—further reduces pest breeding grounds.
Practices and technologies
Integrated Pest Management: Insects
alternative practice name: