Pests
Numerous pests affect commercial grain, forage and livestock production in New York. All stages of crop growth may be susceptible to insects, weeds or disease causing pathogens which may result in poor seedling emergence, reduced yields and quality issues. Similarly, livestock are affected by nuisance insects, parasites and diseases both in the barn and out on the pasture. Correct pest identification is a crucial step in developing an integrated pest management program on your farm.NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Specialists conduct research and educational programs on many important insects, diseases and weeds in New York. While not an exhaustive list, current information on many important crop and livestock pests can be found below. Additional information can be found under the pest categories of Diseases, Insects, and Weeds.
What's Wrong with My Crop?
A diagnosis and educational service
available only to our enrollees.
Crop Alert
Mike Stanyard, Field Crops & IPM Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Timely observations, information, and control strategies for managing pests, fertility, and current conditions on northwestern NY farms.
Crop Cam
Mike Stanyard, Field Crops & IPM Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Tune in as the NWNY Teams' Extension agronomists put on their GoPro cameras and head to the field.
FAQs about Farm Drones
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Have a question about using an unmanned aerial system (UAS) on your farm? Not sure what is and isn't legal for drone use on your land? Check out this PDF for more information.
Northern Stem Canker in Soybeans
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Heard about Northern Stem Canker? It's a new disease in New York that's been found in many soybean fields. Download this write-up by Gary Bergstrom and Jaime Cummings discussing Northern Stem Canker in Soybeans.
Early Season Wheat Management Tips
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Need to review early season management of nitrogen, weeds, and fungicides in winter wheat? Check out Mike Stanyard's March 2014 Ag Focus article on this topic.
Handy Bt Trait Table
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Not sure about which insects your Bt trait is rated to control? Have questions about what refuge requirement is appropriate for your Bt corn variety? Wondering what herbicide tolerances are associated with different Bt hybrids? Check out the "Handy Bt Trait Table" authored by Chris DiFonzo of Michigan State University and Eileen Cullen of University of Wisconsin.
Abnormal Corn Ears Poster
“Check out this poster describing the cause of abnormal corn ears.”
Apps for Ag
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
List of some apps for smartphone users.
Integrated Pest Management Guide for Organic Dairies
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
NYS IPM publication to assist dairies and livestock producers with organic pest control options.
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
2026 Soybean & Small Grains Congress
February 11, 2026
Henrietta, NY
Participant Registration for the 2026 Soybean & Small Grains Congress NOW OPEN!
2026 Forage Congress
March 12, 2026
Nunda, NY
Due to the unprecedented winter storm that recently impacted travel conditions across the region and U.S., combined with extreme cold temperatures and associated safety concerns, Forage Congress was postponed out of an abundance of caution. This decision was made with the safety of our participants, speakers, staff, and venue partners as the highest priority.
We are pleased to officially announce that Forage Congress has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and will be held at The Nunda Ranch as originally planned.
Address: 2278-NY 436, Nunda, New York 14517
Sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and event registration are now open. We are excited to reconvene this important educational program and look forward to welcoming producers, industry partners, and speakers for a full day of applied, research-based forage systems programming.
From Dry to Fresh: Transition Cow Management Training
March 12, 2026
Albion, NY
This is a 1-day hands-on training in transition cow management offered in English and Spanish.