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, Team Leader and Field Crops & IPM Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 27, 2018
Timely observations, information, and control strategies for managing pests, fertility, and current conditions on northwestern NY farms.
Crop Cam
Mike Stanyard, Team Leader and Field Crops & IPM Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 9, 2015
Tune in as the NWNY Teams' Extension agronomists put on their GoPro cameras and head to the field.
Crop Cam 9-01-15 White Mold in Soybeans, Mike Stanyard in Ontario County.
Crop Cam 6-17-15 Scouting Soybean Aphids Mike Stanyard in Ontario County.
Crop Cam 6-05-15 Scouting Black Cutworm in Field Corn Mike Stanyard in Orleans County.
Crop Cam 5-29-15 Identifying Flowering Stage of Wheat Mike Stanyard in Monroe County.
Crop Cam 5-15-15 Alfalfa Weevil Larvae Scouting Mike Stanyard in Ontario County.
Crop Cam 5-14-15 Winter Triticale Forage Harvest Mike Stanyard in Wayne County.
Crop Cam 4-27-15:Comparing two winter malting barley fields. Bill Verbeten in Niagara County.
Crop Cam 4-6-15: Estimating wheat tiller counts per square yard. Mike Stanyard in Ontario County.
Crop Cam 3-20-15:Evaluating winter malting barley. Bill Verbeten in Niagara County.
FAQs about Farm Drones
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 22, 2014
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
Last Modified: September 19, 2014
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
Last Modified: March 6, 2014
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
Last Modified: March 6, 2014
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
Last Modified: January 21, 2014
“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
Last Modified: December 20, 2013
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
Last Modified: August 30, 2013
NYS IPM publication to assist dairies and livestock producers with organic pest control options.
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Upcoming Events
Pasture Walk at C&H Farms of WNY, LLC
August 26, 2025
Akron, NY
C&H Farms is new to grazing beef cows. Come out to view, discuss, and learn what is working and what needs some adjusting.
Dairy Bovine Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Training Course en Espanol
October 14 - October 15, 2025
Join us for a two-day workshop with hands-on training that will be offered in Spanish in cooperation with Javier Cheang, Genex. Space is limited, register today!
Inaugural New York State Agritourism Conference
November 10 - November 11, 2025
Saratoga Springs, NY
SAVE THE DATE! Inaugural NEW YORK STATE AGRITOURISM CONFERENCE presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Program Work Team
Announcements
We're Hiring: Area Dairy Management Specialist
To apply:Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30185).
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025.
For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team can be found at https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/.
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