The New NYS Wheat Tactical Agriculture Program 2004 in Oneida County and Seneca County

A pilot Tactical Agriculture (TAg) Team project was conducted during the growing season of 2004 to begin to assess the degree of implementation of IPM practices by wheat and small grain producers in New York State. Season-long education programs based on the TAg Team model were implemented in Oneida County and Seneca County. TAg Teams are a proven method for effectively involving extension personnel, agribusiness representatives, and growers in on-farm classroom settings to demonstrate scouting procedures and other IPM tactics. Needs of wheat growers varied, and much basic pest management knowledge was lacking. A test of current knowledge was administered prior to the program, and producers answered on average fewer than half of the questions correctly. At the completion of the program, producers answered close to 85% of the same questions correctly. Results from evaluation materials in Oneida County indicate that IPM will be implemented on close to 2,000 acres of wheat. Interest is strong among county educators and agribusiness professionals for further development of this program. Simple lesson plans and some initial educational materials were developed, and development of curricula that would provide a ready-made package for county educators to use will continue