MSU to host organic pest management field day Aug. 20

Organic growers and educators will gather Aug. 20 at Michigan State University’s Student Organic Farm in East Lansing for a field day focused on practical pest management strategies in organic vegetable production.

The Organic Vegetable Pest Management Field Day, hosted by MSU Extension and the Department of Entomology, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event offers a mix of field demonstrations, applied research updates and peer-to-peer learning opportunities tailored to organic systems.

MSU entomologists Zsofia Szendrei and Ben Phillips will lead discussions and demonstrations on managing key insect pests like cucumber beetles, squash bugs and Colorado potato beetles using non-chemical tools. Attendees will tour research plots and observe trials using trap crops, insectary plantings, biocontrols, row covers and OMRI-approved insecticides.

The event aims to give growers hands-on experience with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that align with organic certification standards.

In addition to presentations by MSU researchers and Extension staff, the program encourages farmer-to-farmer exchange on what’s working in the field. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and share insights on applying pest control techniques in diverse production settings.

The field day is free to attend and includes a light lunch. It is supported by USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative and the Organic Transitions Program.

Get more details and register for the Organic Vegetable Pest Management Field Day online.