Dr. Catherine Lindell is putting together a team to address vertebrate damage in specialty crops. Many of you know the great work she did in bird damage to fruit. I am hoping we can assist her in focusing and continuing this important and underserved sector of IPM. In order to identify grower priorities, a Qualtrics survey has been developed to collect input. MSU seeks farmer input on wildlife damage to crops

Researchers at Michigan State University are looking to identify wildlife management priorities for agriculture.

September 10, 2019 - Author: Erin Lizotte, Catherine Lindell and James DeDecker, Michigan State University Extension

Bird damage to tomato with secondary fungi causing rot. Photo by Erin Lizotte, MSU Extension.

Agricultural producers face a plethora of wildlife issues on the farm, from biosecurity in animal agriculture to food safety requirements for fresh produce farmers. Many wildlife species have social or economic value and may be regulated or protected, constraining timely mitigation strategies. Additionally, research and science-based management recommendations to help farmers address wildlife on the farm are limited, available for some crops and pest species but not others.

The last national United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey of U.S. wildlife damage to agriculture took place in 2001 and estimated $944 million in losses. At the national level, primary wildlife species resulting in losses to field crops included deer, turkeys, raccoons and waterfowl (collectively 75% of the reported losses), with 22% attributed to other species. For vegetables, fruits and nuts, deer, ground squirrels and other small rodents, crows, raccoons and rabbits were most frequently reported (64%), with other species accounting for 36% of the reported losses. All of these species have the potential to significantly impact agriculture in the Midwest as they are generally abundant and widespread in agriculture-dominated landscapes.

In an effort to identify and address agriculture and wildlife priorities in Michigan, Michigan State University has developed a brief survey (less than 3 minutes) and are asking all farmers to participate. The results of the survey will drive future research and mitigation efforts.

To take the survey please click: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxRIhLjhPa5EkuN

Please consider completing this survey as it will drive the direction and focus of an upcoming grant proposal and future research.

Thanks!

Erin Lizotte 

IPM Educator
Michigan State University Ext. 

Suite 400, 401 N. Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone (231)944-6504
Fax (231)779-9105
Skype: erinlizotte

 

 

Vicki Morrone

Organic Farming Specialist

Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd

East Lansing, MI 48824

517-282-3557 (cell)

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www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu

sorrone11 (skype)