Livestock and Equine IPM Winter Webinar Series

Join us this winter for a free online webinar series offering livestock and equine producers, extension educators and agricultural professionals the opportunity to learn directly from researchers advancing practical, science-based solutions to on-farm pest challenges. Each session will focus on applying integrated pest management (IPM) principles—combining biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical tactics for effective, environmentally responsible control. Participants will gain tools to identify key pests, understand their life cycles and implement targeted strategies that promote animal health, reduce insecticide use and support beneficial insects.

January 22–March 5, 2026

1-hour Zoom sessions on Thursdays

cattle grazing in a field with the sun setting
A brown bull stares at the camera from 10 feet away, its face covered with flies.

Pastured Dairy and Beef IPM

Pastured cattle face ongoing challenges from external pests such as horn flies, face flies and ticks. This webinar will focus on identifying these pests and using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce their impact on animal health and performance.

January 22, 10–11 a.m.

A black and white Jersey cow standing in a muddy pasture stares at the camera while several others mill around in the background.

Dairy and Beef Cattle Internal Parasites IPM

Internal parasites such as stomach worms, coccidia and lungworms can affect cattle health and productivity, especially in grazing systems. This webinar will provide tools for monitoring parasite loads, interpreting fecal egg counts and developing strategic deworming plans.

January 29, 10–11 a.m.

A group of about 11 cows of several colors lying on wood chip bedding, several are staring at the camera

Cattle Confinement Fly IPM

Flies are a persistent issue in confinement settings, affecting animal comfort, milk production and overall health. This webinar will cover the identification and management of key filth fly species, including house and stable flies.

February 5, 10–11 a.m.

a horse grazes in a pasture

Filth Flies and Biting Insects on Horses

Filth flies and biting insects are among the most common and persistent pests around horses and stables. This webinar will cover the identification, biology and management of key species.

February 12, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

red and black tick on a leag

Managing Ticks on Horses

Ticks are a major concern for horse owners and managers due to their role in transmitting diseases and causing irritation and blood loss. This webinar will discuss the most common tick species affecting horses, their seasonal activity and habitats.

February 19, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

A black cow faces the camera with only its head in view, its face covered in flies with several more flying around nearby.

Tick IPM and New Approaches to Fly Thresholds on Cattle

This webinar will explore two timely livestock IPM topics—managing ticks on cattle and rethinking traditional fly thresholds.

March 5, 10–11 a.m.

Questions?

Contact Ken Wise

klw24 [at] cornell.edu (klw24[at]cornell[dot]edu)


 

Presenters

Pastured Dairy and Beef IPM, Dairy and Beef Cattle Internal Parasites IPM

Bryony Sands, Ph.D.

Bryony Sands, Ph.D., is an extension assistant professor and livestock IPM specialist at the University of Vermont. Her research focuses on sustainable pest and parasite management in grazing systems, including the effects of veterinary parasiticides on beneficial insects. With expertise in entomology, parasitology and agroecology, Sands integrates science and practical farm solutions to promote healthier livestock and ecosystems.

Cattle Confinement Fly IPM

Ken Wise

Ken Wise is the dairy and livestock IPM Coordinator and associate director of agricultural IPM with  Cornell Integrated Pest Management. He leads statewide efforts to research, develop and evaluate IPM strategies for managing flies, ticks and other livestock pests.

Filth Flies and Biting Insects on Horses, Managing Ticks on Horses

Erika Machtinger, Ph.D.

Erika Machtinger, Ph.D., is an associate professor of entomology at Penn State University, specializing in veterinary entomology and integrated pest management (IPM) for livestock and horses. Her research focuses on developing sustainable, science-based approaches to manage flies, ticks and other pests affecting animal health and welfare. Through her extension and outreach work, Machtinger provides practical guidance to horse owners, veterinarians and agricultural professionals on pest identification, prevention and control strategies that protect both animals and people while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

Tick IPM and New Approaches to Fly Thresholds on Cattle

Cassandra Olds, Ph.D.

Cassandra Olds, Ph.D., is a veterinary entomologist and assistant professor at Kansas State University, known for her innovative research on livestock pests and her practical, science-based approaches to improving animal health and welfare. She will share her expertise and provide new perspectives on effective integrated pest management for ticks on cattle and how we can rethink fly thresholds.

A headshot photo of Bryony Sands in a sunny field
portrait of Ken Wise
A headshot photo of Erika Machtinger smiling and standing with a brown horse
Headshot of Dr. Cassandra Olds, a person with long brown hair and a nice smile, wearing a green shirt and sitting in front of a tan stone wall.