IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in New York State

Cornell Integrated Pest Management, Cornell University’s Department of Entomology, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, with support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, have launched the largest on-farm field research and extension project in program history. The project is designed to better understand, identify, and support the transition away from neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments in conjunction with the New York State Birds and Bees Protection Act. Corn and soybean growers from more than 80 farms across New York State are participating in the trials, which aim to determine where and when there is a significant risk of pest damage; aid in the development and deployment of a seed pest risk assessment tool; and test and demonstrate IPM alternatives, including the viability of not using insecticide seed treatments.

Informational Meetings

To make information about the Birds and Bees Protection Act, ongoing research and current findings accessible to growers, Cornell IPM and project partners from Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension are hosting a series of informational meetings for growers, crop consultants, certified crop advisors, industry representatives, crop managers and policymakers at locations across the state.

corn seedlings on a desk with a clipboard

two people talking behind a parked planter

Pesticide Applicator Training Credits

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Pesticide Applicator Training Credits are available at each event.

aerial shot of field day hay wagons and attendees viewing research plots

Informational Meeting Schedule

June 26, 2025

The Birds and Bees Act: How New Regulations on Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments Will Shape Field Crop Production in NYS—Insights from Statewide Large-Scale Farm Trials

Presenters: Dr. Katja Poveda and Dr. Alejandro Calixto
Event details and registration: 2025 Cornell Seed Grower’s Field Day
Location: Ithaca, NY

July 22, 2025

IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in New York State

Presenter: Erik Smith, Field Crop Specialist
Event details and registration: Cobleskill meeting—IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in New York State
Location: Cobleskill, NY (venue will be shared after registration)

July 24, 2025

Life After Neonics: Exploring The Effect of Manure, Cover Crops, and Seed Treatment on Early Pest Risk in NY Field Crops

Presenters: Lilly Elliott-Vidaurri, Suleima Patt, and Katja Poveda
Event details and registration: 2025 Aurora Farm Field Day
Location: Musgrave Research Farm, Aurora, NY

July 30, 2025