Farming crops and livestock in Alaska can be challenging. Pests, whether affecting plants or livestock, add to the problem by decreasing farm productivity. At the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Natural Resources and Extension, we think it is important to document the ones we have and develop sustainable ways to control them. We also think it is important to keep any new pests from establishing and your help in finding new pests is critical to all of Alaska’s future agricultural success.
It was with this in mind that UAF School of Natural Resources and Extension secured grant funding to investigate the presence of pests on Alaskan farms. We welcome Alaskan farmers to participate in this important project. At your invitation trained IPM technicians will teach scouting techniques to document the presence of plant and/or livestock pests.
For crop pests:
The IPM technician will work with you to check one of your fields for pests. The goals of this exercise are to remind you of the methods and importance of always looking for pests in your crops and where to send any unknown insects, diseases, and weeds for identification. We will be able to work with you to determine options for controlling any pest that might prove to be a problem in your crop.
For livestock pests (cattle, sheep, and goats only):
The IPM technician will collect feces for analysis of internal pests. Fecal samples will be processed at UAF free of charge, and you will receive a report listing the types of parasites found in the livestock and the category of dewormer that may best treat the problem. Additionally, the technician will look for the presence of ticks and lice on some livestock (collecting any found), and will perform a “5 Point Check’ as a way to correlate fecal analysis and livestock well-being (refer to our website for more information on the “5 Point Check’). This project will only cover investigation into pests of cattle, goats, and sheep. If you have other livestock types, we apologize that we cannot accommodate including them at this time.
If you grow crops or raise livestock (cattle, sheep, or goats) you are eligible for a site visit from an IPM technician.
To schedule a site visit, contact your local IPM technician:
Kenai Peninsula District: Janice Chumley, (907) 262’5824, jichumley@alaska.edu
Mat’Su/Copper River District: Pam Compton, (907) 745-3360, pfcompton@alaska.edu
Delta District: Nellie Troit, (907) 895-4215, ntroit@alaska.edu
Tanana District: Darcy Etcheverry, (907) 474-5107, ddetcheverry@alaska.edu
