Field Crop Insect Guide Helps with Identification, Insect Behavior and Management

Jul 25, 2023

By Erin Hodgson and Adam Sisson

Crop farmers, agronomists and others who scout crops for insect injury can gain new insight through the latest version of Field Crop Insects.

First published in 2012, the latest edition became available in print from the Iowa State University Extension Store in July 2023.

Field Crop Insects provides detailed descriptions and photos of more than 50 pest and beneficial insects found in Iowa and information on insect life cycle, crop injury, scouting and management options.

“This new compendium has some important updates for field crop insects in Iowa,” said Erin Hodgson, professor in entomology and extension specialist in entomology at Iowa State. “It includes some new pests since the first edition and highlights common alfalfa pests now, too. It is a valuable resource for new farmers and agronomists, and for those who regularly scout crops.”

Insect pests reduce yields in Iowa’s crop fields every year and are responsible for grain, seed and forage quality reductions.

Many insects injure multiple field crops, and the choices made during one season can impact losses during future seasons.

Important interactions exist among insect pests, plant pathogens and weeds. New technologies are continually emerging, and insect genetics, behavior and distribution can change over time. Therefore, looking at insect issues from a holistic viewpoint is important, considering both short-term pest management needs and long-term farm resiliency.

“Field Crop Insects provides a practical and informative look at the different kinds of insects Iowa’s farmers encounter,” said Adam Sisson. “We explain how to identify insect pests, and then we provide further information about insect behavior, scouting and management basics when applicable.”

The publication can be purchased in single copy printed editions for $8, digital pdfs for $5 or bundles of 25 printed copies for $6 per copy.

Development of this guide was supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program and the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard

On Friday, April 24, 2026, from 12 noon–1:00 ET, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), presented this webinar in the Understanding Agricultural Law Educational Series, a course designed to develop subject matter literacy and competence on fundamental issues of agricultural law for attorneys and business advisors who work with or represent agricultural or rural clients but may not necessarily specialize in agricultural law:

“Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard”

The Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, or advanced biofuels. Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and later expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the RFS is implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This webinar provides an overview of the legal authority and structure for the RFS program and explain how it works, including the program’s system of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and categories of renewable fuels. Additionally, this webinar addresses EPA annual volume requirement rulemaking and associated recent legal issues.