Introduction to Crop ScoutingVideo: Summer Crop Scouting MN Farm!
Crop scouting is a vital part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), helping identify pests, optimize input use, and protect yields. Scouts act as the grower’s field observers, offering timely insights.
In this webinar, Liz Gartman, UW–Madison Extension regional crops educator, provides an introduction to crop scouting, covering everything from pre-field preparation to in-field tools, resources, and best practices.
Preparation includes understanding field history, gathering tools, and setting communication expectations. In the field, scouts assess plant health, pest presence, and environmental stress using systematic patterns. Accurate documentation and clear reporting are essential. Tools like soil surveys, weather data, and pest calendars support decision-making. Ultimately, crop scouting builds trust, supports sustainability, and ensures informed, timely responses to field conditions.