Many university scientists and seed and chemical company representatives see USB’s Take Action as a highly successful farmer outreach program and encourage continued outreach to help farmers manage pesticide resistance and sustainable pesticide stewardship. Our project allowed for the planning and coordination of the Take Action Advisory Council meetings, bringing together farmers, university weed scientists, and seed and chemical company representatives. The Advisory Council served as a sounding board for new Take Action resources and messaging campaigns, ensuring the accuracy of information and industry support for materials distribution. This project also included the facilitation of a farmer survey to prepare for the “next generation” of the Take Action program and its evolution to maintain its status as the industry’s unified voice on pest and resistance management.

Farmers rely on a network of individuals to grow a successful and profitable crop each year. Crop advisors, university extension scientists, and trait and crop protection suppliers are often farmers’ main points of contact for crop protection services and advice. This project put Take Action resources on pesticide resistance management into the hands of farmer advisors/influencers to share with farmers. Highly visible online interactions with these groups elevated Take Action’s industry presence among big players in production agriculture.