D3195: Improving insect management decisions and resource use efficiency through UNL-TAPS, an innovative farm management competition

We are currently facing significant challenges in agriculture, particularly in terms of limited resources such as water, nitrogen, and pesticides. To address these challenges and promote the adoption of new farming practices and technologies, we have the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Testing Ag Performance Solutions (UNL-TAPS), an innovative extension program. Instead of the traditional teacher-student model, the program offers a variety of interactive, real-life farm management competitions. In 2024, the irrigated corn competition had 38 teams with plots located in North Platte, Nebraska. Participants were able to make choices that impacted insect pest management at two points during the competition: 1) during hybrid selection, based on the Bt trait package for that hybrid, and 2) whether or not to apply a foliar spray of insecticide for western bean cutworm. Scouting data was provided to competitors, and they were given a choice of no insecticide application, Vantacor at 1.2 fl oz/ac ($22.69/ac), Elevest at 4.8 fl oz/ac ($16.88/ac), or Brigade at 5 fl oz/ac ($7.43/ac). Products were applied with a high clearance sprayer at approximately 95% tasseling with an application cost of $9 per acre.The data analyzed participants' decisions regarding protein use, focusing on Cry1F and Vip3A. Results showed that 36.8% selected Cry1F, 26.3% chose both proteins, 26.3% did not use either, and 10.5% selected only Vip3A.For insecticide application, 71.1% did not spray, 23.7% chose Brigade, and 5.2% selected Elevest or Vantacor. While scouting data were provided, participants’ choices reflected a low tolerance for risk of yield loss due to pest injury.