About

The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center advances science-based pest management across the twelve-state North Central Region of the United States.

Based at Iowa State University and funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Center connects researchers, extension educators, growers, public agencies, schools, and communities to develop practical solutions for insect pests, weeds, plant diseases, invasive species, and other pest challenges.

Through grants, partnerships, educational resources, webinars, pest alerts, and regional collaboration, the Center helps improve agricultural productivity while protecting human health, pollinators, and the environment.

What Is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based approach to preventing and managing pests while minimizing risks to people, pollinators, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Rather than relying on a single control method, IPM combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical strategies to manage insects, weeds, plant diseases, rodents, and other pests effectively and sustainably. The goal is to solve pest problems using the most effective, economical, and environmentally responsible practices available.

Successful IPM begins with prevention, accurate pest identification, and regular monitoring. Understanding pest biology and life cycles helps growers, land managers, educators, and homeowners determine when action is truly needed and select management practices that are appropriate for the situation. When pesticides are warranted, IPM promotes using the right product, at the right time, and in the right way as part of a broader management strategy—not as the only solution.

The North Central Integrated Pest Management Center supports the adoption of IPM by funding research, fostering regional collaboration, and providing science-based educational resources for agriculture, schools, communities, and natural areas throughout the North Central United States. By bringing together researchers, Extension professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders, the Center helps advance practical pest management solutions that protect crops, public health, natural resources, and pollinators while supporting resilient agricultural and urban ecosystems.

Our Regional Priorities

Pest management challenges vary across the North Central United States, making regional collaboration essential to developing effective, science-based solutions. The North Central Integrated Pest Management Center works with researchers, extension educators, growers, public agencies, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing pest management needs facing the region.

These regional priorities help guide funding opportunities, foster collaborative research and education, and ensure that resources address emerging issues such as invasive species, pesticide resistance, pollinator health, climate-related pest pressures, and integrated management of insects, weeds, plant diseases, and other pests.

By focusing on shared priorities, the Center helps deliver practical solutions that improve agricultural productivity, protect natural resources, and support healthy communities throughout the North Central Region.

Who We Serve

Farmers
Crop advisers
Extension educators
Researchers
Master Gardeners
Pest management professionals
School IPM coordinators
Public health professionals
Natural resource managers
Community organizations
Government agencies

What We Do

The North Central IPM Center supports integrated pest management through:

Competitive grants
Working groups
Regional & national collaborations
Pest alerts, educational publications, pest management strategic plans & resources
Webinars
Strategic planning
Extension partnerships
Newsletters
Podcasts

Our Service Area

Our Center serves all 12 North Central region states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Partnerships That Advance Integrated Pest Management

The North Central Integrated Pest Management Center brings together organizations with diverse expertise to address complex pest management challenges across the North Central region. By fostering collaboration among federal agencies, universities, Extension programs, commodity organizations, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders, the Center helps ensure that research, education, and outreach respond to real-world needs.

These partnerships strengthen the development and adoption of integrated pest management practices that protect agriculture, natural resources, public health, and the environment.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

The North Central IPM Center is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which supports Regional IPM Centers across the United States. Through this partnership, the Center administers competitive grants, coordinates regional priorities, and promotes science-based solutions that improve pest management and strengthen agricultural resilience.

Land-Grant Universities

The Center collaborates with land-grant universities throughout the North Central Region to support research, education, and innovation in integrated pest management. University faculty, researchers, and specialists contribute scientific expertise, develop practical management strategies, and work together to address emerging pest issues affecting agriculture, landscapes, schools, and communities.

Cooperative Extension

Extension professionals play a vital role in bringing research-based information to farmers, gardeners, schools, businesses, and communities. The Center works closely with extension educators to develop educational resources, deliver training through webinars and workshops, and share practical IPM strategies that can be applied throughout the region.

State IPM Programs

Each state’s pest management needs are unique. The Center partners with state IPM programs to identify regional priorities, encourage collaboration across state lines, and support projects that address local and regional pest challenges. These partnerships help ensure that research and outreach efforts are relevant, coordinated, and responsive to stakeholders.

Federal Agencies

The Center collaborates with federal agencies that share responsibilities for agriculture, natural resources, public health, and environmental stewardship. These partnerships promote information sharing, coordinated responses to emerging pest threats, and the development of science-based pest management resources.

Commodity Organizations

Commodity organizations provide valuable perspectives on the pest management challenges facing producers. By working with grower associations and commodity groups, the Center helps identify research needs, supports outreach efforts, and encourages practical solutions that improve crop production while advancing integrated pest management principles.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations contribute expertise in conservation, pollinator protection, environmental stewardship, community education, and public engagement. Collaborating with these organizations expands the reach of IPM education, encourages innovation, and helps connect diverse audiences with trusted, science-based resources.

Meet our Team

Behind every grant program, webinar, pest alert, and educational resource is a team dedicated to supporting integrated pest management throughout the North Central Region. The Center’s staff brings expertise in communications, program coordination, research support, and stakeholder engagement, working in partnership with universities, Extension programs, federal agencies, and other organizations to advance practical, science-based pest management solutions.

While our staff provides day-to-day leadership, the Center’s success is made possible through the contributions of Steering Committee members, working groups, researchers, Extension professionals, and partners across the North Central Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about our Center? Find answers to common questions below.

What is the North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center?

The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center is one of four USDA-funded Regional IPM Centers in the United States. Based at Iowa State University, the Center works with researchers, Extension educators, government agencies, growers, and other partners to advance science-based integrated pest management across the North Central Region.

Through grants, partnerships, educational resources, and regional collaboration, the Center helps address pest management challenges affecting agriculture, natural resources, schools, communities, and public health.

What is integrated pest management?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a science-based approach to preventing and managing pests while minimizing risks to people, pollinators, beneficial organisms, and the environment.

IPM combines strategies such as prevention, pest monitoring, accurate identification, biological control, cultural practices, physical controls, and, when needed, carefully selected pesticides. The goal is to manage pests effectively, economically, and sustainably.

What states does the North Central IPM Center serve?

The North Central IPM Center serves the 12-state North Central Region, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Center collaborates with universities, extension programs, state agencies, and other partners throughout the region to address shared pest management priorities.

How is the North Central IPM Center funded?

The North Central IPM Center is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) as part of the national Crop Protection and Pest Management Regional Coordination Program.

This funding supports regional coordination, competitive grant programs, educational resources, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative efforts that advance integrated pest management throughout the North Central Region.

Who can apply for North Central IPM Center grants?

Eligibility varies by funding opportunity. Many grant programs are open to researchers, extension professionals, land-grant universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, tribal organizations, and other eligible institutions working on integrated pest management projects that benefit the North Central Region.

Visit the Grants section of our website for current funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.

Where can I find pest alerts?

The North Central IPM Center’s Pest Alerts provide timely, science-based information about emerging and significant pest threats affecting agriculture, landscapes, natural areas, and public health.

Visit our Pest Alerts page to browse current alerts, learn about invasive species and other pest concerns, and access management resources developed with university and agency partners.

How can I receive the Central Issue newsletter?

The Central Issue newsletter highlights the latest integrated pest management news, research, funding opportunities, webinars, publications, and pest management resources from across the North Central Region.

You may subscribe to the Central Issue to receive the newsletter by email and stay informed about new developments and upcoming events.

What types of pest management resources does the North Central IPM Center provide?

The North Central IPM Center offers a wide range of science-based resources, including pest alerts, webinars, educational publications, competitive IPM grants, crop profiles, pest management strategic plans, the Central Issue newsletter, and information on emerging pest threats.

In addition, the Regional IPM Centers collaborate to provide a collection of IPM Resources to provide high-quality content for extension educators, researchers, pest management professionals, schools, public agencies, and communities throughout the North Central Region.

Start Here

Whether you’re looking for funding, educational resources, or the latest pest management information, these links can help you quickly find what you need.