Although the Northern Hemisphere is a week into spring, after a cold and snowy winter, the wet weather continues in Oregon. Many farmers in Western Oregon have complained that their fields are too wet to till, and they are behind on planting. A few are under water, some untouched since early October; weathered brownish-grey corn stocks blowing in the wind, sending ripples in the standing water. Soon, the waters will recede, fields dry out, and a common threat will emerge, bugs.
Some farmers will rely on organic or synthetic pesticides to control any outbreak of pests that threatens their crops. However, an increasing number are opting to establish field borders, hedgerows, insectary strips and plant cover crops, and let nature do her work, by attracting native beneficial insects. These insects will dine on pest, as well as some weeds. Often, crop yields will improve. What are these warrior plants?
The plants vary according to the climate, yet there are numerous species. The Oregon State University Integrated Plant Protection Center has listed resources on its website, under Farmscaping for Beneficials. Under the Quick Links column on the left, you will find informative links, such as Beetle Banks, Implementing On-Farm Conservation Practices, and Publications. It also has resources specific for Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest:
http://www.ipmnet.org/IPM_in_USA.htm#1
An organization that frequently spearheads training and efforts to conserve invertebrates is The Xerces Society. In addition to brochures, e.g., Farming for Pest Management, Farming for Pollinators and Bumble Bee Conservation, they publish books. I received a copy of Farming with Native Beneficial Insects, for attending the Integrating Beneficial Habitat on the Farm workshop at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center.
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s principal agency for providing conservation technical assistance to private landowners, conservation districts, tribes, and other organizations, is another resource. They provide technical assistance to help develop sustainable agricultural systems:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/technical/
In addition, they provide financial assistance to farmers to implement conservation practices:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/
There are numerous resources to help farmers. Explore the websites provided.