About Us

Why we exist
The concept of a coordinated insect surveillance program for the prairies first took shape in 1997.  Since then, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) has been involved in developing monitoring protocols and coordinating field crop insect population monitoring.  The distribution and abundance of crop pests are correlated with climate, weather, agronomic practices and their natural enemies; these factors can be utilized to forecast pest populations and better understand where and when crops may be affected.

Who we are
The PPMN is comprised of field crop entomologists who conduct research and actively monitor to support crop protection on the Canadian prairies. It includes researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Agriculture, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture & Forestry as well as University researchers. Industry stakeholders provide regular input and valuable insight at annual PPMN working group meetings.

Dr. Owen Olfert (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre) is the PPMN chair.  Over the years, the Network has been funded by several partners. Our current funding support (2015-2019) is led by Western Grains Research Foundation who is partnered with Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, Manitoba Canola Growers, Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Disclaimer
All posted information represents Network participants’ and the Blog Editors’ best attempts to synthesize available information related to insect pest monitoring, identification, and pest management strategies used to protect field crops grown on the Canadian prairies.  The Blog’s content is for informational and educational purposes only.  Any pest management decision or action based, in whole or in part, on the content of this Blog is the sole responsibility of the reader.  The Blog Editors reserve the right to correct, revise, and update all content without obligation to notify any person of changes.  This Blog is used for non-commercial purposes only.

Acknowledgements
The PPMN has evolved thanks to the ongoing commitment and effort of the many prairie-based entomologists who continue to work collaboratively in an effort to protect Canada’s field crop production systems.  Numerous staff contributed to the development of the Blog and its content since 2015 – many thanks to Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani, Meghan Vankosky, David Giffen, Ross Weiss, Erl Svendsen, Shelby Dufton and Amanda Jorgensen.
Use of Materials
TEXT
Permission is granted to users to download content (including PDF files) from this World Wide Web site for personal use or to reproduce them for educational purposes but credit and copyright notices within pages must not be removed or modified.  Distribution for commercial purposes is not permitted.  Links to posted content is permitted but no endorsement of linking sites is intended.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Prohibited uses
Photographs are not to be used in connection with the promotion, endorsement or sale of other web sites.  Photographs may not be used or distributed in software, photo sets or other electronic media, or printed publication.

Web sites

For educational purposes, any web site can link directly to a photo file or pdf on the Blog web site.  Please notify us if you link to us.

Printed publications

To use photos in printed publications, permission must be requested in writing. Contact the Blog editor by e-mail.

LOGOS

PPMN and partner logos are not to be used in connection with the promotion, endorsement or sale of other web sites.  The PPMN logo may not be used or distributed in software, photo sets or other electronic media, or printed publication without written consent. Contact the Blog editor by e-mail.
For partner logos, permission must be obtained directly from each of the partner organizations.

FIGURES

Unless copyrighted by another source or used by the Blog Editors with permission, figures or drawings may be used if the source is properly credited.  Contact the Blog Editor to request permission to use photos or drawings.

Trademarks
Posted information may include trade names of products.  In the event trade names are listed, no endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied by the omission of similar products.