- Author: Ben Faber
DPR funds educational resources to increase the adoption of reduced-risk, sustainable pest management practices for farmersAs part of DPR's goal to accelerate the transition to safer, more sustainable pest management and fulfill its mission to foster reduced-risk pest management, DPR has funded a project with Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) to provide educational resources for farmers to encourage the use of beneficial birds for pest control. When beneficial birds are supported, they can sustainably reduce pest insects and rodents that cause crop damage. Wild Farm Alliance created two free Continuing Education Courses about supporting avian pest control. The courses are online and can be taken any time throughout the year. These courses are approved for CE credit through DPR. Habitat on Farms Support Avian Pest Control Services (4 CE Units) Participants will learn about research that shows the benefits of installing habitat in and around farms to attract beneficial birds that provide valuable pest control services. Nest Boxes and Perches on Farms Support Avian Pest Control Services (3 CE Units) Participants will learn about the research showing the benefits to the farm of installing Western Bluebird and other songbird nest boxes, Barn Owl and American Kestrel boxes, and songbird and raptor perches to gain these birds' valuable pest control services. DPR's Integrated Pest Management Branch is supporting the use of sustainable pest management strategies in our state in a variety of ways, including funding these educational courses on beneficial birds for Pest Control Advisors and pesticide applicator license and certificate holders. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADPR/bulletins/35b24c1
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- Author: Ben Faber
Role of Birds on Farms: Self-Certification
This 10 lesson virtual course teaches agricultural professionals and farmers how to support beneficial birds and manage pest birds on farms. By learning how to assess the farm's avian needs and opportunities, farms can be designed to provide for a diversity of beneficial birds. If pest birds are a problem, they can be discouraged with specific practices during the shorter periods when they cause damage. The sessions cover the latest research, tools and resources, and are given by experts in avian pest control, entomology, ornithology and conservation.
https://www.wildfarmalliance.org/role_of_birds_on_farms
This course was first offered via webinar format in early 2022. View the recordings of the lessons at your own pace and track your progress using the certificate below.
(Download your fillable certificate here)
The loss of 3 billion birds since 1970 is a crisis. Birds are indicators of a healthy, functioning ecosystem, providing important benefits such as pest control, pollination and seed dispersal.
Farmers can take advantage of these services and at the same time provide birds with habitat. It is mutually beneficial for farmers and birds.
When farmers provide habitat for beneficial birds and bring them closer to crops, they are increasing their farm's pest control services. Birds can help farmers keep pest insects, rodents and pest birds at bay.