As the climate changes and biodiversity declines, adopting a holistic approach to pest management is essential. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides a comprehensive, whole-farm strategy to address pest, weed, and disease pressures. By taking simple steps to reduce reliance on chemicals, farmers can produce nutritious food, raise healthy livestock, and support resilient ecosystems.
Here are two case studies of farmers transitioning to an IPM system.
IPM in action at Neidpath Farms, Scotland
Farm size: 2,500 acres
Farm type: Livestock
At Neidpath Farms, a large upland operation in Peebles, the Scottish Borders, manager Matt Griffin has introduced several Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to benefit both finances and the environment.
One notable change has been the gradual reduction of wormers and organophosphate dips for livestock. This has led to stronger immune systems in his cattle and sheep, improved soil health, and the recovery of the dung beetle. The dung beetle also plays its part in IPM as it helps control livestock parasites and pest flies by quickly removing and burying dung.