An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a goal to develop and implement IPM on 75% of the total US crop acreage by the year 2000. The initiative involves farmers and practitioners in the development and assessment of IPM programs with a goal of increasing the use of IPM systems that enable farmers to achieve both economic and environmental benefits.

A multi-phased sequence of needs-assessment programs was used to develop a cereal grains IPM program in Montana, integrating prioritized research and Extension goals. A three step series of surveys and workshops, was conducted to: (a) identify the key insect, weed, and disease problems, (b) prioritize identified pest problems and, (c) develop an action plan with specific research and Extension goals. Additionally, this process promoted dialog between clientele, researchers, and Extension personnel, allowed identification of barriers to IPM implementation, and involved clientele in the program development process.