Information Networks and Integrated Pest Management Practices Among Specialty Crop Producers in Three Midwestern States: A Social Network Analysis

Producers’ willingness to implement conservation-based management practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is shaped not only by economic and agronomic factors, but also by the information networks through which they gain knowledge. While peer-to-peer interactions and formal extension education are known to influence producer decision-making, little is understood about how regional information networks relate to IPM implementation among specialty crop producers in the Midwestern United States. We surveyed 62 specialty crop producers across multiple states to (1) evaluate the diversity of insect-focused IPM practices used, (2) identify sources of IPM information, and (3) assess regional patterns of IPM information exchange using Social Network Analysis (SNA). Producers implemented a broad portfolio of IPM practices, and the size of IPM information networks did not significantly differ among producers that implemented a low, intermediate, or high diversity of IPM practices. Results from a partial network analysis revealed that only 1% of all potential connections were shared among actors, suggesting that producers relied on a few trusted sources for IPM information. Furthermore, SNA revealed that Extension personnel and experienced producers were the most influential sources of information and acted as key brokers of information, linking otherwise isolated groups of producers. Collectively, our results suggest that the composition and structure of information networks may provide important context for understanding how pest management information is exchanged among Midwestern specialty crop producers. Enhancing connectivity between producers and key brokers may improve the dissemination and implementation of diverse IPM practices for insect pests in Midwestern specialty crop production.