Sustainable Winegrowing With Vineyard Team

Pest Friends is a hands-on simulation that helps farmers make smarter Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions—by making the field a game board. Grant Loomis and Jason Thomas, Extension Educators with the University of Idaho, created Pest Friends to help players experience the real-life consequences of pest control. Players manage population dynamics, reacting to pest pressures, and decide when—and if—to intervene with pesticides, habitat modifications, or beneficial insect support. It’s not just educational—it’s a window into how people think about pest management. Resources:         266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot 271: Integrating Biological Solutions 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard Application of Integrated Pest Management Skills Through a Board Game Simulation Grant Loomis Jason Thomas New Pest Friends’ website helps pest managers thrive Pest Friends Game Pest Friends Game Overview Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast Pest