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. While many topics and species are specific to the Midwest, most of the principles discussed are applicable across regions.
Also, be sure to download our free Nesting Structures for Beneficial Songbirds on Midwest Farms publication. It provides guidance on installing and maintaining nesting structures for beneficial songbirds on farms.
All lessons are one hour long. Click on the lessons below to view the recordings.
LESSON 1
Why Birds Belong on the Farm: Biodiversity, Pest Control & A Thriving Landscape
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 2:00 pm CT
View Lesson 1 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 2
Birds as Pest Control Allies on the Farm
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 2 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 3
Birds in the Balance: Pest Control Services Across Crop Types
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 3 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 4
Integrating Habitat into Croplands: Prairie Strips and Bird Conservation
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 4 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 5
Birds on the Farm: Balancing Biodiversity and Food Safety
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 5 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 6
Tree Swallows Helping Farmers Fight Pests
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 6 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 7
Bridging Forestry, Farming, and Habitat
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 7 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 8
Bird-Friendly Livestock Operations: From Grassland Conservation to Barn Swallow Fly Control
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 8 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 9
Semi-Natural Habitats and Birds as Pest Managers
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 9 Resources & Recording Here
LESSON 10
Birds at Risk: How Pesticides Shape Safety on Agricultural Lands
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - 11:00 am CT
View Lesson 10 Resources & Recording Here
