Title
Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Specialist-Extension Field Crop EntomologistOffice Building
Berg Agricultural HallOffice
226Mailing Address
Berg Agricultural Hall 226Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science-2100A
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007
Biography
Dr. Adam Varenhorst is an Associate Professor and Extension Field Crop Entomologist in the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University. Dr. Varenhorst is the director of the South Dakota Integrated Pest Management Program (SDIPM) and manages the Field Crop Entomology Lab. The research focuses of the research conducted by the Field Crop Entomology Lab is to evaluate integrated pest management strategies, manage insecticide resistance, and evaluate the impact of management strategies on beneficial insects. The research conducted by Dr. Varenhorst addresses insect pests of corn, soybean, wheat, sunflower, alfalfa and other minor agronomic crops present in South Dakota.As the primary or co-author, Dr. Varenhorst has published 51 scientific papers and 18 book chapters. Dr. Varenhorst has authored or co-authored over 600 extension articles, 88 pest management guide chapters, 13 fact sheets and 22 insect identification guides for South Dakota stakeholders. He is also a member of the Graduate Student Faculty and serves on committees outside of the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department.
CV
Adam Varenhorst CV.docx(98.27 KB)Education
Ph.D. Iowa State University, Entomology, 2015.M.S. Iowa State University, Entomology, 2011.
B.S. Briar Cliff University, Biology, 2009.
Academic Interests
Insect EcologyIntegrated Pest Management
Field Crop Entomology
Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services
Academic Responsibilities
Director of IPMSupervisor to IPM Coordinator and IPM Specialist
Advisor to graduate students in the Field Crop Entomology Lab
Committee Activities
Graduate Faculty Representative on four graduate student committees at South Dakota State University.Committee Member for students in the Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department
Extension Responsibilities
As the SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist I serve South Dakota stakeholders by addressing insect pest issues in field crops. I conduct applied research that focuses on corn, soybean, wheat, alfalfa, and sunflower insect pests. I collaborate with other extension entomologists to address questions pertaining to insect questions for the home and garden, urban insect pests and general entomology questions. I also collaborate with entomologists in other states. Tasks that I am responsible for include:Development of insect related identification guides, fact sheets and timely electronic articles.
Identification of insects related to field crops.
Provide insect pest information and insecticide safety content for the commercial applicator trainings held throughout South Dakota.
Awards and Honors
2022National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award for Book/Publication: Best Management Practices for Sunflower Production
2021
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: South Dakota Achievement Award
2020
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Newsletter by a Team National Winner: SDSU Pest and Crop Newsletter
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Newsletter by a Team Regional Winner: SDSU Pest and Crop Newsletter
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Audio Recording Regional Winner: Radio Interview
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Published Photo Regional Winner
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Fact Sheet Regional Winner
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Fact Sheet Regional Winner
2019
Gamma Sigma Delta Extension Award
2018
Corteva Agriscience Agriculture Division of Dow DuPont IPM Team Award
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Newsletter by a Team Regional Winner: SDSU Pest and Crop Newsletter
Orville and Enolia Bentley Undergraduate Research Award, student: Madeline St. Claire
2017
International IPM Award of Excellence: Soybean Entomology for North Central Soybean Research Project
National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communication Award: Newsletter by a Team: Pest and Crop Newsletter
2016
Griffith Undergraduate Research Award, Student: Mackenzie Mattern
2015
Iowa State University Teaching Excellence Award
Grants
Total Competitive Grant Funding: 43 funded grants for a combined $8,366,659Professional Memberships
Entomological Society of AmericaNational Association of County Agricultural Agents
Work Experience
The Field Crop Entomology Lab is responsible for conducting research related to insect pest management on corn, soybean, wheat, sunflower, alfalfa and field peas.Area(s) of Research
Insect Pest ManagementInsect Ecology
Insect Resistance Management
Applications of Research
The research conducted has direct applications to South Dakota crop production. The results provide information on the efficacy of insecticidal management tools and also on on crops that are resistant to pests.Department(s)
Image for Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science
Image for SDSU Extension
SDSU Extension