Project Summary
SlugNet is a collaborative, statewide slug population monitoring project recruiting field crop farmer participants.
Slugs are becoming an increasingly challenging pest for Wisconsin farmers, due to greater adoption of conservation cropping practices and milder winters and wetter springs. To improve our understanding of slug pressure across the state and how we can manage them, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension launched SlugNet, a statewide initiative to monitor slug populations in field crops. Through SlugNet, participants will check slug traps and submit a photo weekly to provide statewide slug counts.
Project Lead
SlugNet is a collaborative effort of UW-Madison Extension, Dr. Bick’s Original Digital Entomology Lab, and external partners.
Eligibility
Agronomists, farmers, Extension educators and other local partners are encouraged to participate. The monitoring effort requires frequent field visits but minimal effort at each visit.
Eligible fields include those planted to corn or soybean, where previous management history is available.
Why Collaborate?
- Gain insights into slug pressure on your own fields!
- Learn from statewide data about slug populations across Wisconsin and what that means for your operation.
Learn More
Reach out to Dane Elmquist (dane.elmquist@wisc.edu), Extension Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist, to learn more or if you are interested in participating.
Visit the SlugNet website and 2025 SlugNet results webpage for more information.
Connect with us
Receive support with developing a research question and study design; using precision ag technologies; collecting, analyzing, and sharing data and results; and more.
Why on-farm research?
Farmer-driven, on-farm research is extremely valuable to inform management decisions, promote practice adoption and support the economic, environmental and social well-being of Wisconsin farmers.
Getting started
These resources will help you get started on your on-farm research journey, covering topics of developing a research question, trial design and logistics, data analysis, and more.