Pest survey specialists at DATCP collect and manage data on plant pests, including insects, that threaten agricultural production and pose trade barriers. Data is collected through field-based sampling and from networks of cooperators across Wisconsin. The program conducts long-term historical pest surveys, while continually adapting and developing new surveys in response to emerging threats, explains entomologist Krista Hamilton. She previews early trends based on soil, weather, and historic insect data.​​​