Methods development: the continued research proposed in the collaboration between the cooperator and nwrc is a means for acquiring a dditional information on scientifically sound techniques for…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement to North Dakota State University on September 16, 2025, obligating $128,768.16 for methods development research into scientifically sound techniques for reducing avian damage to agricultural systems, with specific focus on management of blackbird-sunflower conflict. The award falls under the Wildlife Services program (CFDA 10.028), which funds research and control activities to reduce damage caused by mammals and birds and those species serving as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.

Work is performed in North Dakota and runs through September 15, 2027. The research collaboration between North Dakota State University and the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) will generate additional information on damage-reduction methods applicable to agricultural production systems affected by blackbird depredation on sunflower crops.

Methods development: the continued research proposed in the collaboration between the cooperator and nwrc is a means for acquiring a dditional information on scientifically sound techniques for reducing avian damage to agricultural systems. See below for research objectives and justification pertaining to management of blackbird-sunflower conflict.