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Abstract: Agricultural systems in Canada are extensive in area, but not monitored or managed intensively. We developed informatics methods to better anticipate the severity, timing and geography of emerging pest risks to crops. The target insects, grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae), present special challenges in North America, as well as in China, because they occur as a complex of many species, only some of which represent significant risk to crops. We developed a Geographic Information System of insect and weather data in support of environmentally sustainable control methods. GIS-based maps of the outputs of simple weather-driven models of insect stage were provided to growers through a website containing current conditions. We combined delivery of this information with on-line training and non-technical tools for insect identification and selection of management actions. Color images for over 60 grasshopper species that assist recognition of pest versus non-pest species were provided on-line, with additional details provided in printed booklets (3500 copies were distributed free of charge). We also developed an iPhone application that provides similar information and assistance in recognizing species. We invited growers to attend on-line webinars (75 attendees) and in-person workshops (413 participants) for instruction on using the photographs and identification tips. A post-workshop survey completed by all the attendees indicated that most of the attendees (91%) scout their fields to check for the presence of grasshoppers, and that a majority of the farmers (90%) monitor or check their fields themselves, indicating that individual access to information is a valuable feature. Only 18 of the farmers at the workshops indicated that they had previously used species identification to determine pest risk status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]