This paper assesses the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) training on the economics of pest management decision making and discusses the mechanisms of reduced insecticides associated with IPM training. Background information outlines IPM and pesticide use and the concept of an economic threshold for pest control. Data on soybeans during 1990-1998 was collected from provincial agricultural agencies and analysed using an econometric analysis. Results include a discussion of the extent to which the model explains the variability in pest attack and pesticide use and details relationships with other variables. The paper highlights that pesticide use decreased as IPM training increased and discusses this in terms of changes in farmer expectations for yield loss and increasing acceptable levels of pest attack up to a point i.e. the economic threshold. The authors outline policy implications and some considerations for continued dissemination of IPM training given its success in influencing farmer's strategic thinking and develop economical plant protection.