In this age of high-tech ag research, the act of wading through paddocks before harvest to count pests and diseased plants seems as archaic as the Stone Age. But, with over a decade of surveys accomplished, the U.S. National Sunflower Association (NSA) has demonstrated the value of regular surveys in which diseases, insects, weeds and production practices are monitored. The survey, which began twelve years ago, has grown into one of the largest crop-pest surveys in the United States. Currently, the survey is coordinated by one university researcher who enlists and trains ~ 60 professionals annually. The participants are arranged in teams of 2 to 4 and take one-two days to intensively survey an average of 180 fields in eight Midwestern states, an area ~ 2000 km N-S by 600 km E-W. Following a detailed protocol, survey teams calculate yield, document production practices, and determine the incidence/density of diseases, insects and weeds. In some years, surveyors are also tasked with collecting plant or soil samples which are sent to specialized labs for more detailed analyses. The impacts of the survey are numerous, and have tipped researchers to the occurrence of new pathogens, new pathogen races, pesticide resistance and expanding or contracting ranges of pests. When combined with yield data and production practice information, the impact of pests on yield can be reliably estimated, giving producers confidence on which pests to manage. This data is also used by private industry, public researchers and the NSA to prioritize their research and breeding efforts. What started out as a one-person stroll through paddocks has evolved into one of the most important resources for sunflower companies, researchers, growers and is helping chart the course of sunflower production in the United States.