Soybeans and cotton occupy vast acreages of the alluvial soils of eastern Arkansas. In this greatly simplified agro-ecosystem, soybeans are usually grown without sustaining economic damage from insects. Serious outbreaks do occur, however, and on the average 15% of the acreage is treated annually. Much of the cotton in northeastern Arkansas is not treated. Outbreaks of bollworm and boll weevil regularly require insecticide usage in central and southern Arkansas.Insect pest surveys and individual field scouting are used as the basis for determining the need for insecticides on both crops. This insect pest management system has been 50 years in the making in Arkansas.Current research in various areas, including innovative practices, should lead to improvement in the system. In-depth studies of all aspects of the several agro-ecosystems are essential for long-term progress in insect pest management. Given professional dedication by entomologists, with support from the agricultural community, industry, federal and state governments, and the public, progress should accelerate rapidly.