A linear programming model was developed combining yield loss data from field studies on multiple pests of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, and economic criteria for 1984. Biological coefficients were based on the phenomenon of subsequent potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae (Harris), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti (Medic.)), and brown spot (Septoria glycines Hemmi) incidence in soybean stands initially damaged by the primary occurrence of seedcorn maggot (SCM), Delia platura (Meigen). Economic coefficients included labor and capital requirements for each of a pool of available control tactics commonly employed for each pest. Twentyfour solutions were calculated, one for each SCM/subsequent pest combination. Net returns per hectare for optimal control strategies and returns to capital for each SCM/subsequent pest situation were determined. General trends for percentage returns to capital suggest that, as damage potential of the pest(s) increases, relative importance of pest management to other soybean production activities is increased. Income penalties to the producer for choosing suboptimal control tactics are presented and discussed in detail. Income penalties for choosing the wrong control tactic are, as a general rule, much less costly than the penalties for choosing not to control at all. This trend was particularly true for velvetleaf control. Finally, future research needs are discussed, with emphasis on role of risk management within integrated pest management.