In 1990, 10 years after research and Extension IPM programs were initiated for vegetables in Texas, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began assessing grower practices from field survey data. In 1999, researchers from Texas A & M University used the NASS data to evaluate IPM practices used by onion and cabbage growers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They found that previous research and extension education on economic thresholds and other tactics provided a technology base for IPM programs. A PAMS (prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression) model was used to evaluate pest management practices. Preventive tactics included crop rotation (on 72% of the acreage) and planting of pest-resistant cultivars (51%). Avoidance tactics included altering planting dates (36%) and managing irrigation schedules (19%). 94% of the vegetable production was scouted for pests, but <60% was treated with insecticide. Farmers and their employees did 60% of the scouting, and chemical dealers monitored <15% of the vegetable crops. However, once farmers decided to treat, the chemical dealers were the main source of information in selecting cost-effective, efficacious pesticides. Crop consultants and Extension Service advisers were also important sources of information (52%), whereas field days, special events, and use of the mass media were less important. The impact of vegetable IPM programs was assessed by evaluating changes in insecticide use in cabbage and onions over an 8-yr period. A quantitative assessment showed that insecticide use in cabbage decreased from 4.1 to 1.6 lb of active ingredient per acre because of less use of organophosphates and carbamates. Insecticide use in onion decreased from 1.7 to 0.9 lb per acre over the 8-yr period primarily because of increased substitution of pyrethroids, which were applied at lower rates. When environmental indices were used to evaluate qualitative changes, there was a 77% reduction in the environmental impact of insecticide use in cabbage production and a 73% reduction in onion. Survey data indicate that producers widely adopted IPM tactics, significantly reduced pesticide use, and used ecologically friendly chemicals, consistent with policies advocated by state and federal agencies.