Voles are an integral part of an overall healthy working-lands ecosystem, but in certain situations their population growth can be damaging to crops. Barry Fisher, the Central Region Leader for the National Soil Health Division of the NRCS, says five active colonies in a close proximity is considered to be the economic threshold that can significantly reduce corn and soybean stands. Other rodents may also contribute to stand losses to a lesser degree. A recommended control program is one that combines multiple practices and strategies. Fisher discusses a systematic approach to controlling voles, including multiple modes of action to keep these critters in check.