After a relatively mild winter across the corn belt, corn rootworm (CRW) hatching is already underway, which is earlier than usual. This is especially problematic for Iowa, where CRW is the most damaging insect in terms of bushel loss and infestation geography. Select regions in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are also expected to see more corn rootworm in response to warmer soil temperatures.

In 2023, Bayer CropScience performed adult CRW beetle counts in 12 states. It found more than 50% of fields surveyed had higher rates than the economic threshold (two beetles per trap per day).

Experts recommend farmers get in the field to scout soon to assess if CRW hatching has already started in their fields.

Read more on CRW here.