Pest Alert: Black Cutworm

May 06, 2021

By Bruce Potter

Black cutworm (BCW) moth arrivals into Minnesota increased during the week of April 24 to 30. Southerly wind flows from April 26 to 28 brought moths to southern Minnesota and particularly to an area in SW and SC Minnesota. The area where moth captures were large enough to indicate the potential for damage from larvae (nine or more moths/2 nights) includes Nobles, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Martin, and neighboring counties. Fillmore County also had a significant capture (Figure 1).

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Migrating BCW often drop out on the backside of thunderstorms and the locations of this spring’s moth captures are as variable as rainfall. Moth migration further into the northwest part of the state has been blocked by high pressure.

Note which fields had not been tilled and planted by April 26. This is one of several clues you will be able to use help focus scouting efforts for black cutworms in a few weeks.

Based on historical average temperatures, the eggs laid by moths from this flight(s) should begin to hatch around May 6 and the resultant larvae will be large enough to cut small corn plants by May 26.

During this spring, results of the 2021 trap network captures and predictions of BCW cutting will be posted weekly at: https://z.umn.edu/bcw-reporting. There will be additional alerts for any BCW high-risk areas picked up by the network.

Source : umn.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.