Insects are just one of many threats a farm can face. Certain insects can be more harmful to crops than others, and knowing how they can impact your farm is essential to remaining protected. Crop insurance is key in this case, as it can help mitigate any financial fallout that may occur if your farm is plagued by infestation. The skilled insurance agents at Nebraska Crop Insurance Agency offer guidance to Beatrice farmers to ensure their harvests flourish.

A Crop Insurance Company on 3 Insects That Can Damage Your Farm

1. Corn Cutworms

Corn cutworms tend to cause the most damage to plants during mid-June.  They are usually an issue when planting is delayed — which can result from high precipitation levels throughout spring. They are often hard to detect, which means farmers might not be aware of their presence until after serious damage has occurred. A fully matured cutworm can reach up to one and three-fourths inches, although they cause damage before they are fully grown. Properly cultivating a field before planting can help reduce cutworm damage, as these insects thrive on weeds in the early season.

2. Russian Wheat Aphids

Wheat crops can be significantly damaged by Russian wheat aphids. Unlike other types of pests — which chew through crops — aphids primarily cause damage by injecting toxins into plants. Damage is identified by vertical white striping on wheat. Wheat may also take on a purplish hue — particularly when weather is cold — and the leaves will often curl into the shape of straw. Other insects — such as ladybugs — can be beneficial for controlling aphid populations. Additionally, early planting can also help mitigate damage, as grains that are planted late in the season tend to be the most susceptible.

3. Grasshoppers

During dry weather, grasshoppers often move from grass to crops due to drought. They tend to focus on soybean crops, and damage can be identified by holes on the soybean pod or leaves of the plant. There are several pesticides that have proven effective for the control of grasshoppers. The number of the crops damaged will determine the treatment necessary. For instance, if 40 percent of the crops have been damaged before soybeans flower, pesticide is recommended.

With some insect knowledge in your back pocket, you can figure out how to best combat pests on your farm. With over 37 years of experience, Nebraska Crop Insurance Agency is dedicated to supporting local farmers by offering essential policies like crop insurance. If you’d like to see the full listing of products offered by this insurance agency, feel free to visit them online. You can also call (402) 223-2694 to speak with an insurance agent directly about your needs.