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Keep an eye out for alfalfa weevil

The agronomy education lead with Beck’s Hybrids says alfalfa weevil is already present in some fields.

Matt Montgomery, who’s based in central Illinois, tells Brownfield, “It is out there.”  He says, “Actually, I was out poking around yesterday and if you look, they’ll be nestled in those buds.”

Although the insect is present, he says most producers will have a better idea of the situation by late April.

“We didn’t have so mild a winter that that automatically increases the chances for us seeing just incredible pressure from alfalfa weevil.”  He says, “It’ll over winter, so mild winters can do that. But I do think that’s one we’re going to keep an eye on.  Right now, they’re just there.”

Montgomery says early scouting of fields and pastures can give producers a head start on potential in-season insect issues.

AUDIO: Matt Montgomery – Beck’s Hybrids