- Those in the ag industry following the movement of western bean cutworm (WBCW) are not surprised by the latest find in Frankfort, Mich. In the last decade, WBCW has moved from the dry bean fields of western Nebraska into eastern Nebraska and throughout Iowa. Within the last two years, WBCW crossed the Mississippi River and became a pest of cornfields in northern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. After capturing WBCW moths the past two years in Indiana, Purdue University entomologists confirmed in August that they had identified western bean cutworm larvae in a Jasper County cornfield, located in northwestern Indiana, officially marking WBCW as a pest of Indiana. Insecticides can control WBCW; however, the window of application is narrow. Once larvae hatch, they quickly get to the cob. The husks provide protection and cover from the insecticide. Farmers need to proactively scout fields to see whether they have a WBCW infestation. Usually, WBCW isn’t detected until it’s too late. A better way to protect corn from WBCW damage is with an in-plant trait. Farmers who grow corn hybrids with HERCULEX® Insect Protection in-plant traits have built-in protection against WBCW. A 40 percent yield loss is not uncommon, and even a 5 percent loss can cost a grower $25 per acre at today’s corn prices where yields run about 175 bu./A. You can learn more about WBCW by viewing a slide show from Iowa State University extension.
- The Meyocks Group has added two people to its team. Justin Stevens joins as a web development manager. He previously was a web and graphic designer with EFCO Corp., Des Moines, and also has several free-lance credits. Stevens earned an associate’s degree in visual communication at Brown College in Minnesota. He’s a Des Moines native. A’Leisha Stycket joins as a media coordinator after two years with the in-house agency for Casey’s General Stores, Ankeny. Stycket received her education at Drake University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in marketing. She’s also a Des Moines native.
- Elanco Animal Health has announced the promotion of Dr. Bill Platter to the position of manager of technical consultants for beef cattle. In this role he will lead a team of professionals conducting post-product-approval research, and providing technical services with a feedlot and stocker focus in the United States. These activities focus on work with veterinarians, nutritionists and meat scientists to improve animal health, production efficiencies and profitability within the beef industry. Platter has relocated to work from Elanco’s global headquarters in Greenfield, Ind.
- Shauna Trusas has joined Allflex USA as Associate Western Regional Manager. Shauna will be responsible for supporting Allflex’s sales and marketing efforts in the western U.S. including the states of Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Trusas is an Animal Science graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with an emphasis in livestock production and agricultural communications.
- David Loos has been hired as Technology and Business Development Director by the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB). In his new position he will be responsible for collecting and analyzing technical, economic, regulatory, political and social information relevant to market development projects for both boards. He will act as a liaison with public and private companies and various industry organizations and individuals which have projects involving new and innovative corn-related technology. He will also manage the ICMB research program as well as solicit and evaluate research proposals and work with universities and industry on patent and royalty issues representing the ICMB.
