Success StoryScouting for Aphids in Wheat Can Save Big Bucks for Small Grain Farmers in Kentucky
Scouting for Aphids in Wheat Can Save Big Bucks for Small Grain Farmers in Kentucky
Author: Raul Villanueva
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Grains
Outcome: Initial Outcome
After advising farmers to halt spring insecticide applications for aphids after scouting for them in Kentucky, at least one farmer followed this recommendation during the 2024–2025 season. This grower plants approximately 10,000 acres of small grains annually in western Kentucky. By holding off on spraying, the farmer saved an estimated $20,000 to $70,000 this season, depending on whether a generic pyrethroid ($2.00/A) or an average-brand insecticide ($7.00/A) would have been used.
Small grain farmers in Kentucky sees around 500,000 acres of small grains planted each year. If just 10% of that acreage (about 50,000 acres) follows this recommendation, the total potential savings could range from $100,000 to $350,000 statewide.
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