Now's the time for farmers to be out scouting for cutworms.

That from Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association.

She notes this rings especially true for corn.

"Corn can't compensate extremely well for any reduction in plant stands, so what plants are there and what plants have emerged - those are the plants that are going to give you your yield potential at the end of the season."

De Rocquigny adds that crops such as flax and peas aren't as badly affected by cutworms, because they can compensate for the damage that occurs.

She notes when scouting for cutworms, farmers should be looking for damage and not the insect itself because it does its feeding during the night and is hidden throughout the day. Insecticides can be helpful, although producers need to decide if it is worth the money being spent.

More information on cutworms can be found on the Manitoba Corn Growers Website.