Stand Your Ground Against Early-Season Insect Pests

Apr 20, 2026

By Nicolle Ritchie

With planting just around the corner, it’s time to evaluate plans for early pest management. Join Michigan State University Extension for the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on April 30, 2026, as Anders Huseth, PhD, of Michigan State University provides updates for managing seedcorn maggot and other early insect pests. Pests such as seedcorn maggot and black cutworm can greatly reduce crop stands, which results in a direct hit to farm profitability. These underground insects can be difficult to find and treat, so it’s important to know what to look for and how to respond to them.

Immediately following the discussion on early insect pests, MSU Extension agricultural climatologist Jeff Andresen will give a weekly weather report.

The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions are held every week during the growing season via Zoom video or phone conference. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7–8 a.m. March through September. The Virtual Breakfast Series is flexible, fluid and able to adapt when issues arise due to unforeseen growing conditions. There will be an open 20-minute Q&A session following the presentations with MSU specialists and educators. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom meeting 5 minutes prior to the start time for a tech check and to receive announcements.

Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available for participants who attend the live session.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.