Cool, Wet Spring Raises Pest Risks for Wisconsin Crops in 2026
Wisconsin farmers are facing heightened pest risks this spring due to cool and wet weather conditions, which have created an ideal environment for pests like slugs, true armyworms, and alfalfa weevils. According to Emily Bick, an entomologist with the University of Wisconsin Extension, these conditions are particularly concerning for crops such as soybeans, corn, and alfalfa. Slugs, which thrive in high-moisture soils and no-till fields, are expected to cause significant damage, especially to soybeans. True armyworms, which have two generations in Wisconsin, are another major threat, with their larvae capable of causing rapid and severe damage to crops. Alfalfa weevils, known for their defoliation of alfalfa crops, are also on the rise across the Midwest. Farmers are being urged to prioritize scouting and timely pest control measures to mitigate potential yield losses. 
