The annual western bean cutworm moth flight has begun in some areas where this particular insect has traditionally been observed, with trap counts now increasing both the Plains states and also in portions of the Great Lakes region. More concern, at least initially simply from a more advanced crop stage standpoint, is in the Plains states where Low risks continue across northern Kansas into southern Nebraska. This risk has been upgraded to a Moderate risk by early next week as we anticipate trap captures to continue to increase and also crop stage should become more attractive as heat unit accumulations and growth continue to advance. Further east, we have also introduced Low risks across much of Indiana, Ohio, far southern lower Michigan, and also in Wisconsin but the threat in this area is more geared at earliest plantings that may be nearing favorable hosting stages for these early moth emergences as crops are generally not as advanced as further west. Still, growers in this area should use this early risk to prepare traps and do early scouting as the treatment window for western bean cutworms is pretty narrow and will be upon some before they know it. Subsequent risks will be increased in the next week or two rather quickly as well.