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Bayer Creates “The Watch” Campaign
ST. LOUIS, MO.
This year’s weather challenges leave growers with more than just delayed planting and increased prevented plant acres. While soggy soils typically dampen overall corn rootworm populations due to larvae mortality, Bayer insect experts recommend that farmers scout fields once weekly for this yield-robbing pest.
The USDA estimates that corn rootworm can cost U.S. farmers up to $1 billion every growing season in crop damage and control costs, and for many corn farmers, it’s one of the worst pests they face. Utilizing best management practices, such as scouting fields, can help farmers predict potential pressure so they can prepare before damage occurs the following season.
To help growers predict corn rootworm pressure and plan for the future, Bayer has created “The Watch,” a campaign to encourage growers to scout their fields. As part of the program, growers can join The Watch and receive free sticky traps.* From now until August 11, participants who share their sticky trap photos on Twitter with hashtags #RootwormWatch and #Contest will be entered for a chance to win prizes.**
“In years like this where we have delayed planting due to wet weather and increased prevented plant fields with volunteer corn, farmers need to remain diligent about scouting for corn rootworm,” said John Fietsam, North America Corn Systems Lead. “Sticky traps act as eyes in the field and are an easy way to estimate potential corn rootworm pressure so farmers can make the right trait decisions and protect their fields from future yield loss.”
Farmers interested in participating in The Watch can visit www.Genuity.com/TheWatch to claim a free trap kit and learn how to report sticky trap findings on Twitter with #RootwormWatch and #Contest until August 11.
*Kit includes 4 traps. Must be a U.S. commercial corn farmer, agronomist or crop consultant, age 18+. To qualify, sign up for The Watch at Genuity.com/TheWatch and provide your mailing address by 8/5/19. Limited number available. Valid only while supplies last. Retail value: $20. Restrictions may apply. Sponsor reserves the right to extend, modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice. Sponsor: Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63167.
** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal U.S. residents, excluding residents of RI, who are: (a) 18+ years of age and the age of majority in his/her state; (b) have or open a Twitter account; and (c) are commercial farmers and/or seed retailers. Enter by tweeting a photo of yourself setting up or checking a sticky trap between 7/15 - 8/11/19 using #RootwormWatch and #Contest as set out in the Official Rules. Approx. Retail Value (ARV) of participation prize: $10. ARV of Weekly Prizes between $149-229. Odds depend on number of entries each week, but estimated at 1:50. For a copy of the Official Rules, visit www.genuity.com/thewatchrules. Sponsor: Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63167. ∆
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