Scouting of seedling corn near the first cutting date is the only reliable method to determine if a problem exists. Then, insecticides can be applied if needed. Scouting could begin May 21 in central and south-western Iowa. No cutting problems are expected in northwestern, extreme north central, and northeastern Iowa because no significant moth flights were trapped in these areas. Begin walking the field a couple of days before cutting is predicted.
Problems are more likely to occur in fields with spring weed growth or in soybean stubble.
Look for cutworm injury on the corn leaves. Therefore, try to find cutworms to determine if they are blacks or dingys. When leaf feeding is found, mark off 100 plants in a row with stakes or flags and scout these same plants for cutting over time. Do this at several spots in the field. This way you can monitor the progression of damage and better observe what is happening in the field.