Staff writer
Aerial crop sprayers have been in abundance in the Kansas sky the past few weeks.
A summer with ample moisture has produced lush corn, milo, and soybean crops that are being attacked by a myriad of harmful worms.
Jeff Naismith, crop specialist with Cooperative Grain and Supply, said some worms eat on soybean pods, some eat soybean leaves, and some feed on grain in milo heads.
The worms can be controlled with pesticide. Because of recent wet weather, aerial spraying is the only application available for many farmers. Matt Orth of Central Ag Air, Marion, has been busy for weeks. He has had to call for outside help to meet the demand.
“We’ve been swamped,” he said. “When you have this much work, you need help.”
An aerial sprayer from Illinois helps Orth to fulfill orders. Some days last week, as many as five planes were in service.