2021 Soybean Insect Losses in the United States

Estimated insect management costs and losses due to insects in soybean during the 2021 growing season were collected and compiled from 18 states to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. These annual estimates provide a historical record of pest pressure and insect management and have been compiled in some states since 2004. Participating states represented 47% of soybean acreage grown in the United States, with near 100% participation in southern states. Overall, the stink bug complex was the costliest insect pest in soybean followed by corn earworm. Total insect management costs were $18.53 per acre, with estimated crop losses to insects at $17.83 per acre, making the 2021 total costs plus losses $36.37 per acre. State estimates varied widely, with insect management costs in three states averaging less than $10/ac, while averaging more than $40/ac in four states. Similarly, the estimated yield losses from insects ranged from less than $10/ac in four states to more than $40/ac in six states.