This information was summarized from a June 24 teleconference with ISU extension field specialists in crops. We also receive comments from independent crop consultants located throughout the state.

• Corn growth stage ranges from V1 to V11 (1 to 11 leaf collars), with most areas reporting V5 to V8. Cultivation and postemergence herbicide application progressed.
• Soybean growth stage ranges from just planted to V5 (6 nodes with unfolded leaflets). Most stands look good, except for some fields with seedling disease problems.
• First generation European corn borer larvae were reported in most areas of the state. Tom Smidt, Smidt Crop Management in Greene, reports finding first instar larvae in larger corn and up to 20 percent of the scouted plants were infested. High mortality of the larvae in pulled whorls was observed. (See article on page 103 of the June 24 ICM newsletter for scouting and economic threshold information).
• Common waterhemp, smartweed, and giant ragweed are getting too large to effectively control with herbicides in some fields.
• First-cut hay harvest is almost complete, except for some counties in the central, south central, and northeast areas. Potato leafhoppers (2 to 3 per sweep) were reported in one alfalfa field.
• Oats are shorter than normal, somewhat uneven, and they are starting to head out. Winter wheat fields are starting to mature and turn yellow, and in general, the crop looks good.