This information was summarized from a July 12 teleconference with Iowa State University extension field specialists in crops.

• Scattered rain fell during the past week to 10 days and ranged from none to 6 inches. Hail and heavy thunderstorms occurred on July 2 in the northern half of the state. Tony Weis (northwest) reported that up to 200,000 acres in Monona, Crawford, Carroll, and Greene counties were damaged by hail. Ten to 15 percent of the affected crop acres were a total loss. In Grundy and Blackhawk counties, greensnap affected up to 20 percent of the corn plants in some fields according to George Cummins (northeast).
• In general, the corn and soybean crops look very good. Some uneveness in growth was reported and may be caused by replanting at various dates, herbicide carryover or injury, potassium deficiency symptoms, iron chlorosis (soybean), and nitrogen deficiency (corn).
• First-generation European corn borer infestations have generally been light statewide. Brian Lang (northeast) reported that some fields in his area were above threshold for this pest.
• Corn rootworm damage was reported in a few fields. Mike White (south central) reported a field showing extended diapause (northern corn rootworm eggs that overwinter 2 years before hatching) north of Lamoni.
• Unexplained cupping of soybean leaves is present in some fields. Soybean cyst nematode symptoms are beginning to appear.
• Potato leafhopper infestations in alfalfa continue to be a severe problem. Many first year alfalfa fields that were planted with an oat nurse crop have very high numbers of potato leafhopper. Some infestations are so high that the first year alfalfa seedlings are being severely stunted or killed. Treatment is warranted for those fields above the economic threshold for potato leafhopper. Second cutting hay harvest continues in most areas.
• Wheat harvest has started in southern Iowa. Jim Jensen (southeast) heard a report of a 70 to 75 bushel per acre yield. Carroll Olsen (southwest) reported a 40 bushel per acre yield and mentioned that some of the wheat was lodged. Brian Lang (northeast) reported that barley and oats harvest was beginning this week.
• The table below shows estimates of the range of crop growth stages as reported by field specialists' area of the state. Note: V8, V10, etc., refer to the vegetative stage; numerals refer to the number of visible leaf collars on the corn plant. When corn starts to tassel the growth stage is "VT"; the "R" designation refers to the reproductive stages. For soybean, V3 and V4 refer to the number of fully developed leaf nodes (i.e., leaflets expanded above the top node). When soybean plants begin to flower, the "R" or reproductive stages begin. For more information about staging and development of corn and soybean plants, see ISU Extension publications SR48 and SR53, respectively.