This information was summarized from a May 11 teleconference with ISU extension field specialists in crops.

• Planting is progressing rapidly in most areas of the state. Producers in the east central, south central, and southeast were slowed by up to 3 inches of rain and wet field conditions. Weeds are rapidly growing in fields that have not been tilled.
• Wheat plantings are knee-high and somewhat uneven. Oat plantings are generally looking good statewide; oats in fields planted early are 15-20 inches tall.
• Harvest may start late this week in fields with bud-stage alfalfa. Alfalfa fields showing spring black stem and other leaf diseases are still being reported. Increased leaf drop may occur in affected fields.
• A few alfalfa weevils have been reported but are generally not a problem. Mark Carlton (south central) counted 2 to 4 alfalfa weevil larvae per 30 alfalfa stems in a field in south central Iowa, but these numbers are below the threshold for treatment (see alfalfa weevil article [1] in the April 27, 1998 ICM, pages 51-53).
• Estimates of the percentage of corn and soybean planted, reported by field specialists' area of the state, are in the table. Because of rainfall patterns and wet soil conditions, the percentage of each crop planted in some areas is variable.