This information was summarized from a May 21, 2001 teleconference with ISU extension field specialists in crops.

• Most areas of the state received 1-2 inches of rainfall, with some locations in southeastern and north central areas receiving up to 5 inches. Corn planting is generally 95 percent completed, except in the south central and southeastern counties where approximately two-thirds is planted. Some replanting of corn has occurred because of soil crusting and wet areas.
• Approximately 80 percent of the soybean crop has been planted, except for the south central and southeastern counties where less than 50 percent is planted. Some farmers have had poor germination of soybean seed.
• Disease problems, especially in wet fields, were reported.
• A few fields were treated for black cutworm.
• Wireworm and white grub problems continue. Seedcorn maggot also was reported; some in fields where manure had not been applied.
• Bean leaf beetle numbers are generally lower than last year, some fields were near the threshold, and a few fields are being sprayed (typically seed beans). See article in the May 14, 2001, ICM newsletter, pages 73-74, for information about this pest.
• Alfalfa and hay harvest has begun. Heavy alfalfa weevil infestations were reported in southeastern Iowa.
• The oat crop is growing slowly and some plants are more yellow than normal.