This information was summarized from a June 25 teleconference with Iowa State University extension field specialists in crops.

• An almost rain-free week of fieldwork was reported in most areas of the state. Soybean planting, spraying, sidedress nitrogen application in corn, and cultivation were accomplished.
• Corn is no longer yellow and is growing rapidly. Average growth stage reported by the field specialists is V7, but the range is VE to V10. Stand unevenness within a given field is causing concern. Problems encountered include stress-induced potassium deficiency; some low nitrogen values from late-spring soil nitrate tests; hail-damaged fields not recovering as well as expected; herbicide damage and drift; rotted mesocotyls and crowns causing stand loss; and scattered problems with armyworm, white grub, and black cutworm.
• Soybean planting and replanting continue in a few areas. Growth stage is typically V3 to V4. The main problems reported were weedy fields, seedling rots, variegated cutworm, black cutworm, thistle caterpillars, and loopers.
• Most of the first cut hay harvest is complete, but the quality is generally low because it was too mature when cut and because much of the crop was rained on. A few fields are being cut the second time. Some fields had potato leafhoppers over threshold and there are continued reports of variegated cutworms affecting alfalfa regrowth.
• The oat crop is in the boot to milk stage.