Warm and sunny weather helped dry out soil conditions and aided crop development during the week ending July 5, which was only the second week this season that all districts had at least four days suitable for fieldwork, according to the July 6 Iowa Crop & Weather report.

"The dry weather and warmer temperatures last week helped fields dry and crops continue to mature," said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey. "There are a lot of uneven fields due to the wet conditions much of the state saw in June."

State Meteorologist Harry Hillaker said, "Iowa enjoyed its driest week in nine weeks (the week ending May 3), with a statewide average precipitation amount of 0.3 inch, while normal for the week is 1.09 inches."

The report said 82 percent of corn was rated good to excellent, with nearly all soybeans emerging. In addition, soybean blooming reached 20 percent and condition was rated 78 percent good to excellent.

Oats headed or beyond reached 96 percent, with 43 percent of oat acreage turning color, four days ahead of 2014, the report stated, with condition improving slightly to 82 percent good to excellent.

The report also said the first cutting of alfalfa hay was 90 percent complete, with the second cutting reaching 24 percent and hay conditions remaining 70 percent good to excellent.

In its July 1 insect update, the Iowa State Department of Entomology reported some grub activity in corn. "Areas that were previously pasture or sown to grass should be monitored for their presence," the report read. "Grubs are more likely to be found in fields close to cottonwood or willow trees.

"To scout for grubs, dig and break up soil before planting," it stated. "Sampling efforts should target grassy areas within and around fields."