Planting has resumed in Northeast Illinois after recent precipitation. Nearly ideal field conditions early to mid-April allowed for an early start to the planting season. Windshield surveys suggest a growing number of area farmers planted some, if not all, soy before corn. Corn that emerged are demonstrating a yellowish cast, the result of earlier cloudy and cool days. A reminder that seedling corn is still largely dependent upon kernel reserves. Once corn reaches the V3 growth stage, seedlings begin the transition to being dependent upon the nodal root system. The cure for the discolored corn, warmer and more cloudless days. For those with alfalfa, just as last year, alfalfa weevil is prevalent in area fields. If the alfalfa has reached 16 inches in height, taking the first cutting is often the preferred management tool for the pest over an insecticide application. Harvesting the alfalfa removes food and shelter and exposes larvae to harmful UV rays. Regrowth in heavily populated weevil fields should be monitored.