CEDAR RAPIDS - There's something missing from the table as families enjoy their summer grilling - sweet corn.

By the Fourth of July, farmers typically are plucking it from the fields to serve up to hungry Iowans.

Farmers and agronomists say Iowa fields are about two to three weeks behind this sweet corn season. By now, customers usually can get their hands on sweet corn. Instead, farmers like Peter Schulte from Strawberry Point only have produce such as zucchinis and lettuce.

“I've had a lot of people just come up and ask for corn and just turn right back around if we don't have it,” Schulte said.

Peter planted 10 acres of sweet corn this year. He expects the first of it to be ready in about two weeks.

“It's delayed because of the lack of growing degrees, the lack of heat during the day time and the nighttime. It has been so cool that it won't grow, basically,” Schulte said.

With plenty of rain and some warm summer days, farmers say it's a crop worth waiting for.

“It's Iowa. You've gotta eat sweet corn. That's what you come to Iowa for,” Schulte said.