Heavy Rains Bad News For State's Corn And Soybeans

Heavy rains throughout parts of Indiana over the past two weeks, in particular the northwest, have led to substantial crop loss and delayed planting for some Hoosier farmers. Now, some experts say more rain is likely, and that could spell bad news when it comes time to harvest.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report released earlier this month showed Indiana’s corn and soybeans progressing better than normal.

But after as much as 15 inches of rain fell in some parts of the state this month, a more recent USDA report shows the crops faring much worse than normal.

Speaking at a Purdue extension forum Friday morning at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Purdue Agriculture Economist Chris Hurt said corn and soybean yield losses have already amounted to about $178 million.

"It’s the final crop ratings that are really highly correlated with yields, but this was very devastating period," Hurt said. 

And how those final crop ratings end up could depend on how much rain the state receives over the next couple of months. Associate State Climatologist Ken Scheeringa said his forecast calls for below average temperatures, which usually means above average rainfall.

"I’m hopeful that—even though it will be above normal rainfall—the amounts will be more reasonable," Scheeringa said. 

The Indiana Farm Service Agency is currently surveying crop losses in individual counties. Counties suffering a minimum 30-percent production loss of any one crop could receive a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation, which would make those counties’ farmers eligible for certain government assistance programs.