July 7, 2015

Record Rainfall Drowns Crops Across Indiana

Purdue University experts estimate that Indiana farmers have lost $486 million in corn and soybean production due to record rainfalls. - Leigh DeNoon

Purdue University experts estimate that Indiana farmers have lost $486 million in corn and soybean production due to record rainfalls.

Leigh DeNoon

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Record rainfall continues to take a toll on Indiana's crops, with Purdue University experts estimating that farmers statewide have lost $486 million in corn and soybean production.

An average of 9 inches, more than twice the normal level of 4.2 inches, was measured last month at 200 recording stations across the state. State climatologist Ken Scheeringa says as much as 18 inches of rain fell in parts of northern Indiana.

The Indianapolis Star reports that some farmers in central Indiana's Johnson and Shelby counties recorded 7 to 10 inches of rain.

Agricultural economics professor Chris Hurt says 21 percent of the state's corn is in poor or very poor shape.

Crop insurance covers about 80 percent of losses in Indiana.

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