Lower Demand, Rains Dampened Indiana Popcorn Production

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Indiana produced less popcorn last year because of less demand and frequent rains.

Purdue University says federal statistics show popcorn production in the state fell by 29 percent last year. That's after bounty crops the two previous years led to a reduction in production during 2015 because of a less demand from processors.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 310 million pounds of popcorn were produced in Indiana last year. That's compared with about 483 million pounds in 2014 and 414 million pounds in 2013. Less acreage in Indiana also was dedicated to popcorn. About 85,000 acres were planted with popcorn last year. That's compared with 91,000 in 2014.

Agriculture experts also say frequent rain and summer flooded fields affected yields.