Corn, Soybean Yields Better Than Previous Estimates
The report says the overall popcorn crop value dipped 38 percent.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowStatewide estimated losses from heavy spring rains that previously ran into the half-billion dollar range have been dialed back. Purdue Extension Economist Chris Hurt says soybean yields appear to be near-normal and the corn crop appears to be bigger than expected in parts of the state. Hurt says actual losses are expected to total around $200 million and be less wide-spread than previously feared.
He says U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates suggest soybean yields throughout Indiana to be a bushel-per-acre higher than under "normal" conditions, while overall in the state, corn crops appear to be 10 bushels shy of a typical yield.
Hurt says "in many areas soybean yields were able to recover in August and September. However, several areas will still see yields 5-10 percent below normal. These include the northeast, northwest and east-central regions of the state. Flooding damage on corn was more permanent in the northern two-thirds of the state where USDA yield estimates by crop reporting district are down 5-20 percent from normal. The worst-hit areas are the northwest and west-central parts of the state. Southern Indiana has corn yields that are 5-10 percent greater than a normal weather year."
He adds many individual farm families throughout the state have sustained major losses "these farms may have elected crop insurance, which may help their financial situation somewhat, and low yield areas are more likely to receive higher government payments. However, Indiana farm income will still be depressed for all areas and even weaker in low-yield areas."