Agency: One-quarter of Indiana corn, soybeans in poor shape

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – A U.S. Department of Agriculture report says roughly one-quarter of Indiana’s corn and soybean crops are in poor shape following the state’s wettest June on record.

Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt says the federal agency’s latest report rates 25 percent of Indiana corn as being “very poor” or “poor.” The report says 26 percent of Indiana soybeans are in similar conditions.

Purdue has estimated losses for corn and soybean crops are nearly $500 million.

The State Climate Office has said Indiana’s average June rainfall of 9.03 inches was a new record for the month. The (Muncie) Star Press reports many fields that had begun to dry out were again drenched last week.