Indiana Corn Harvest Faces Regional Variations Amid Flooding Damage

Indiana's corn harvest is off to a mixed start after a tumultuous growing season. The state's biggest crop by value, corn supports a large farm economy and provides feed for livestock, ethanol, and other industries.

As of September 20th, only 7% of the state's corn had been harvested, but 90% was already showing signs of damage. The USDA estimates that 61% of the crop is in good to excellent condition, with a yield of 200 bushels per acre and a total harvest of 1.032 billion bushels.

However, Purdue Extension corn specialist Dan Quinn notes that the statewide numbers mask significant regional variations. In east-central Indiana, fields hit by August flooding suffered catastrophic damage, with water reaching above the ears and kernels rotting prematurely. Yet just a few miles away, other fields had 'good pollination, good fill', according to Quinn.

Central Indiana also faces another problem: damage that may not be visible from the road. Soybean specialist Shaun Casteel points out that fields in Tipton received 6-8 inches of rain without flooding, but still experienced significant damage.