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Indiana growers evaluate long-term crop impacts from severe weather

A southeast Indiana farmer says recent severe weather has led to widespread flooding across the state.

Roger Wenning says his area has gotten more than 8 inches of rain in the last two weeks.

“A little narrow downburst of wind came through and ripped a bunch of trees out,” he says. “It took down a barn. I don’t normally have a bunch of standing water. A lot of it has soaked in.”

According to the latest USDA crop progress and conditions report, Indiana corn is 96 percent silking,69 percent in the dough stage, 19 percent dented, and rated 61 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 95 percent blooming, 81 percent setting pods, and also rated 61 percent good to excellent.

Wenning says he’s concerned the excess moisture could cause long-term damage.

“Looking over the soybeans, it pushed them and they’ve stood back up,” he says. “Now, we need some sunshine. I can’t tell on a lot of the corn. I have climbed on some grain bins and haven’t seen any major damage.”

The National Weather Service says parts of the state have received up to 12 inches of rain since August 11th, leaving many fields flooded and creating long-term concerns about crop losses. 

President Trump recently approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration through FEMA to bring additional federal resources to Indiana to support emergency response costs in more than 53 counties.

AUDIO: Roger Wenning