Dry streak becoming worrisome for Indiana farmers

Weeks of hot, dry weather across much of Indiana have the state's farmers worried as they watch the ground harden and their crops struggle.

Central Indiana is on pace for perhaps its driest July on record, with the state's eastern half already in low-level drought conditions.

Purdue University agronomist Bob Nielsen said crops are deteriorating and need a soaking, daylong rain. He says the northeastern part of the state has been hurt the worst so far.

Howard County farmer Dick Miller told the Kokomo Tribune that the corn crop is at a critical stage because of the heat and lack of moisture at a time the plants would normally pollinate. He said farmers just have to hope for better weather from now until the harvest.