Long dry spell hurting Indiana corn, soybean crops

The weeks of mostly dry weather across much of Indiana is taking a toll on the state's corn and soybean crops.

This week's U.S. Department of Agriculture report lists about 65 percent of those crops in good or excellent condition — down from about 75 percent a month ago.

That comes as about two-thirds of Indiana's top soil is listed as short or very short of moisture.

Purdue Extension corn specialist Bob Nielsen says he's less optimistic about the size of harvest yields than he was a month ago. He says it's too late for corn to recover fully, but that widespread, soaking rains soon could prevent further damage and yield loss.