The Associated Press

FORT WAYNE — This summer’s dry weather could cost Indiana about $250 million in diminished corn and soybean yields, according to an early estimate from a Purdue University agricultural economist.

The forecast, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture crop-conditions reports, could change based on upcoming weather, said Chris Hurt. Frequent moderate rains and mild temperatures could reduce those projected losses, while more hot, dry weather could make yields even worse.

“A couple of weeks ago, we had something of a reprieve from the dry conditions,” Hurt said. “But now I think we’re headed back into a fairly scary period where we’re going to be very vulnerable to serious crop damage.”

Most of the corn in the state will be pollinating over the next few weeks, a process that determines how many kernels of corn are formed on each ear. Hurt said that even if pollination is successful, yields can be damaged by insufficient moisture and excessive heat.

Purdue agronomist Bob Nielsen said crops could recover from this year’s hot summer.

“Compared with the big droughts of ’88 or even ’91, hybrids have improved so much in their abilities to recover from stress,” he said. “Quite a few of these fields could recover.”

Soybeans are better suited to resist the effects of a drought and their critical growing period comes in August. But Brad Kohlhagen, the Adams County extension educator in agriculture and natural resources, said soybeans may already be damaged in Adams County, one of the driest areas in northeast Indiana. Some farmers wanted to replant soybeans, but the dry soil meant there was never a time to do so.

“A lot of our crops are very stressed,” Kohlhagen said.