Ohio Corn Farmers Project 30-50 Percent Drop in Yields

The drought conditions in Ohio appear to have no immediate relief in sight, and a number of farmers are predicting corn yields to drop by 30 to 50 percent over previous levels, with much of the damage to the crop already done, even if rain returns and falls on the crop.

While the predictions are dire, farmers added that they really won't know the extent of the drop in corn yields until harvest time.

As for soybeans in Ohio, they could be salvaged more if rains do come in the near future.

Farmers around the Midwest conclude rains in drought-stricken areas must come in the next couple of weeks or the corn yield could be catastrophically low.

The one piece of good news is farmers around the nation probably planted more corn than any time in history, and so a reduced yield may not have as much of an impact, although that depends on how bad it actually gets.

Hot and dry conditions during the pollination period result in the ears of the corn not filling out, which is what reduces the overall yield.

Estimates are Ohio needs about 5 inches of rain to get back to normal levels in the state.

Agriculture produces approximately $105 billion in revenue for Ohio annually.