CINCINNATI (AP) — Farmer John Hoffman hopes forecasts of more hot temperatures and extremely dry weather across the state the next few weeks will change, but he doesn’t hold out a lot of hope for much of his corn crop. And he’s not alone.
Concerns are growing among Ohio’s farmers as abnormally dry conditions, considered among the worst in the last decade, and triple-digit temperatures scorch already parched fields, stunting much of the corn and soybean crops. Sweltering temperatures near 100 degrees or above and lack of rainfall have farmers projecting reduced yields that eventually could mean higher consumer prices. With no relief in sight, a state Drought Assessment Committee met Friday to begin planning Ohio’s response in a state where food and agriculture form the top industry, which contributes more than $105 billion to the state’s economy annually, creating about 1 in 7 Ohio jobs.
