Report: Kentucky faces worst corn crop since 1983

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Associated Press

Story Created: Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:11 PM

Story Updated: Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:11 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The hot, dry summer has taken a toll on Kentucky's corn crop, which could result in the lowest yields in nearly 30 years.
   
A government report issued Friday predicts an average statewide corn yield of 65 bushels an acre. That's down 74 bushels from last year's crop. And it would be the lowest yield since the 1983 crop produced 48 bushels per acre.
   
Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at nearly 97 million bushels, down 46 percent from last year.
   
Farmers in western Kentucky have been especially hard hit by drought and blistering heat.
   
Bill Clift says it's the worst corn crop he's seen. The 44-year-old farms in Caldwell, Lyon and Crittenden counties. He's bracing for yields from zero to 50 bushels an acre when he starts harvesting next week.

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