Joe Russell examines roots on one of his corn plants. The lack of rainfall has stunted the growth of his late plantings, and compounded the problem of the corn rootworm beetle. Rainfall will be crucial as pollination begins in the fields. Robert Leistra / The Star Press
Joe Russell examines roots on one of his corn plants. The lack of rainfall has stunted the growth of his late plantings, and compounded the problem of the corn rootworm beetle. Rainfall will be crucial as pollination begins in the fields. Robert Leistra / The Star Press

By KEITH ROYSDON, Star Press
kroysdon@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE -- East Central Indiana farmers followed a national trend this spring and planted many more acres of corn in reaction to rising demand and prices driven by ethanol speculation.

But corn prices have fallen, and now the weather -- the perennial partner and enemy of farmers -- is threatening the corn crop which is, ironically, more dependent on rain than soybeans, the crop that lost acreage in favor of corn.

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