BAY, ARKANSAS. (RFD News) — For many crop growers, breaking even this year would be a win. Arkansas farmer Dean Elmore says that’s the reality he’s facing, with current budgets showing losses of about $300 per acre for rice and $150 per acre for corn. He says soybeans may be his best shot at covering costs.
“Every time we got the planters out in the morning, we would cut back some on the corn just because fertilizers had gotten ridiculously expensive.”
Elmore says soybeans carry lower input costs and tend to perform well in his area.
“Where we’re at, right here, we can make pretty good soybean yields, and that’s the best thing for us.”
Still, he’s cautious about relying too heavily on one crop.
“Last year, we paid more for soybean rent to our landlords than we did for rice rent. That’s unheard of. Everyone starts planting soybeans, the price drops, can’t get rid of them, so I’m a little nervous to plant all beans.”
Despite those concerns, planting progress in Arkansas is moving along.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report shows 61 percent of the state’s rice crop has been planted, with 30 percent already emerged. Winter wheat conditions are holding steady, with 47 percent rated good to excellent.
Tony Adkins with Specialty Risk Insurance addresses current market challenges for farmers and ranchers and offers strategies to help producers navigate risk.
March 24, 2026 02:37 PM
·
The Mosaic Company’s Keith Byerly shares smart input investment strategies, fertilizer considerations, and ways growers can manage risk heading into the 2026 growing season.
March 23, 2026 12:56 PM
·
The Midwest event will feature hundreds of horses and offer nationwide bidding access to participants
March 20, 2026 03:11 PM
·
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:53 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the updates to crop insurance subsidies, additional benefits for new farmers, and eligibility considerations for those entering the program.
March 19, 2026 02:12 PM
·
Bryan Combs with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service breaks down new farmland data from the TOTAL survey, highlights key findings, and potential impacts for the ag sector. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares how those trends are reflected in the current farmland market, especially in the Midwest.
March 18, 2026 04:55 PM
·
