FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. (RFD NEWS) — Native rice stink bugs may be small, but they cost farmers millions of dollars each year in crop losses and control costs. Now, researchers say new findings could help address one of the industry’s growing concerns: insecticide resistance.
Allen Szalanski from the University of Arkansas joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the pest’s impact on agriculture and why it continues to be a costly challenge for rice producers.
Szalanski explained the background of the Rice Stink Bug and outlined how infestations can affect crop quality and farmers’ profitabilityto help insecticides remain effective for longer periods. He also shared details from a new study that identified clues that could help researchers better understand how the pest develops resistance to insecticides.
According to Szalanski, those findings could eventually support new management strategies designed to help insecticides remain effective for longer periods of time. He also discussed the next steps in the research process as scientists continue studying the pest and potential control options.
China may no longer serve as a consistent anchor market for U.S. cotton exports. Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the factors influencing planting decisions, river conditions, and what producers are considering as they finalize acreage plans for the season.
March 03, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Falling commodity prices and rising costs continue to squeeze farm margins. Kip Jacobs with The Mosaic Company addresses fertilizer market pressures, nutrient use efficiency, and strategies growers can consider to protect their fertilizer investment this season.
March 03, 2026 05:00 AM
·
Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
March 02, 2026 02:25 PM
·
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
March 02, 2026 02:23 PM
·
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
March 02, 2026 02:22 PM
·
Crop value concentration keeps farm income tied closely to commodity price cycles.
March 02, 2026 01:23 PM
·
