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.
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
January 06, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
January 06, 2026 02:46 PM
·
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
·
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
