LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD News) — Arkansas farmers planted fewer than 1 million acres of rice this year for the first time since 1989, despite higher reference prices under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau says rising input costs and weak rice prices prompted many producers to cut rice acreage, raising concerns that continued declines could affect rural jobs and agricultural infrastructure.
Overall, the Arkansas rice crop is in good shape considering the weather, with USDA rating 46% of the crop in the top category.
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