#Plant26: Severe Dry Conditions Risk Rice Germination and Row Crop Yields in Arkansas

Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (RFD NEWS) — Mixed weather patterns and fluctuating input costs are influencing planting decisions as progress continues across the country. We turn now to Arkansas for a closer look at conditions in the state.

Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report with an update on planting progress in the region.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Carroll shares where planting stands across Arkansas and how weather conditions have impacted progress so far this season. She also discusses what she’s hearing from producers and how this year compares to previous planting seasons.

Carroll also addresses concerns about fertilizer and diesel costs tied to geopolitical tensions, whether producers were able to secure inputs in advance, and whether prolonged disruptions could create challenges later in the season.

Looking ahead, Carroll outlines her outlook for the growing season and what’s next in the forecast for Arkansas producers.

Related Stories
GasBuddy says Chinese production and Russian oil remain key factors for diesel supplies.
The special provision giving producers the higher of ARC or PLC for 2025 will not continue next year.
Higher shipping costs could make U.S. grain less competitive overseas.
Higher heating costs are putting added pressure on household budgets in rural communities.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.
ASFMRA’s Spencer Smith discusses farmland lease negotiations and the financial considerations facing landowners and farm operators as they head into the 2027 crop year.
Federal relief for highway use of red-dyed diesel does not automatically eliminate federal fuel taxes or override state laws, Washburn School of Law’s Roger McEowen warns.
Created with the National FFA Organization, AgCareers.com’s Classroom Implementation Kit offers educators free resources to explore agricultural careers.
More soybeans are being processed domestically as renewable fuels drive demand for soybean oil.
USDA’s new regional cattle report could give producers a clearer view of cash prices as negotiated trade continues to shrink.
Countries that buy American cotton could receive favorable tariff treatment on qualifying apparel.
New and expanded rail lines could give Brazilian soybean and corn exports a stronger cost advantage.
Barge traffic improved, but grain movement continues to face higher transportation costs during harvest.
Temporary policy changes could help ease fuel costs while refineries get back on track. RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James dug into U.S. policy and found four wildcard ideas that might work.
Army Majors Eric and Angela Czaja use regenerative grazing to improve military training lands and help veterans build agricultural careers through Boots to Roots.
Shaun Haney examines Alberta’s vote to remain in Canada and the unresolved tensions over energy policy, agricultural trade and federal-provincial relations.