#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
Theresa Long and Theresa Pittman joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to discuss the health and social issues impacting families in agriculture.
UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.

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:

National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.
Missouri Cattle RanchHER Alda Owen joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about the all-new episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, which premieres on Thursday, Sept. 19!
U.S. trade talks with China resume, but meat industry leaders say dealing with shifting demand and market uncertainty is nothing new in this side of the ag sector.
Tariffs are pushing up input costs, with fertilizer prices rising $100 per ton and machinery costs climbing due to steel and parts duties.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.