#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
Retaliatory tariffs have left Louisiana rice farmers in the middle of international trade disputes.
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.
Trinity Barth and Liliann Tjaden-Duff joined us on Market Day Report to express their concerns about the future of the program that has, for 50 years, given students of all backgrounds a path to agriculture careers.

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:

Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.
FarmHER Kait Thornton joined us on Thursday on the Market Day Report to talk about the podcast episode, her family orchard’s 100th anniversary + more!
Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.