#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
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.

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:

Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.