Water Program Restores Arkansas Rice Farming Operation in White County
By:
Updated: December 20, 2012
"Farming is the biggest gamble in the world."
That's how White County grower Danny Barnett summed up his family's business. He knows first hand what it is like to have his fortunes ride on the whims of Mother Nature---a lack of groundwater forced him to give up growing rice.
All that's changed through a partnership with the federal government.
Barnett committed $125,000 of his money and got a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build a reservoir and trailwater ditch that enabled his farm operation to re-route critical ground water.
As a result, he's able to grow rice again.
"It was a very good feeling knowing we would go back to these practices and have the rice available," he said, adding: "Rice has always been the cash crop for Arkansas farmers."
USDA is making money available for farmers southeast of Searcy for projects such as the one on Barnett's farm.
The overall effort is through the Little Red River Agriculture Water Enhancement Program.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 18, 2013.
Applications are available by calling: (501) 268-5866, ext. 3.
That's how White County grower Danny Barnett summed up his family's business. He knows first hand what it is like to have his fortunes ride on the whims of Mother Nature---a lack of groundwater forced him to give up growing rice.
All that's changed through a partnership with the federal government.
Barnett committed $125,000 of his money and got a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build a reservoir and trailwater ditch that enabled his farm operation to re-route critical ground water.
As a result, he's able to grow rice again.
"It was a very good feeling knowing we would go back to these practices and have the rice available," he said, adding: "Rice has always been the cash crop for Arkansas farmers."
USDA is making money available for farmers southeast of Searcy for projects such as the one on Barnett's farm.
The overall effort is through the Little Red River Agriculture Water Enhancement Program.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 18, 2013.
Applications are available by calling: (501) 268-5866, ext. 3.
