Drought Still Affecting Arkansas Rice Crops
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: January 3, 2013
Although it's cold out right now, extreme summer heat is still taking its toll on Arkansas farmers.
Rice farmers saw record yields, but the heat led to lower overall quality.
Some rice turned out chalky and more brittle than usual, making it harder to sell.
State economists met with farmers from Pulaski and Lonoke Counties on Thursday to talk solutions.
"We've historically had one of the best yields worldwide in terms of rice recently that has begun to fall off," says Rice Extension Agronomist Jarrod Hardke. "That is really a major concern for Arkansas rice growers."
Experts are advising farmers to expect a 15 percent decrease in rice crops.
Rice farmers saw record yields, but the heat led to lower overall quality.
Some rice turned out chalky and more brittle than usual, making it harder to sell.
State economists met with farmers from Pulaski and Lonoke Counties on Thursday to talk solutions.
"We've historically had one of the best yields worldwide in terms of rice recently that has begun to fall off," says Rice Extension Agronomist Jarrod Hardke. "That is really a major concern for Arkansas rice growers."
Experts are advising farmers to expect a 15 percent decrease in rice crops.
