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Arkansas crops: corn 11% and rice 3% planted

Planting is underway for farmers in Arkansas.

Derek Haigwood, who farms in the northeast part of the state, says there were some planting windows in March but not as many as in recent years. “We’re rolling on the rice right now, and we planted quite a few soybeans early,” he says. “We just continue to see higher yields in the earlier planted soybeans.”

Statewide, 11 percent of the corn crop is planted, and 1 percent of the crop has emerged. Rice is 3 percent planted, and soybeans are 1 percent planted.

Haigwood tells Brownfield he’s had about an inch of rain each week recently. “Soil conditions right now are perfect where I’m planting,” he says. “I’m right on top of it after last week’s rain.  It’s dried out just to where it’s perfect, and we’ve been sitting waiting to get back in the field.”

Winter wheat is 10 percent headed, with 59 percent rated good to excellent.

Hay conditions are 39 percent and pasture conditions are rated 45 percent good to excellent. Vegetables are 61 percent good to excellent.