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Challenging planting season already impacting 2026 decisions

A farmer in northeast Arkansas says there will be long-lasting impacts from a problematic spring planting season. Derek Haigwood of Newport says the disruptions to this year’s crop are already impacting financial decisions he’s making for his farm for next year.  “Hopefully, we get through this,” he says.  “And we try to spend as little as we can.”

He says keeping costs down will help.  But he says, “The simple fact is those fixed costs don’t go away.”

Haigwood tells Brownfield the plan is to save money wherever possible. “It’s not a year that we’re going to upgrade equipment, and it’s not a year that we’re going to try something new,” he says.  “We’re not going to invest in technology right now, and we’re just going to get through this year and be ready for an opportunity next year.”

He says there is one silver lining to the 600 acres of prevent plant he had to take this spring. “We won’t have as expensive of a harvest this year because we won’t be getting across all these fields,” he says.