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Crop conditions better than 2022 for NE Arkansas farmer

A Northeast Arkansas farmer says he’s optimistic about this year’s crop.

Scott Gibson says they’ve caught several substantial rains recently. “It’s kind of giving us a break from irrigation and maybe even a break from the temperatures as well,” he says. “Overall, it’s been a really, really positive growing season to this point.” Gibson says he’s not sure when the last time he could give his irrigation a break during the month of July.

He tells Brownfield he’s had minimal crop and disease pressure this year. “Corn and soybeans look really good,” he says.  “Soybeans especially at this point, looks like the possibility of an above-average soybean crop.  The corn crop will definitely be better than last year. Last year, I think we were overall below average.”

As for rice, Gibson says the next few weeks will make or break the crop.  “Nighttime temperatures, especially,” he says.  “We’re hoping for those 70-to-90-degree temperatures over the next two to three weeks to where the rice crop can really have a chance at a good pollination as well.”

According to the latest crop report from the USDA, 66% of the state’s corn crop, 69% of cotton, 68% rice, and 67% soybeans are rated good to excellent.