By Carah Hart

A rice agronomist with University of Arkansas Extension says the rice crop varies from excellent to struggling.

Jarrod Hardke says the lingering drought brought many challenges June rains couldn’t solve.

“We were just dealing with tons of issues trying to establish stands,” he says. “We got really warm for a lot of the early planting and then a lot of cold wet periods to cause issues with the rice that was emerged and herbicide injury carry over from previous years crops.”

Hardke says with the dry conditions, there aren’t many disease concerns, but farmers are on the lookout for pests, like stinkbugs.

“Whether we need to treat for those as rice begins to head, which we have, you know, that part of the crop is beginning to pick up speed starting a week ago with with first rice just beginning to head.”

He says irrigation efficiency is the primary focus for rice farmers in July, and some rain is in the forecast next week would be welcome.

The USDA says 15 percent of the Arkansas rice crop is headed, ahead of average, with conditions rated 68 percent good to excellent.

Published Date: July 7, 2026