CROSS COUNTY — Some Cross County producers are nearing the finish line on early planted rice, according to Extension Agent – Staff Chair Jenna Martin.

Martin said some producers are expected to be draining rice within the next week or two on the earlier planted rice. She said a few farmers are already advancing towards harvest in the southern part of the county.

Martin said she expects to see irrigation terminated on corn in the coming weeks as well.

Martin encouraged producers to see how close they are before they finish irrigating. She said if it looks like crops are on the line of needing more water, it will not hurt to turn the well on, considering how dry it has been. She said that would be better than leaving some bushels behind in the field.

Martin said insect pressure remains relatively low in Cross County despite picking up in other parts of the state. She said stinkbugs have not been too bad in rice or soybeans – yet. However, those numbers are picking up in parts of northeast Arkansas.

Martin said Armyworms are also picking up in spots, but she hasn’t received many reports in Cross County. She said earworms are also loading up in soybeans in parts of the state.

Published Date: July 31, 2025