LITTLE ROCK — Jarrod Hardke, rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, said producers should be draining their rice fields like it’s never going to rain again. That is to say if rice fields are drained too early, it could damage both crop yield and quality.

Hardke said when the rice is drained “on time” far as rice development but too early for the combine, it could also impact quality and lodging.

Hardke said the recommended draining time is about 25 days after 50 percent heading for long grain rice and 30 days for medium grain. He said the estimates for medium grain may need to be revisited in the future, but for now the recommendation remains 30 days.

Hardke said conditions such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunlight can all impact how grains mature so producers are encouraged to look at their rice and not just go by the number of days when making their decisions.

Published Date: August 7, 2025