Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending October 12, 2014.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Arkansas, there were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, October 12, 2014. Topsoil moisture supplies were 2.0 percent very short, 15 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 34 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 2 percent very short, 22 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Low temperatures ranged from 50.7 degrees Fahrenheit at Mammoth Spring to 65.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Eudora. Highs ranged from 71.3 degrees Fahrenheit at Kingston to 86.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Eudora.
The precipitation for this week was spread throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the northwest region of the state with an average of 3.65 inches.
Comments from Extension Agents
“Planting winter cool season forages. Working and rotating cattle for better forage utilization. Moving cattle off of river land due to possible flooding.”
–Joe Moore, Sharp County
“40,000 acres of cotton affected by severe hail storm on October 7, 2014.”
–Branon Thiesse, Craighead County
“Severe storms, including hail, heavy rains and high winds caused severe damage to parts of the county Tuesday night. Continual rains over the past few days have had a very negative effect on the county’s cotton crop.”
–Ray Benson, Mississippi County
“Harvesting rice, soybeans; planting wheat and winter annuals in pastures and completing hay harvest. Predicted rain later in the week will hinder harvest. Rutting could be an issue along with drowned rice.”
–Hank Chaney, Faulkner County
“Scattered early week rainfall delayed harvest in most areas. Expected weekend heavy rainfall will further delay harvest. Recent storms lodged additional un-harvested rice acreage.”
–Brent Griffin, Prairie County
“Harvesting rice, soybeans, and cotton. Planting wheat and seeding small grains.
–Jeff Welch, Lonoke County
