Arkansas Field Reports: Rain Provides Relief as Harvest Nears

Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending July 31, 2016.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents

Allen Davis, Greene County
“Scattered showers helped the crop and gave our farmers a break from irrigating. Most corn has received its last irrigation and should be mature the next few days. Rice and soybean fruit development are progressing. The showers and cooler conditions last week should help with pollination.”

Brent Griffin, Prairie County
“Rainfall fell in areas of the county while others are very dry. Corn has reached black layer, early rice will be drained in the coming week, soybeans and cotton continue to be irrigated. Armyworms were infesting drought stressed pasture. High numbers of corn earworms were being observed in all soybeans.”

Glenda Sutherlin, Union County
“Rain on Thursday, covered most of Union County and provided much needed moisture for pastures and hay production. Most producers believe a fourth cutting may now be possible.”

J. Joe Moore, Sharp County
“Melon harvest is in full swing. Some cases of pinkeye occurring and treatment is being made. Some farmers are spraying summer weeds. Rain fall has been a blessing with ranges of .5 inches – 3.00 inches.”

Mike Andrews, Randolph County
“Scattered showers were received during the week with most of the county receiving some rain, ranging from a trace up to over an inch in some locations. Irrigation of most of the crops was main activity in the row crops for the week.”

General Comments

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Arkansas, there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, July 31, 2016. Topsoil moisture supplies were 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 7 percent very short, 38 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.

Low temperatures ranged from 67.7 degrees Fahrenheit at Kingston to 74.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Stuttgart. Highs ranged from 84.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Kingston to 96.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Conway. The precipitation for this week was widespread throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the Southwest region of the state with an average of 2.63 inches.