Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending July 1, 2018.
Comments from Cooperative Extension Service County Agents
Brent Griffin, Prairie County
“With only spotty rainfall received, farmers continued irrigation on all crops. Corn reached milk stage, and rice reached midseason. Pasture and hay meadows continued to exhibit drought conditions.”
Mike Andrews, Randolph County
“Irrigation continued at full steam last week. Most of the county received rain over the weekend, but with high temperatures moisture won’t last long. Herbicide applications on soybeans, peanuts, and a few rice fields have been applied. Forages made moderate growth with the recent rainfall.”
Dave Freeze, Greene County
“Producers were irrigating corn, rice, and soybeans last week. Rice producers were applying midseason nitrogen to fields.”
Glenda Sutherlin, Union County
“Last week, rains continued to be spotty. Those lucky enough to receive moisture have been able to continue forage production and maintain their cow herd size. Others have been trying to purchase hay or have been forced to reduce herd size.”
Brian See, Marion County
“Hay harvest continued to be about half of normal production due to dry soil conditions.”
General Comments
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Arkansas, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, July 1, 2018. Topsoil moisture supplies were 20 percent very short, 33 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 11 percent very short, 44 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.
Low temperatures ranged from 66.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Calico Rock to 76.7 degrees Fahrenheit at Hot Springs. Highs ranged from 85.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Winslow to 96.7 degrees Fahrenheit at Hot Springs. Light precipitation was received throughout the State, with the highest concentration occurring in the northeast part of the State with an average of 0.88 inch.
