Drought-Stricken Arkansas Crops Rush Toward Harvest Amidst Soaring Diesel Prices
Arkansas farmers are bracing for another scorching summer as the state's crops continue to mature at an accelerated pace. With no rain forecasted in the next week, corn harvest is expected to proceed rapidly, with 65% of the crop already harvested, surpassing the five-year average of 35%. Rice and soybeans are also nearing their harvest periods, with 33% and 42%, respectively.
The high heat has been driving cotton toward its beginning of harvest, which is a welcome relief for farmers dealing with higher costs due to rising diesel prices. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, noted that the forecast for hot, dry weather over the next week will likely expedite corn harvest.
The state's crops have been progressing rapidly due to the dry weather, with the combines rolling in Arkansas corn, rice, and soybeans. Farmers are coping with increased costs to harvest their crops amidst the soaring diesel prices.