At least 10 percent of Arkansas’ rice crop could be lost as historic floodwaters wash through northeast Arkansas and head south in the coming days. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture estimates 100,000 rice acres have probably been destroyed or significantly impacted, and that number could rise dramatically by this weekend, U of A rice extension agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke told Talk Business & Politics.
During the last five years, an acre produces on average 160 bushels, meaning at least 16 million bushels are in peril, and it could be much more as new rains could trigger extended floods throughout the Delta Region, he said.
“This is far beyond the losses we experienced in 2011… and that is an incredible statement to make,” Hardke said. “The 100,000 acres estimate could be a gross underestimate.”
Arkansas farmers planted an estimated 1.2 million rice acres this spring. One of the key differences between the last epic flood to hit the state in 2011 and now is the timing, Hardke said. About 45% of the rice crop was in the ground when the levee system in Pocahontas ruptured six years ago, and widespread flooding occurred throughout the Mississippi Delta Region. This year, 89% of the rice crop has already been planted, he said.
“A significant amount of input costs are already in the ground,” he said.
If the number of acres impacted only grows slightly, Arkansas could have its worst rice crop since it harvested 1.02 million acres in 1984. The last time farmers failed to harvest at least 1 million acres was 1983.
Rice can survive in flooded fields, but it’s a delicate balance, Hardke said. If the water is somewhat clear, and the plant receives enough oxygen and sunlight, it can live for an expanded time under the water. Research indicates most rice plants can survive for about 10 days under these conditions. Some can live as long as 21 days, but that’s rare, he said.
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