USDA report shows higher soybean cotton and rice acres across Arkansas
Arkansas farmers received encouraging news from the USDA's August Crop Production report, which showed larger planted acreage for soybeans, cotton, and rice than previously estimated.
Soybean acreage increased to 3.45 million acres, up significantly from the June estimate. If achieved, the projected soybean yield of 57 bushels per acre would set a new state record. The acreage total would also be Arkansas' highest soybean area since 2017.
Rice acreage rose to 901,000 acres, supported by a notable increase in long-grain rice plantings. Despite the gain, rice acreage remains among the lowest levels seen in the state in decades. Rice yields are projected at 7,450 pounds per acre, slightly below last year.
“I was expecting rice acres to land between 800,000 and the 850,000 estimated in the June Acreage report,” said Extension Rice Agronomist Jarrod Hardke. “I was low on that estimate given the jump to 900,000 acres.”
Cotton acreage climbed sharply to 560,000 acres, exceeding earlier expectations. Strong market prices encouraged additional planting, and the crop is currently rated in better condition than it was at the same time last year. The projected cotton yield of 1,341 pounds per acre matches the state's previous record.
Corn was the only major crop to experience a decline in acreage, falling to 760,000 acres. Even so, yields are forecast at 185 bushels per acre, just below the state record. Early harvest reports have been generally positive, although weather conditions during the final stages of grain fill remain an area to watch.
“Harvest is underway,” said Scott Stiles, extension economics program. “Yield reports are encouraging for the most part. Acres were reduced 70,000 this month and puts us 50,000 below last year. That makes sense given the loss of some acres to freeze in mid-March and the sharp run-up in Urea prices around the same time.”
Peanut acreage was estimated at 40,000 acres, reflecting a modest decline from the previous year. Industry observers noted that the reduction follows a similar trend seen across the United States.
Agronomists and economists say the report highlights the resilience of Arkansas farmers despite challenging weather conditions earlier in the season. While final yields will depend on weather during harvest, the state's crop outlook remains largely positive, led by strong soybean, cotton, and rice performance.
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