LITTLE ROCK, AR – Torrential rains swept across Arkansas last week, submerging fields and washing away early-planted rice, just as the state’s planting season was gaining momentum. With more than 10 inches of rain reported in some areas, the flooding is expected to have lasting implications on both planting progress and available seed supplies.
The USDA’s March 31 Crop Progress report showed that 8 percent of Arkansas’s rice crop had been planted, with one percent emerged. However, University of Arkansas Extension Agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke noted that planting activity likely continued after the reporting window and estimated that up to 15 percent of rice acres were planted prior to the flood event. Many of those fields are now underwater, and extension specialists say replanting and field repairs will dominate the weeks ahead.
“The water is wide and it is angry,” said Hardke. “It’s difficult to describe the amount of area that has been inundated. Some fields are draining, others are stagnant, and in some places, it’s still rising. It remains to be seen how many of the acres that were planted are lost—and how many may go unplanted due to continued flooding.”
In northeast Arkansas, all fields at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) in Harrisburg were submerged following the storm system, which delivered more than 10 inches of rain over four days.
“Five days after the rains stopped, we still have portions of NERREC fields underwater,” said Tim Burcham, Director of NERREC. “Fortunately, we had only minimal rice and soybeans planted. I understand how frustrating this is for our farmers, but I’m confident we’ll recover if the weather turns in our favor.”
Farmers across the Delta are reporting similar stories. Jeff Rutledge, a rice farmer in Newport, remarked, “This is at least the eighth 100-year flood we’ve had in the last 20 years.”
Floodwaters are also complicating logistics. “Water will be cresting on the Mississippi River in the next 5–6 days at our locations in Helena and Osceola,” said Ryan Carwell of Poinsett Rice. “Both facilities will be above flood stage and unable to load. We expect water to recede in about two weeks so loading can resume.”
The flooding may necessitate replanting of some fields or portions of fields. Most people in the rice industry are aware there are seed shortages of some varieties this growing season. This may complicate replanting in certain situations. Despite the challenges, seed companies are stepping up to support growers.
Brian Ottis with RiceTec stated, “We are sold out, but will work with customers to identify seed in the channel to fulfill replants as best we can.” Horizon Ag’s Tim Walker said, “Horizon has a strong replant policy and is well prepared to support growers across both herbicide tolerant platforms.” Randy Ouzts with Nutrien indicated, “We have a good supply of DG rice seed for replant needs and programming to cover growers with issues.” Other varieties may be available only on a limited basis as well.
Andrew Grobmyer, Executive Vice President of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas, emphasized the toll this will take on already strained operations: “Water is working its way downhill and flooding will persist and migrate for some time. This is another headwind for farmers in Arkansas at a time in which they desperately need a tailwind. For those affected, it's going to have a significant cost.”
As fields dry and assessments continue, Arkansas’s rice industry is hoping for a stretch of dry, sunny weather to regain lost ground in the 2025 planting season.
Images from Jeff Rutledge following rains the week of April 7, 2025.