Trends in Arkansas Rice Production

Arkansas is the leading rice-producing state in the U.S., representing just over 48% of the total U.S. production and 48.5% of the total acres planted to rice. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, due to changing political, environmental, and economic times, the practices are dynamic. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor how the changing times reflect the changes in the way Arkansas rice producers approach their livelihood. The survey was conducted by polling county extension agents in each of the counties in Arkansas where rice is produced. Questions included topics such as tillage practices, water sources, irrigation methods, seeding methods, and precision leveling. Information from the University of Arkansas Rice DD50 Program was included to summarize variety acreage distribution across Arkansas. Other data was obtained from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.