Solid conditions for Arkansas crops and soil moisture

Arkansas crops and soil moisture are in good condition, according to recent reports.

Ninety-two percent of soybeans have been planted, slightly lower than last year but still 17% ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-four percent of the soybeans have already emerged.

Ninety-three percent of cotton has been planted, with one percent already squaring. Twenty-nine percent of cotton is in excellent condition, 43% in good condition, and 22% in fair condition.

Arkansas rice is also doing well, with 96% already emerged, which is 10% higher than the five-year average. Seventeen percent of the rice is in excellent condition, 59% in good condition, and 22% in fair condition.

Winter wheat in Arkansas is progressing as expected, with 99% already headed and 10% harvested. Seven percent of the wheat is rated excellent and 52% in good condition.

Ninety-three percent of peanuts are already planted, with 73% of the crop in good or excellent condition.

First-crop hay cutting is 54% complete, slightly behind last year but ahead of the five-year average. The hay condition is 8% excellent, 51% good, and 34% fair.

USDA reports indicate that 13% of pasture and range conditions in Arkansas are excellent, with 50% rated good and 31% rated fair.

Weather conditions have been favorable for Arkansas farmers, with 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Topsoil moisture is at 29% surplus and 67% adequate, while subsoil moisture is at 33% surplus and 61% adequate.

Overall, Arkansas crops are in good shape, setting a positive tone for the upcoming growing season.