AGRICULTURE
As one of the leading producers of rice and cotton in the United States, Arkansas promotes a vibrant agricultural economy.
Introduction
Arkansas is the largest producer of Rice in the nation. It is primarily grown in the eastern part of the state in Arkansas, Jackson, Poinsett, Lonoke, Cross, and other Delta counties. In addition, the state of Arkansas is the 3rd largest exporter of cotton in the United States, only coming in behind Georgia and Texas. Arkansas also is a major producer of Soy Beans, Corn, Wheat, and is a major component of the Dairy, Beef, Pork, Egg, and Poultry industries. Finally, the city of Springdale, Arkansas is the home of Tyson, the second largest processor and marketer of chicken related products in the world.
For More Information on Arkansas Agriculture, please visit the Arkansas Farm Bureau Website.
Resources
Arkansas is the leading rice producer in the United States. The state represents 47.5% of total U.S. rice production and 47.8% of the total acres planted to rice in 2021. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, these practices are also dynamic and continue to evolve in response to changing political, environmental, and economic times. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor and record 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 that produce rice. Questions included topics such as tillage practices, water sources and irrigation methods, seeding methods, and precision leveling. Information from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Degree-Day 50 (DD50) Rice Management Program was included to summarize variety acreage distribution across Arkansas. Other data were obtained from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
More than 6,800 Arkansas soybean farmers produce about 110 million bushels and receive cash receipts of $747,098,000. This accounts for 13.4% of the total cash receipts from marketing of all commodities in Arkansas and 37% of the total cash receipts for crops. Approximately 33% of the annual production is processed in-state into raw components of oil and protein meal and other value-added products, leaving the remaining non-crushed beans to be shipped to port areas. A 60-pound bushel of soybeans yields about 11 pounds of oil and 48 pounds of protein-rich meal or 39 pounds of defatted soy flour or 20 pounds of concentrate or 12 pounds of isolate. Information from the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture was included on a variety of subjects, ranging from Soybean Development and Crop Management all the way to the marketing of Soybeans locally, nationally, and internationally. Other data was obtained from the Soybean Commodity Committee of the Cooperative Extension Service for the state of Arkansas, along with data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
In Arkansas, the rice industry's promotional funds invested through USA Rice have yielded substantial returns. For every $1 contributed, an additional $24 is added by other industry segments and the U.S. government. Internationally, the programs have facilitated the sale of U.S. and Arkansas rice in two dozen countries, securing nearly $6.9 million from the USDA in 2022 for overseas promotion. Notably, a Memorandum of Understanding with Iraq led to annual purchases of 200,000 MT of U.S. rice. The efforts also addressed global rice price distortions, supported food aid programs, and engaged in market recapture initiatives.
Upcoming Events in Agriculture
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3300 Market Street, Suite 400, Rogers, Arkansas 72758