The weather this spring has allowed rice to be planted across most of the state at record pace. As of May 23, farmers had planted an estimated 98% of the rice acreage. This compares to 97% last week and only 79% this time last year. It is also ahead of the 5-year average of 92% for this week. The USDA estimates that 95% of the rice acreage has emerged. This compares to 65% last year at this time and 81% for the 5-year average. Our planting progress is 2-3 weeks ahead of the 5-year average and a month ahead of last year. As of May 23, 16% of the crop is reported to be in excellent condition, 52% good, 27% fair, and 5% poor.
Average temperatures were near normal ranging from 1 degrees below normal at Conway to 3 degrees above normal at Monticello and Little Rock for the week ending May 23. Low temperatures ranged from 48 degrees at Calico Rock to a high of 94 degrees at Brinkley and Little Rock. Rainfall for the week ending May 23 ranged from a low of a trace at West Memphis to a high of 3.4 inches at Morrilton. Overall, soil moisture supplies were 6% short, 67% adequate, and 27% surplus.
Much of the rice is reaching the stage for flood establishment and several thousand acres have already been flooded. Remember to wait until the soil dries to apply preflood nitrogen fertilizer and then apply a shallow flood as quickly as possible.
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