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Arkansas Agriculture Newsletters
Arkansas Weekly Crop Report - July 5, 2006
Rice •
Soybeans •
Cotton •
Corn and Grain Sorghum
Rice
Crop Condition and Status - Rice is completed and 100% has
emerged. Most of the rice is past internode elongation, with 1%
headed in few fields as of July 3, 2006.
The latest estimate released today by USDA is that Arkansas
planted approximately 1.471 million acres, 10% fewer acres than last
year’s record planted acreage of 1.643 million acres. This is an
increase of 60,000 acres from the March estimate. Long grain rice
acreage declined 12%, while medium grain increased by 8%. While
Missouri acreage remained flat compared to 2005, other southern
states declined sharply. Louisiana rice acreage declined by 32%,
Mississippi declined by 28%, and Texas declined by 26%. Overall, the
US acreage declined by 14%, or 2.9 million acres.
Based on preliminary estimates, the rice varieties and
distribution of acres include Wells (33.1%), Francis (11.3%), CL 131
(10.8%), Cheniere (10.1%), Bengal (7.9%) and CL 161 (7.3%).
Clearfield rice represents approximately 27% of the state’s rice
acreage (395,000 acres).
Temperatures ranged near normal for the week ending July 3.
Summer and the warm weather that goes with it have arrived. Official
temperature and rainfall accumulations were unavailable this week.
As of July 3, the USDA reported that 17% of the rice is in excellent
condition, 50% good, 27% fair, 5% poor, and 1% very poor. The rice
is beginning to look much better after the midseason N has been
applied. As of July 3, soil moisture supplies were reported to be
14% very short, 51% short, and 35% adequate. Obviously much of the
state is becoming very dry.
Rice DD50
The 2006 Rice DD50 program is now updated and on the website. The
link to access the program is
http://dd50.uaex.edu/dd50Logon.asp. You can find it under
Agriculture/Rice/ Computer Programs. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us. There is also a link to the DD50
Users Guide, which contains information about different program
options.
There are 10 new varieties and hybrids added to the program for
2006. These include CL 131, Jupiter, Presidio, Trenasse, Rice Tec CL
XP 730, Rice Tec XP 721, Rice Tec XP 728, Rice Tec XP 729, Rice Tec
XP 731, and Rice Tec XP 732.
This program can help producers and consultants to organize
management of rice fields and help plan when decisions should be
made. For producers or consultants responsible for several acres,
the program serves as a good management tool to help coordinate many
fields.
To enroll, access the program through either the local County
Extension Office or online at the DD50 website. Required enrollment
information includes the variety/hybrid, acres, and emergence date.
If multiple fields of the same variety have the same emergence date,
please enter the total acres represented by the program.
As you use the program, please consider any changes that you
think should be made to improve it and forward your suggestions to
us. We do appreciate your input. If you have any questions, please
contact Becky Bridges at
bbridges@uaex.edu
or Chuck Wilson at
cwilson@uaex.edu.
Diseases are Now!
Now is the time to begin scouting for diseases. Reports of leaf
blast have come from several areas of the state, although current
weather conditions do not favor widespread blast epidemic. In fields
where leaf blast is observed, increase the flood depth, maintain a
good flood, and monitor closely as the rice reaches boot stage.
Sheath blight is active statewide in fields where the canopy has
now closed (midseason to 20 days after midseason). It is being
reported most frequently in CL131 and CL161 fields, as expected. Our
fungicide approach on these varieties has not changed. That is,
scout highly susceptible semidwarf varieties like CL131, CL161,
Cybonnet, and Trenasse starting at midseason (1/2 inch internode
elongation) and check twice a week if possible (once a week
minimum). Fungicides are recommended when sheath blight is found at
35% or more of random stops in the field. Spraying should be
immediate on these varieties, and higher rates of strobilurin
fungicides are recommended (see labels). If you let sheath blight
blow out the top of these varieties, you have already had
significant yield loss that cannot be recovered. More tolerant
varieties can be scouted less frequently and applications often
delayed until the booting stages. These varieties include Cheniere,
Francis, Wells, and sometimes Cocodrie - although it responds in
between the very susceptible and the moderately susceptible much of
the time. Bengal, Jupiter, Medark, and the Hybrid rices probably
will not benefit from sheath blight applications in most fields in
Arkansas.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
The University of Arkansas Rice Field Day will be held at the
Rice Research and Extension Center near Stuttgart on August 9
beginning at 7:30 AM. Contact Dr. Chris Deren at 870-673-2661 for
more information.
The University of Arkansas will host a Field Day will be held at
the Southeast Research and Extension Center near Rowher on August 3.
Contact Dr. Kelly Bryant at 870-460-1091 for more information.
The University of Arkansas will host a rice consultant training
on August 2, 2006 at our research location near Lake Hogue in
Poinsett County. More information will be made available as the date
becomes near.
Faculty and alumni from the Department of Crop, Soil, and
Environmental Sciences and Alumni will be hosting the Delta Classic,
a Golf Tournament to raise money for Scholarships at the Helena
Country Club on July 21, 2006. For more information, contact
Dr. Jim Barrentine at 479-601-4346.
Cache River Valley Seed will be hosting its annual field day on
August 16, 2006. For more information, contact Randy Woodard at 870-
477-5427.
Soybeans
Arkansas Soybean Crop Situation – Trey Reaper
After beginning last week with extremely hot, humid temperatures,
the weather finally settled down somewhat and is more favorable for
soybean growth in most areas this week. This should improve the crop
overall, as 47% of it is rated as good to excellent. A few locations
where I have been this week have had three or four days with daily
highs of 88 to 90 and nighttime lows of around 60 degrees. These
conditions will boost soybean growth over the next several days,
especially those in the reproductive stages. Unfortunately, these
conditions will not last through the week. Most areas will be back
in the upper 90s in a couple of days. The long term forecast for
next week has slight chances of rain for most areas in the state, so
hopefully many will experience the 4th of July rain we
desperately need every year.
Irrigation has or will resume in the next few days for areas that
received good rains over 10 days ago. Over 25% of the crop has
reached the reproductive growth stages, so water use is critical for
these fields up to full seed (R6). It can be difficult to rebound
from drought stress once pod development and seed fill begins, so
pay careful attention to soil moisture levels as we enter July.
A large portion of the double-cropped acreage has experienced
emergence problems from either too much rain following planting or
not enough rain for germination. Past research has indicated that
one can expect a yield loss of 1-2% per day for soybeans planted
after June 15. This can increase to 2-3% per day after July. Many
growers are faced with deciding whether to keep an existing stand or
start from scratch. Research data presented in an earlier newsletter
indicates that irrigated, well-managed soybeans at a population of
60,000 plants per acre may have the potential to achieve more than
85% of the yield of a population of 120,000 plants per acre. In
addition, data from 2004 shows that July 9 planted soybeans yielded
only 40% of the yield reached by June 4 planted soybeans under the
same management strategy. Keep in mind the economic
advantages/disadvantages when considering such late plantings. Spot
planting is always an option to increase plant population and
provide canopy closure if plants of the initial stand are still
small.
North SRVP (Trey Reaper): Conditions have improved in
northern and western Arkansas as we are currently experiencing
favorable temperatures for growth and development. The Sebastian Co.
field, however, has not received significant rainfall in several
weeks. Despite this, the field is approaching R4 and is holding up
better than one would expect for a dryland field to in these
conditions. The pivot in the North Perry Co. field will continue to
turn a circle until it rains. These plants have reached R2, and with
the exception of sand blows in the field, the overall condition is
good. The field in south Perry Co. is at V5, and we will apply the
second glyphosate application at the end of the week. The Clay Co.
field still has definite symptoms of cyst damage and possible
nutrient deficiency. The field received another 0.75” last week, and
we plan to apply the second glyphosate application and begin
irrigation the first of next week. The Randolph Co. field dried in a
hurry after a 2.5” rain and will be irrigated in a day or two. The
Lawrence Co. field is approaching R4 and will be irrigated for the
third time this week. The Phillips Co. field is at a solid R4 and
has received good rains over the last several days. The Crittenden
Co. field had noticeable levels of scalding after heavy rainfall and
hot, humid temperatures. This field had a population of around
80,000 plants per acre and we hope the scalding will limit stand
loss to less than 10%. Plants in the Craighead Co. field have
reached R4 and the field is in excellent condition. The Mississippi
Co. field has reached V8 and has received its second application of
glyphosate. Stinkbugs are common in fields that have reached R4;
however, numbers have remained well below threshold for a couple of
weeks. Egg masses are noticeable across most fields, so we will
closely monitor the populations on a weekly basis. With the
exception of brown spot on the extreme lower leaves, no disease is
present in any of the above mentioned fields; therefore, no
fungicide applications have been made at this time.
South SRVP: (Matt Cordell) Again scattered showers have
improved the status of most fields in the SRVP. In Lafayette Co.
plants are looking great, have 16 nodes, and are beginning to pod.
In Jefferson Co., the field received just above an inch of rainfall
over the weekend. The field is in good condition and in full bloom.
Plants bruised by hail continue to break off at ground level and
will most likely continue to break off throughout the season.
Defoliation has increased over the last week, and some lepidopteron
pests are showing up. Numbers of corn earworm are below threshold,
but this is something we will keep a close eye during this critical
period. Ashley Co. is in the R3 stage with an average of 11 nodes.
Plants are at the V7 growth stage in Drew Co. and were irrigated for
the first time on 6/17. Less than adequate control was obtained with
previous herbicide applications, and Texas gourd looks like it may
be a problem in this field. The Arkansas Co. field is beginning to
flower with plants in the V5 stage. This field was irrigated the
previous week and received about 0.75” of rainfall not long after.
Plants had a yellowish color, but should recover quickly this week.
A large flush of prickly sida has emerged and some morningglories
are present as well; 2 pt glyphosate/ A + 6 oz Flexstar/ A was
recommended. We have obtained a stand of approximately 80,000
plants/A in Desha Co. We are still in the early vegetative stages,
and the field was scheduled to be irrigated over the weekend. All in
all, fields are looking good with little to no pressure from insects
or disease thus far.
Soybean Economics – Bob Stark (June 26, 2006)
Soybean production budgets and breakeven tables are on the UA-CES
website at
http://www.aragriculture.org/crops/soybeans/budgets/.
They are grouped by Early Season, Full Season, and Double Crop
production systems.
Arkansas cash soybean prices averaged $5.70 per bushel across the
fifteen state markets as reported by USDA-NASS for the June 19-June
23 trading week. Market prices fell dramatically on Monday, rose to
a peak on Wednesday, and then declined to basically the Monday daily
average by the end of Friday’s market. Compared to the previous
Friday, statewide average market price fell 13 cents during the week
from the $5.83 average reported on Friday, June 16. The highest
daily market price of this past week was recorded at $5.86 on June
21 at the Helena market, with Osceola reporting $5.85 on the same
day. The lowest price was $5.49 on June 23 at Wynne. The Helena
market again posted the highest weekly average price at $5.83 per
bushel, with Osceola remaining just behind at $5.82.
Recent weekly averages for old crop Arkansas soybeans had been
climbing since the large mid-May drop. Many market analysts have
described the fundamentals of the market to be bearish in nature,
and the most current decline in the weekly average will likely
increase anxiety that another decline may be beginning. Future
issues of this newsletter will include the five-week trend chart of
the most recent weekly averages.
(Market average prices stated in this report are unweighted
averages of the state markets surveyed by NASS. Price data was based
on USDA LR GR111 Arkansas Daily Grain Reports.)
Soybean Insects – Gus Lorenz
Dow AgroScience recently received a label for Intrepid in
soybeans. Intrepid has previously been used in Arkansas through
Section 18’s. The use rate for Intrepid is 4-8 oz/A, which provides
excellent control of saltmarsh caterpillar, loopers, and armyworms.
The product has outstanding residual control. It has no impact on
other pests such as stink bugs or on beneficial insects. Consult the
label and follow the directions closely.
Bean Leaf Beetles
Bean leaf beetles continue to be a problem for many growers.
Lanny Ashlock, soybean guru, reports bean leaf beetles feeding on
pods of early season soybean fields in Lincoln County. Remember that
we generally consider BLB to be a defoliator pest, but they do feed
on pods and can cause damage. Pod injury caused by BLB enables
diseases to infect the developing bean seeds and can result in
incomplete development of the seed/pod, cause harvest loss due to
the beans sticking to the pod, and result in poor seed quality and
dockage. To determine whether you are looking at old or new damage,
remember that fresh BLB pod injury initially appears green. After a
couple days, the scars appear white, and old damage will look dry
and brown. New damage and old damage should be an indication to you
how much damage has occurred and is currently occurring. Also,
remember that most of the damage is usually in the upper portion of
the plant, so damage may look worse than it is if you do not inspect
the whole plant. While we don’t have a threshold for pod injury,
logic, BLB numbers, crop value, etc. will have to play a part in
determining whether or not treatment is necessary.
Stink Bugs. Randy Luttrell, UAF research entomologist,
reports a rise in stink bug numbers in early season soybeans. Randy
has been monitoring insect numbers in early planted soybean and
indicates an increase in stink bug numbers in Group IV soybeans in
the last week to 10 days. While numbers in his monitoring sites are
still below treatment levels the numbers have begun to increase
indicating the need to step up our vigilance in these fields as we
expect stink bug numbers to continue to rise in these fields in the
upcoming weeks.
Soybean Rust Update – Amy Greenwalt
Monitoring for soybean rust continues throughout Arkansas. The
eleven spore traps are continuing to be monitored weekly, along with
the 21 sentinel plots. Samples from the Soybean Research
Verification Program fields are being collected weekly to extend the
rust monitoring efforts. Kudzu sentinel plots are also being
monitored weekly. No soybean rust has been detected in Arkansas
to date.
Last week, soybean rust has been found in a kudzu site in Brooks
County, Georgia (see article below).
National Soybean Rust Commentary (updated: 06/27/06)
Rust was confirmed again today, June 27th, at the Brooks
County kudzu site in Georgia. Georgia scouts destroyed all
infected plant parts during the winter at that site.
Therefore, this new find seems to be a recent infection.
Please consult Georgia's commentary for more information.
Intensive scouting continues in soybean sentinel plots,
especially in the south as soybeans reach maturity. All of
the soybean sentinel plots have been planted throughout the
country, with plants in some early planted plots starting to
reach maturity. Scouting also continues on kudzu patches.
The rust find in a sentinel site in Martin County, Florida,
is still the only soybean rust find in this season's
soybeans. Rust has been confirmed in five counties in
Alabama, twelve in Florida, four in Georgia, and one in
Texas. Many of the Southern states were experiencing hotter
and drier than normal conditions, reducing the likelihood of
viable spore dispersal earlier this season. However, the
weather conditions in the southeastern states have improved
with recent rains. Spore trapping continues throughout the
U.S. using both active and passive traps. Positive spore
trap information does not imply infection has taken place,
and plant samples are used exclusively for indicating
positive rust occurrence as indicated on the soybean rust
observation map.
Scalding – John Rupe.
Recently, dead plants have been found in poorly drained areas of
a number of soybean fields, especially in northeast Arkansas. Most
of these fields were planted early and are already in reproductive
development. The affected areas appeared after periods of heavy rain
and hot weather in fields with poor drainage. Plants in the affected
areas wilt and often have rotted and black taproots, but may be
putting out adventitious roots at or just above the soil line. The
pith is usually black. Foliage of surviving plants may yellow and
there are few functional nodules on the roots. These plants are
probably suffering from flood damage often called “scalding.”
“Scalding” is a result of prolonged periods of soil saturation or
flooding that rapidly exhausts the oxygen supply to the roots. High
temperatures, like those we have been experiencing, make the
situation worse because oxygen demands on the plant are higher than
under cooler conditions. Plants in reproductive development are
especially sensitive to “scalding,” because of their size and the
energy demands of producing seed. Some fields are more prone to the
problem than others, but it is not known why. While “scalding” is
primarily a physical problem, a number of fungi have been found in
the affected roots. Most of these fungi are saprophytes just taking
advantage of the damaged root tissue. There are two pathogens that
have been found in some fields that may contribute to the damage.
Phytophthora sojae, which causes Phythophthora root rot, a
disease known to affect plants under flooded conditions, has been
found, but in only a few fields. Macrophomoina phaseolina has
been found in roots of affected plants from a number of fields. This
pathogen causes a drought-related disease, charcoal rot, and may
increase flood damage by blocking some of the plant’s vascular
tissue, but this has not been proven experimentally. Other fungi
have been reported from other areas, and we continue to check these
out, too. The main control for “scalding” is to improve soil
drainage especially in fields with a history of “scalding” problems.
In fields where inadvertent flooding is possible, avoid planting
flood sensitive soybean cultivars.
Soybean Health – What we are seeing in the Plant Health Clinic
Sherrie Smith, Plant Diagnostician
Herbicide drift symptoms: We have received a number of soybean
samples with symptoms of herbicide drift injury. Symptoms have
included stacked nodes, yellowed or dying terminals, "top-down"
death as the center of the stems die and turn brown, etc. We found
the following article from last year about one group of herbicides
that can affect soybean plants if the unfortunate drift event
occurs.
(From Arkansas Weekly Soybean Report, June 27, 2005 –
Chris Tingle and Bob Scott)
Permit drift on soybeans has occurred in several fields
this year across Arkansas. The drift has occurred from rice
fields to adjacent soybean fields. Non-STS soybeans are
extremely sensitive to Permit drift. Symptoms include
chlorosis in the terminals (yellowing), severe to moderate
stunting of growth, and purple or dark veins on the
undersides of the soybean leaves. In addition to Permit,
herbicides such as Grasp, Regiment, Londax, and Peak can
also cause this symptomology. In our research, 1.0 ounce per
acre of Permit reduced soybean yields by 80%. Truly low
drift rates of 0.1 and 0.01 oz per acre of Permit did cause
some crop injury, but less damage to yields. In 2003, 0.1 oz
per acre of Permit caused a 10-bushel per acre yield
reduction in one test. Yields dropped from 57 bushels per
acre to 46. In that same work we observed that Regiment
herbicide caused about twice as much damage to soybeans as
Permit. Soybean injury from Permit drift can be visible in
as little as 2-3 days, depending on the rate drifted. Due to
the sensitivity of soybeans to Permit drift and drift of the
other herbicides mentioned above, replanting is often
required when significant crop response is observed.
Downy Mildew
(Sherrie Smith)
Downy Mildew of soybean is caused by the fungus Peronospora
manshurica, and we are seeing a lot of samples in recent days.
Symptoms of this disease include yellow spots on the upper leaf
surface and grayish down tufts of the fungus on the underside of the
spots (lower leaf surface). These tufts are visible with a hand
lens. Younger soybean leaves are more susceptible, so the disease is
often more evident in the upper canopy of the plant. It can be
confused with other foliar diseases, especially early on. It is
favored by heavy dew, overhead irrigation, frequent light rain
showers, and mild temperatures. The fungus survives in old leaf
debris and on infected seed, so minimum tillage may increase it.
While soybean varieties differ in resistance to downy mildew, this
disease has never caused yield loss to our knowledge in the South,
so breeders and seed companies pay little attention to it. There are
no control options recommended.
Cotton
Crop Status (Bill
Robertson- Extension Agronomist, Cotton)
As of June 25, the Arkansas Statistical Office of the National
Agricultural Statistics Service reported squaring at 88%, compared
to 38% last week, 80% last year, and 75% averaged over the last five
years for this date. The condition of the crop is 1% very poor, 8%
poor, 40% fair, 40% good, and 11% excellent. The next acreage report
will be released June 30. Our current projected planted acreage is
1.1 million acres.
Moderate temperature along with rainfall and/or irrigation has
continued to help this year’s crop improve. The mid-May planted
cotton that emerged after the extremely cold weather is growing well
and is beginning to fruit up. This cotton has the plant structure we
generally expect and is receiving standard rates of mepiquat
chloride. Much of our older cotton that went through the stress of
both cold and wet continues to have less plant structure than
expected. This coupled with 90% retention will present challenges in
avoiding early cutout. Mepiquat chloride rates should be evaluated
closely. Square size in the terminal and upper internode lengths are
a direct indicator of the plant’s vigor. Larger than normal squares
in the terminal are an indication that vegetative growth has slowed.
Growth inhibiting plant growth regulators (PGRs) are generally not
needed in this situation.
Envoke, which is being used by many producers for horseweed and
morning-glory control, is also known to reduce internode elongation
as seen with mepiquat chloride. I have a small plot study near
Forrest City to evaluate this response using Envoke alone or in
combination with mepiquat chloride. I do not have any data to report
at this time, as this study was applied last Friday. Keith Driggs,
Technical Support Representative with Syngenta, and Ray Dardenne,
private consultant, working with Tracy Lyons, a producer in
Jefferson County, have evaluated Envoke and mepiquat chloride this
season by measuring the length of the top five internodes. This is a
direct measure of the active portion of the plant responsible for
contributing to the increase in plant height. They reported that
Envoke at the rate of 0.15 oz/A has impacted the length of the top
five internodes very similar to 9.0 oz/A rate of mepiquat chloride.
Based on their preliminary data this season, it appears that
mepiquat chloride rates should be reduced or even omitted from a
tank mixture with Envoke when an 8.0 oz to 10.0 oz/A rate is
desired.
Cotton Research Verification Program Update (Frank
Groves-CRVP Coordinator)
Most fields in the program have a small square set around 95%,
and the rainfall of the weekend helped push the crop for another
week. The second split application of nitrogen has been applied and
herbicide layby applications are just around the corner.
A more detailed report of the Cotton Research Verification
Program can be found at
http://www.aragriculture.org/News/CRVP/.
The CRVP newsletter is typically updated every Friday throughout the
season.
Cotton Insect Pests (Gus
Lorenz - Extension Entomologist)
This is definitely the year for weird stuff. We are currently
experiencing an outbreak of cotton square borer, Strymon
melinus. We received calls this week from Chad Norton,
county agent in Lincoln Co., and Bobby Griffin, consultant in Lee
Co., both reporting cotton square borers showing up in cotton
fields. The adult square borer is a rather pretty butterfly. Cotton
square borers have a 30-day life cycle, with the larval stage making
up about 20-22 days. The larva are short, fat, and green. The body
is covered with short hairs. A fully developed larva is only about
one-half inch long. Square borers eat holes in squares similar to
bollworm/budworm. Usually these pests are controlled by beneficial
insects and don’t build up in large enough numbers to be a problem.
Plant bugs are making their move right now. With many fields
beginning to bloom in the last week to 10 days, it is apparent that
the plant bugs are very attracted to the blooming cotton. Most
fields that have not begun to bloom yet still don’t have high
numbers of plant bugs, but the fields that are blooming are seeing
numbers increasing rapidly. As we enter the bloom stage, it’s time
to take off the gloves and hit these fields hard as the fields hit
threshold numbers. It’s time to switch chemistries and go with our
standards such as Acephate and Bidrin. The addition of Diamond (6
oz/A) for added residual control may be beneficial, particularly on
those fields where you are seeing a steady influx of plant bugs. If
you have not had the chance to look at Carbine (2 oz/ A), a new
insecticide for plant bug control, you should note that we have seen
very good control of plant bugs and aphids using it. Remember: a
good application and thorough coverage of the plant is essential to
achieve the control needed.
Aphids do not appear to be a big problem for us, but we
continue to hear reports of treatment failures in Louisiana and
Alabama with some concerns in Mississippi. While this may be an
environmental problem or the beginning of a resistance issue, we
need to be on the alert for similar problems here in Arkansas. If
you have problems with control of aphids, please contact us.
Hopefully the fungus will show up soon and we can quit worrying
about aphids. Send your aphid samples in! If you don’t have a kit,
contact your local county agent.
Cotton Economics (Scott
Stiles and
Rob Hogan
Extension Ag Economists)
Outlook for Fuel and Cotton Prices - Energy Market
Parts of the state received some much-needed rain this past
weekend. As usual, though, rains were scattered and variable in
amount. Irrigation costs are still a factor on many acres. What is
the outlook for fuel prices going forward into harvest?
During the month of June, crude oil prices have traded in a $5
per barrel range, from a high of $74 to just under $69. Presently,
prices are right around $72 per barrel. Some industry analysts
predict that NYMEX crude will trade within a range of $52 to $78
over the next 12 months. If true, it is apparent that the crude oil
market has more bias to the downside.
There are a number of places to find support for that theory.
Number one is a general slowdown in demand due to high fuel prices.
It is becoming evident from U.S. driving statistics that Americans
are driving fewer miles than a year ago. Also, the measured Federal
Reserve interest rate increases are working to slow economic growth.
The economic cooling is taking place at the same time the U.S.
continues to import more refined and semi-refined petroleum to
offset the 2005 Gulf of Mexico production losses.
A key factor that the crude oil market will continue to watch is
the Middle East. Equally of interest—and probably most significant
at this time—is the Gulf of Mexico. The recovery of production in
the U.S. Gulf will be a vital part of crude oil prices falling back
below $60. Gulf oil platform repairs have been slow, and predicting
exactly when full production will return has been difficult, if not
impossible. That, among other factors, has served to keep oil prices
at the present day level of $70+. However, if last year’s hurricane
impacts are not repeated, that will place a huge amount of downward
pressure on the crude oil market.
Cotton Market
The persistent hot and dry weather in parts of Texas provided
price support for cotton until recently. With recent rains and
cooler temperatures, cotton prices have made steep declines over the
past week. At the close of business on Monday (6/26), December
cotton finished the day down 12 points at 53.46. The market had
traded as low as 52.95 that day. In all likelihood this is a
technical correction. Export demand remains strong, which helps
offset weak domestic consumption. Also, the recent rains have done
little to abate the Texas drought, which has been ongoing since at
least last October in some parts of the state. The most recent U.S.
Seasonal Drought Outlook indicates that the western half of Texas
will remain in drought conditions through September.
Upcoming Meetings
2006 Field Days
August 3 SEREC Rohwer Contact
Kelly Bryant
August 24 Lon Mann CRS Marianna Contact
Claude Kennedy
August 31 Judd Hill Judd Hill Contact
Fred Bourland
2006 County IPM Meetings
| Date |
County |
Location |
Time |
| June 29, 2006 |
St Francis/Lee |
Hughes |
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| June 30, 2006 |
Phillips |
Marvell |
Noon - 1:00 p.m. |
| July 5, 2006 |
Jefferson |
Cornerstone |
Noon - 1:00 p.m. |
| July 6, 2006 |
Crittenden |
Crawfordsville |
11:30 a.m. -
12:30 p.m. |
| July 6, 2006 |
Craighead |
Jonesboro |
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. |
| July 11, 2006 |
Woodruff/Monroe |
Cotton Plant Gin |
Noon -
1:00 p.m. |
| July 11, 2006 |
Desha/Drew |
Tillar and Company |
11:30 a.m. -
1:00 p.m. |
| July 13, 2006 |
St Francis/Lee |
Haynes |
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.. |
For more information, contact your local Extension office.
Corn and Grain Sorghum Update
According to the
latest Arkansas Agricultural Statistics Service report, 98% of the
corn in the state has silked, which is well ahead of last year’s 81%
and the five-year average of 84%. Overall the crop looks good, with
17% of the crop rated as being in excellent condition, 53% good, 24%
fair, and 6% rated as being in poor condition.
Grain sorghum is
heading, with 52% of the crop reported as headed. This is well
above last year’s 15% and the five-year average of only 34% headed
by this time. The grain sorghum crop overall is looking better
after struggling through a period of cool wet weather early in the
growing season. Crop conditions are reported as 6% being in
excellent condition, 35% good, 47% fair, 11% poor, and 1% rated as
being in very poor condition.
Much of the state
is in need of rainfall currently. Scattered rain fell across
portions of south and east Arkansas over the last few days, but most
areas are in need of rainfall. Statewide soil moisture is rated as
14% very short, 51% short, and 35% adequate. Dryland grain sorghum
and corn are especially in need of rainfall to make a crop.
Early-planted corn in south Arkansas is at the dent stage and will
soon be nearing irrigation termination. Current irrigation
termination recommendations for furrow- or flood-irrigated corn are
as follows: Once the starch layer has moved halfway down the
kernels from the middle of the ear and there is good soil moisture,
then irrigation can be terminated. If soil is dry at this time,
watering one more time will be beneficial. On pivot-irrigated corn,
once the starch layer has moved 3/4 down the kernels in the middle of
the ear and there is good moisture, then irrigation can be
terminated. If the soil is dry, then watering once more will
maintain yield.
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Arkansas Weekly Crop Report
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