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PodcastArkansas Row CropsSep 20, 2019

What Surprising Factors Are Affecting This Year’s Rice Harvest?

This year's rice harvest is influenced by unexpected moisture levels and disease pressures.

AI-generated source brief by USFarms.ag, based on Arkansas Row Crops. How our briefs are made

Source published Sep 20, 2019. Check the source date before applying seasonal guidance. Brief published .

harvestmoisture levelsfalse smutmilling yieldsdrying charges

Source summary

What this podcast covered

Moisture Levels and Harvest Timing

The rapid drop in grain moisture levels has been a significant factor in this year's rice harvest. With moisture levels reaching as low as 12-13%, farmers are adapting their harvest strategies accordingly.

False Smut Disease Concerns

False smut has emerged as a concern for late-planted rice, particularly among certain cultivars. The discussion emphasizes the need for vigilance as higher nitrogen rates and wet conditions can exacerbate this issue.

Milling Yields and Drying Charges

Despite the challenges, milling yields are reportedly holding up well, which is a positive sign for farmers. However, drying charges remain a consideration, especially for rice delivered directly from the field.

Positive Yield Reports

Yield reports across Arkansas have been largely positive, with farmers feeling optimistic about the harvest. Isolated issues have been noted, but overall, the outlook remains favorable.

Key takeaways

5 things worth knowing

  1. 01

    Rapid moisture drop affecting rice harvest timing and quality

  2. 02

    Concerns about false smut in late-planted rice varieties

  3. 03

    Milling yields holding up better than expected despite low moisture

  4. 04

    Drying charges remain a consideration for harvested rice

  5. 05

    Yield reports are largely positive, with some isolated issues noted

Source figures at a glance

At a glance

What the podcast covered, in 4 signals

Grain

Rapidly Dropping

Grain Moisture

Moisture levels falling to 12-13% unexpectedly.

Disease

Rising Concern

False Smut

Late-planted rice shows increased susceptibility.

Milling

Holding Steady

Milling Yields

Yields remain better than anticipated despite low moisture.

Harvest

Positive Reports

Yield Reports

Overall yields are largely positive across the state.

Questions & answers

Quick answers

What is causing the rapid drop in grain moisture?

The unique dry weather pattern this year has led to significantly lower grain moisture levels.

How does false smut affect rice yields?

False smut can impact the appearance of rice but typically does not lead to significant yield loss unless in severe cases.

What should I consider regarding drying charges?

Drying charges apply to rice with any green material, regardless of overall moisture content, so it's important to account for this when delivering rice.

Are milling yields expected to be affected by low moisture?

Surprisingly, milling yields are holding up better than expected despite the lower moisture levels.

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