Audio Version of Report Flooding? Already? We’re usually only about 80% planted at this point but this week it seems a good portion of the crop is ready for the permanent flood. Just a reminder, be sure and check out the website for the latest fertility recommendations going into the flood. With very high urea prices, the preflood application is more critical than ever. We can’t stress enough how important it is to get the preflood nitrogen right in order to maximize yield and profit. Nitrogen loss now is yield loss later that can’t be recovered, so get it right the first time. If you have any questions about preflood nitrogen fertilization, weed control, or insect management, don’t hesitate to contact your Technical Services Representative. Crop Reports from our Sales and Services Team District 1, SE Missouri - Barry Barnett (870) 273-4988 It is still very dry overall in Southeast Missouri. Some areas have not received any substantial rainfall in six weeks or more. Most rice has been flushed at least twice and some three or more times to achieve an adequate stand. Even where we have flushed with the wind being very bad lately it is no more than a couple days after shutting the pump off that the ground is already starting to crack open. I would say that we are about 90% emerged now. Quite a few fields have gone to flood the last week or so but we still have to flush across fields to keep it growing in order to get enough height out the rice so it will handle a permanent flood. I have seen a few cases of chinch bug damage in the last week or so but it doesn’t seem to be too widespread. I have two trials that are now going to flood and it won’t be long before a couple more will be at that point. If you would like to see any of these trials or have any questions or concerns please give me a call. District 2, N Arkansas - Stewart Runsick (870) 571-6069 Over the past week, a lot of the rice has yellowed some and just does not have a good appearance. Growth and development slowed due mainly to cooler temperatures. Fields have crusted since the last rain. While a small percentage of the fields are being fertilized and flooded, many are being flushed one more time in an effort to get a few more plants up and to get the rice growing so it will get big enough to flood. It’s been a struggle to get a stand on the clay soils planted no-till due mainly to environmental conditions. Fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture are the main problems along with the wind. These fields are mainly in an area from O’kean to Delaplaine over to Stonewall and Marmaduke. None of the six replicated farm yield trials (RFYT) have gone to flood yet; however, the test at Light is ready and will be soon. Nitrogen requirements for RiceTec hybrids on most soils in N.E. AR are 120 units of N preflood followed by 30 units applied late boot. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions. District 3, NE Arkansas - Kurt Johns (870) 243-4696 Flush, flush, and repeat. This has been the routine so far. Thankfully, next week we should start seeing several fields start going to flood. The last ten days has really seen and improvement in the appearance of the crop. Hopefully we are turning the corner and building up steam. Once we get the flood on it should really take off. Getting herbicides out has been tough but maybe we're about to get it done. If you have any questions give me a call. If you'd like to see the trials in your area give me a call. District 4, N Central Arkansas - William "Hutch" Hutchens (870) 273-9291 These past couples of weeks have moved along quickly and since we had the rain two weeks ago.
