LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- Arkansas farmers are expected to plant more soybeans and rice in 2008, according to government planting projections, while declines should occur in corn and cotton acreage, all of which mirrors national trends.The changes are largely driven by higher prices that commodities have been commanding, though costs to farmers are rising as well. Demand for biofuel -- ethanol and soy-based diesel -- is behind high corn and soybean prices, while growers are facing higher costs for fuel and fertilizer.
Arkansas remains far and away the largest rice producer in the nation, and 2008 planting is projected to rise 3 percent to 1.371 million acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's prospective planting report. The state produces half of the rice grown in the U.S. Rice acreage is projected nationally to be about even with last year and down 2 percent from 2006.
Cooperative Extension Service rice expert Chuck Wilson said the 3 percent gain in projected rice planting could be due to normal crop rotation. The jump is about 40,000 acres.
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