More Storms Bring Flooding, Replanting Woes to Arkansas Farmers
By Meleah Perez, UA System Division of Agriculture
Every week Arkansas farmers hope to put the devastating storms of late April and early May behind them, and every week, nature brings another round of heavy rains, high winds and hail.
Memorial Day weekend was no exception, leaving crops flooded and flattening others. Then came more storms, some with high local rainfall totals, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Flash flood warnings were issued Monday morning for Independence, Izard, Sharp, Jackson, Craighead and Mississippi counties. In some spots, radar indicated totals reached 6 inches. A flash flood watch was issued for Lawrence, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett and Mississippi counties through Monday evening.
Flooding over the last few weeks in Jefferson County forced farmers to replant about 250 to 300 acres of corn and rice, said Anthony Whittington, Jefferson County Extension agent.
(Photo credit: Herb Ginn, Lawrence County Extension Agent)
