Arkansas Field Day Brings Growers Together To Talk Rice, Technology And The Current Season

Growers, researchers and industry partners from across the South came together for Horizon Ag’s Arkansas Field Day, an event that blended crop updates, technology insights and conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing rice production this year.

Weather Tests Patience but Not Optimism

From early planting conditions to late-season harvest expectations, the conversations reflected the complexity of this year’s crop. Across multiple states, weather has tested patience and management skills, yet there’s optimism about yields, milling quality and the ability of new varieties and technologies to meet grower needs.

Arkansas Fields Face a Tough Start

In Arkansas, weather has been a defining factor this season. “We’ve faced significant prevent plant acres across the state due to prolonged wet conditions early on,” said Justin Chlapecka, rice research agronomist with the University of Arkansas. “From January through May, heavy rainfall created delays, and now we’re watching closely to see how the crop responds to the stretch of hot temperatures.”

Working Together to Find the Right Solutions

Despite those challenges, Chlapecka noted the value of ongoing collaboration. “Working with Horizon Ag continues to be a productive partnership. Together, we’ve been able to evaluate variety performance and test weed control approaches that can deliver real benefits to growers. Our aim is to identify solutions that work not only in Arkansas but across the South, with the potential to strengthen the rice industry for years to come.”

Provisia® Gains Traction in the Upper Delta

A recurring theme throughout the day was the growing role of Provisia® rice technology in managing weedy rice and preserving yield potential. Horizon Ag CEO Dr. Tim Walker stressed its value. “Clearfield® has been a phenomenal technology for many years and continues to deliver results for growers. Provisia technology brings something new to the table. It’s another tool in the toolbox, and in rice, we need all the tools we can get. For the Upper Delta region, Provisia can be used with confidence — without giving up yield.”

Encouraging Adoption for Long-Term Weed Control

Dr. Walker encouraged more growers and advisors in the northern region to take a closer look at the technology. “If there’s nothing else you take home, it’s the need to consider adopting more Provisia technology on farms up here. New Provisia varieties that are higher performing in the upper delta give you the chance to address weed control problems without sacrificing field yields.”

Variety Performance and Milling Quality in Focus

The event also showcased strong varietal performance across the region — with proven options like CLL18 and CLL19, top-yielding Provisia varieties such as PVL04 and promising new lines PVL05 and PVL06, which will have a limited release in 2026 — underscoring the importance of both yield potential and grain quality.

While yield potential remains important, Dr. Walker noted that milling quality is equally critical for marketability. “As an industry, we have a lot of rice that needs to find a home outside the country, and milling quality plays a big role in accessing those markets. In many cases last year, milling quality limited exports and thus decreased prices. At Horizon Ag, we’re already working on solutions in the pipeline that combine top yield potential with excellent milling performance to help growers compete more effectively.”

A Commitment to the Industry’s Future

Building on that point, he reinforced Horizon Ag’s commitment to the industry’s long-term success. “We would not be investing in a breeding program if we weren’t in it for the long haul. We’re fortunate to work alongside strong allies in the industry, and we can’t be part of the solution without them. Field day events like this are a reminder of why we do this work — they give us the chance to meet with you, share ideas and celebrate the industry we’re all part of.”