Agriculture is a vital part of the economy in Northeast Arkansas, and it can be a risky business. A few years ago, cotton prices plummeted, forcing many farmers to switch to other crops in order to stay afloat. According to the Arkansas Agricultural Bureau, there are approximately 14.3 million acres of farmland in the state, with 6.2 million of those acres devoted to row crops. Craighead County, located in the middle of the Arkansas Delta, has experienced extreme drought in the past, but heavy rains have made it the only county in the state that is currently classified as a normal county in terms of rainfall accumulation.
Despite this, farmers like Grisham know that they are not out of danger yet due to Arkansas's unpredictable weather. Agriculture is an essential part of life in Craighead County and has changed drastically over the years. Farmers have had to adjust to new technologies and shifting weather patterns in order to remain successful. The introduction of new farming techniques such as no-till farming and precision agriculture have enabled farmers to increase their yields while reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, new irrigation systems have allowed farmers to better manage their water resources and boost their crop yields. The agricultural industry in Craighead County has also seen an increase in the number of small-scale farms.
These small-scale farms are usually family-run operations that focus on producing high-quality products for local markets. These farms are often more sustainable than large-scale operations and provide an important source of income for rural communities. In conclusion, the agricultural industry in Craighead County has changed significantly over the years. Farmers have had to adapt to new technologies and changing weather patterns in order to remain successful. The introduction of new farming techniques such as no-till farming and precision agriculture have allowed farmers to increase their yields while reducing their environmental impact.
Additionally, new irrigation systems have allowed farmers to better manage their water resources and increase their crop yields. Small-scale farms have also become increasingly popular, providing an important source of income for rural communities.
