LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Agriculture experts say Arkansas soybean farmers have lost at least $77 million this year after heavy rainfall interrupted harvest season and damaged the quality of the crop.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that University of Arkansas researchers found that wet conditions starting with Tropical Storm Gordon in September and continued rainfall in the following months delayed harvest, costing about $56 million in physical damage to soybeans. The university's report says farmers will likely spend another $21 million to repair fields.
The total doesn't account for soybean farmers' losses sustained from having their dominant export market largely close as China responds to President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. The lack of sales has forced many U.S. farmers to store their crops, creating an excess supply.
Louisiana's soybean crop was also devastated by the storm and a rainy harvest, reducing grain quality.
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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com
