Despite record yields in 2024, many growers in Arkansas ended the year in the red. Facing continued high input prices, low commodity prices and the possible resumption of a trade war with China, 2025 will likely prove just as challenging.
Ronnie Cross, a Yell County row crop farmer, was one of about 50 growers, consultants and other agriculture industry professionals to attend the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s first winter production meeting of the year in Morrilton on Jan. 9. Asked how 2024 treated his farming operation, Cross answered with a sigh.
“OK,” he said. “Not spectacular.”
Like many experienced farmers in Arkansas and elsewhere, Cross saw great yields in his corn crop, but was thwarted with low commodity prices in the marketplace.
