HORIZON AG REGIONAL REPORTS

Dry Fields, Delayed Stands and a Season Pressing Forward

Missouri & Northeast Arkansas

I want to start this update with sincere gratitude toward everyone who poured love over Justin and me after we welcomed Claire Eden into the world. It is truly indescribable the joy that a baby brings into your life. Claire is growing well and will be telling her mom and dad how to grow rice in no time!

Oh, Rain, Where Art Thou?

I am praying that by the time this report reaches you, we have received adequate rainfall over the Missouri and Northeast Arkansas territories. The week of April 19 was spent walking fields with a small amount of seed sitting below the surface and the clock ticking on moisture; these fields were planted in the late March to early April window. In addition, winds quickly robbed some fields of the little moisture they received, which has delayed final stand counts and herbicide applications. I have stepped into a few fields with crusting issues as a result of delayed emergence due to cooler temperatures (a couple of nights in the 40s) and standing water in low areas. The entire region could use at least an inch of rain, if not more.

I know flushing rice is the last thing on your radar right now, but it could save you a lot of heartache later in the season. Overall, we will be 95% or more complete with planting rice. The remaining acres to be planted will be medium grain and jasmine acres once this weather system moves through.

Stand Variation and Herbicide Applications

On the note of delayed emergence, it is important to remember that Provisia herbicide should not be applied until the entire Provisia Rice field has reached 2-3 leaf stage. This is especially critical when the forecast calls for cooler temperatures for more than three consecutive days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting below-normal temperatures for the first half of May. Another option to consider is the three-way application (11, 10, 10 oz) of Provisia rather than the two-way application (15.5 oz followed by 15.5 oz).

Vigorous Jumpstart

Many have considered CLL18 the most vigorous variety in the Horizon portfolio, but it now has competition. PVL06 is giving CLL18 a run for its money in terms of emergence speed and stand establishment. We can thank our breeding partners for that trait. In contrast, PVL04 continues to be a slower mover out of the ground, which is expected for this variety. We are most excited to see how PVL06 performs across the region this season, particularly in comparison to PVL04, which delivered exceptional results in the Upper Delta last year despite challenging environmental conditions.

Reach out to me with any concerns or questions. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside your rice crop.

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Mississippi & North Louisiana

Mississippi

What an opposite spring from last year. We have gone from too much rain to a full-blown drought. Mississippi started planting in the middle of March and has only slowed down due to a lack of moisture. We did finally catch a good rain this past weekend, giving growers a chance to breathe after continuously flushing rice fields. This is the first meaningful moisture we have had since the freeze back in February. The rain will help address some emergence problems and activate residual herbicides.

We are down in acres this year, going from 160,000 to what I expect will be around 55,000. Most growers could not make rice pencil out at current prices with high input costs. As of last week, we are approximately 85-90% planted and around 55% emerged.

North Louisiana

North Louisiana is on pace with Mississippi in terms of planting progress, sitting at approximately 75-80% planted. Growers dealt with the same drought conditions that have affected the entire Mid-South and had to begin flushing to establish a uniform stand. The favorable rain this past Friday and a wet-looking seven-day forecast should ease some of that stress. After this week, growers will look to finish planting and prepare to take the crop to permanent flood.

If you have a question or concern, feel free to contact me at any time.

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There’s An App For That!

The Horizon Ag Productivity app provides easy access to critical management recommendations and tools, including seeding rates, fertilizer recommendations and other suggested management practices to help you get the most out of our varieties. Updated for 2025, the app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Whether you are a long-time Horizon Ag customer or growing our Clearfield and Provisia varieties for the first time, the Horizon Ag Productivity App can be a valuable tool. Available in the App Store or Google Play.

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