If you live in Arkansas, chances are, you know that we are home to the only public diamond mine in the country. And of course, this mine is located at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. But did you know that Arkansas is the top producer of rice in the US? Yep, folks, in fact, over half of the counties in our state grow this mealtime staple. And this billion-dollar industry is a major part of our economy, supplying over 25,000 jobs. Read on to find out more about Arkansas’ rice production and how we became the leading producer.
Step aside Crowley, Louisiana, you might hold the title of “Rice Capital of the US,” but currently, we produce more rice in Arkansas. In fact, in 2022, we produced over 8 billion pounds of rice, almost tripling the amount that Crowley harvested.
If you ask me, we deserve the title, but we’ll allow Louisiana to keep it for now. So, how did rice production become a billion-dollar industry in Arkansas? Glad you asked!
Rice production began in the early 1900s when a prominent farmer, William Fuller, the "Father of the Arkansas Rice Industry," successfully planted rice fields in Carlisle, Arkansas. In 1904, he harvested over 5,000 bushels of rice and from then, the industry was born.
Today, Arkansas has grown to become the leading rice producer in the country with Louisiana in second place. Rice is primarily grown in the eastern part of the state in the wetlands of the Delta. You can also find fields in the Red River Valleys as well as in the southwest areas of the state.
The industry is such a major part of our economy that folks gather for an annual Rice Field Day that's held at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. Presented by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, this event is used to learn about irrigation techniques as well as to promote rice education in Arkansas.
After all, the tiny but mighty grain is an important side and perhaps main dish for many of us, so we need to keep Arkansas' rice industry thriving for many years to come.
Fun Fact: Americans eat over 25 pounds of rice every year. So, the next time you sit down to enjoy a hearty bowl of this nutrient rich grain, remember that more than likely, it was produced in Arkansas.
Did you know that Arkansas is the top producer of rice in the US? Sound off in the comments below. If you would like to know more about the rice industry, visit the University of Arkansas website or the UofA Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Facebook page.
For more fun facts about Arkansas, here are some quirky, but interesting facts that might surprise you. Of course, rice isn't the only thing that we are famous for, check out this one-of-a-kind attraction that is only in Arkansas.
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