Farmers Advised to Follow Smoke Management Guidelines
Agriculture News Briefs - Northeast Arkansas
By George Jared ( [email protected] ) | 2 minutes ago | 5 views
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Harvest is in full swing in the Arkansas Delta, and with it comes a familiar sight and smell: plumes of smoke. As farmers burn crop residue off their fields post-harvest, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture reminds row crop producers to adhere to voluntary smoke management guidelines and state burning regulations. This year's dry conditions have accelerated harvest, meaning more crop residue will be ready for burning earlier than usual.
While burning crop residue remains an effective practice in row crop production, managing stubble, pests, and diseases, the department encourages producers to plan meticulously and follow both voluntary guidelines and legal requirements to mitigate risks.
The department has asked farmers to:
- Check County Burn Ban Status: Before burning, verify the county's burn ban status using the statewide fire map, as conditions can change rapidly in dry weather.
- Follow Safety Measures: Adhere to safety protocols outlined by the county burn ban officer, such as disking field perimeters, to avoid liability for damages if a ban is in place.
- Notify Authorities: Contact the local sheriff's office in advance to inform them of any burning alongside state or federal highways, regardless of whether smoke impacts the roadway.