Economists revise up Arkansas' 2009 crop loss estimate

Arkansas' crop losses in 2009 totalled US$397 million and resulted in the loss of 3,700 jobs, University of Arkansas agricultural economists have determined.

The losses were caused by record rainfall throughout the summer and autumn, which flooded fields, slowed the harvest and caused disease problems. The total loss was greatest for soy, at US$204 million, Eric Wailes, a professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness said.

Corn growers took a US$14 million hit, as a result of crop losses and additional fieldwork, according to the university.

The university's estimate for total crop losses was up from a December estimate of US$309.4 million and a November estimate of US$225 million.