HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. (AP) - Rain that fell over the weekend has helped Arkansas river levels and is projected to help the Mississippi River rise.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture said Tuesday that the Mississippi is projected to rise 7 feet in the days ahead.

Shippers of agricultural products have struggled to move this year's harvest due to low flows on rivers in the region, including the Mississippi.

The Mississippi is an important route for transporting harvested grain and other agricultural products such as fertilizer to and from farmers.

Army Corps of Engineers says the rain helped, but there are still longer term problems anticipated because of the continuing drought.

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