Exhibit 99.1

               Weather Impacts Newpark's Third Quarter Earnings

    METAIRIE, La., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc.
(NYSE: NR) today announced that weather conditions affecting the Gulf of
Mexico and Canada will negatively impact third quarter results.

    James D. Cole, Newpark's chairman and CEO, stated: "Our third-quarter
earnings have been reduced by approximately $0.05 per share as a result of
suspension of work and project delays due to adverse weather conditions during
the quarter.  As a result, reported earnings are expected to be $.01 per share
for the quarter, or $.03 below the current analysts' expectations.

    "In the Gulf of Mexico market, Hurricanes Frances and Ivan and other
tropical systems interrupted operations throughout the market and delayed new
project starts during the period.  In addition, the unusually wet weather that
persisted in western Canada throughout the quarter delayed rig moves and the
start of new work.  On a positive note, operations in all markets have
rebounded to a level consistent with the improvement forecast by the Company
for the third quarter and should be demonstrated in Newpark's fourth quarter
results," he concluded.

    Newpark Resources, Inc. provides integrated fluids management,
environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production
industry.

    Newpark plans to release third quarter results after the close of business
on Monday, October 25th with a conference call to follow on Tuesday,
October 26th at 9:30 AM EDT.  Investors may access the conference call by
dialing (800) 862-9098.

    The foregoing discussion contains 'forward-looking statements' within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended.  There are risks and
uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially
from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements
included in this press release.  For further information regarding these and
other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Newpark, reference is made to
the risk factors set forth in the Prospectus included in Newpark's
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on May 8, 2002 (File No. 333-87840),
and to the section entitled "Forward Looking Statements" on page 17 of that
Prospectus.  In particular, as described on page 9 of that Prospectus, any
material decline in the level of oil and gas exploration and production
activity could result in fewer opportunities being available for the service
industry in general and Newpark in particular, and may adversely affect the
demand for our services.  In addition, as described on page 13 of that
Prospectus, and rescission or relaxation of governmental regulations,
including in the discharge regulations recently implemented, could reduce the
demand for Newpark's services and reduce Newpark's revenues and income.  You
are strongly urged to review these sections for a more detailed discussion of
these risks and uncertainties.  Newpark's SEC filings can be obtained at no
charge at http://www.sec.gov , as well as through our Website,
http://www.newpark.com.

SOURCE  Newpark Resources, Inc.
    -0-                             10/20/2004
    /CONTACT:  Matthew W. Hardey, Vice President of Finance of Newpark
Resources, Inc., +1-504-838-8222/
    /Web site:  http://www.sec.gov /
    /Web site:  http://www.newpark.com /
    (NR)

CO:  Newpark Resources, Inc.
ST:  Louisiana
IN:  OIL
SU:  ERP CCA MAV