This month’s 2023/24 U.S. corn outlook is for greater production, larger food, seed, and industrial use (FSI), increased feed and residual use, and higher ending stocks. Corn production is estimated at a record 15.3 billion bushels, up 108 million as an increase in yield to a record 177.3 bushels per acre is partly offset by a 0.6-million acre decline in harvested area.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter has named Adam Famoso resident director and research coordinator of its H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley.
Famoso, a rice breeder who has been central to the station’s variety development efforts, assumed the role Jan. 1.
Read MoreShe wasn’t looking when the headhunter called. Either time. And she didn’t know anything about rice the first time. She worked on the forest side of the ag industry. She was comfortable.
But USA Rice Federation knew Betsy Ward was the leader they needed – first to lead foreign promotions and a few years later, to lead the organization.
Read MoreSouthern U.S. rice farmers were cautioned to focus more on rice quality as the industry seeks to expand market share in Latin America and elsewhere. The caveat to this is understanding the word “quality” from the perspective of customers in Central and South America.
Read MoreIn mid-December, USA Rice participated in the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) annual meeting that kicked off with opening remarks from Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.
Objectives and updates were reviewed by NBGC Interim Executive Director Dr. Loston Rowe and NBGC Board Chair PJ Haynie III at the meeting’s outset followed by a full agenda of conference speakers and topics centered around the theme, “Honoring Our Past, Growing Our Future.”
Read MoreThe Tournament of Roses Parade, held here on New Year's Day since 1890, is an annual explosion of activity with vibrant floats, spirited marching bands, horseback riders, and hundreds of thousands of spectators who line the five-mile route to cheer on the electrifying procession.
The 2024 parade once again included an entry from Explore Louisiana, the state’s office of tourism, that featured a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis, and flourishes incorporating the iconic purple, green, and gold color scheme.
Read MoreWill optimistic U.S. rice prices keep acreage up in key states like Arkansas, California, and Louisiana in 2024, or will a positive move in soybean returns encourage Delta and Midsouth growers to rotate to beans next year?
After two consecutive years of lower rice acreage, Arkansas farmers planted more than 1.4 million acres of rice in 2023.
Read MoreAs American consumers continue to embrace the local food movement some industries are capitalizing on USA-grown. The rice industry is one of those.
Of all the rice consumed in the United States, 80% is grown here.
Read MoreDespite phenomenal rice production in 2023, rice milling yields were especially disappointing. Experts point to a host of environmental factors, including a dry fall harvest with high humidity that contributed to lower milling quality.
Summer brought about prolonged periods of extreme heat and high nighttime temperatures. This was the case throughout the Rice Belt – from the Coastal Bend of Texas, over to south Louisiana, and upwards through Arkansas.
Read MoreLouisiana rice specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy is the 2023 Rice Industry Award winner. He is knowledgeable, personable, and deeply committed to the U.S. rice industry through his work at the Louisiana State University H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. He travels the state assisting rice farmers, rice consultants, and Extension agents on the best management practices that are vital to producing viable, profitable, and sustainable rice crops year after year. His genuine passion for the industry makes him an invaluable asset to not only the Rice Station but to the rice industry in general.
Read MoreThis report also includes Marketing Year price projections for corn, cotton, rice and soybeans.
Read MoreBecoming a mainstay of the USA Rice Outlook conference, the fourth U.S. Rice Quality Symposium was held here last week. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley welcomed the group and spoke about the close ties between the U.S. and Central American countries.
The session featured six breeders from the public universities and the private sector showcasing 26 U.S. rice varieties currently either in development or in production.
Read MoreThe U.S. rice industry bolsters its longstanding commitment to conservation and sustainability each year by recognizing industry leaders to showcase their stewardship efforts in preserving wildlife habitat and efficient use of natural resources.
At the Annual Rice Awards Luncheon for the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference last Thursday, California rice grower and chair of the USA Rice Conservation Committee Leo LaGrande presented the 2023 Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award to Paul Bonderson, founder of Brocade Communications Systems, and a past chair and past president of Ducks Unlimited.
Riceland Foods announced Friday (Dec. 8) a leadership reorganization under which the board of directors has appointed Kevin McGilton as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
He replaces Jason Brancel as CEO. Brancel was named to the position in 2022.
Read MoreMembers of the 2024/26 Rice Leadership Development Program class were announced yesterday during the annual Rice Awards Luncheon at the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference. The class is comprised of seven rice industry professionals selected by a committee of agribusiness leaders.
“This is an excellent group that displays exceptional leadership potential,” said Rice Foundation Director Dr. Steve Linscombe. “They also represent a mix of southern and west coast individuals which always makes for good class dynamics.”
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