While insiders know U.S.-grown rice is one of the most sustainable and responsibly grown crops in the world, telling that story to those who are unaware is increasingly important. To help recognize the crop’s unique environmental qualities and the people who improve rice’s sustainability every day, USA Rice launched a Sustainability Award in 2018 to identify and promote prime examples.
Read MoreThe sprawling historic Beaumont Rice Mills, situated at 1800 Pecos Street in Beaumont, Texas, loomed bleak and large, dominating the landscape as I approached for an interview with the mill president, Louis Broussard, Jr. His son, Jacob, arrived just in time to direct me to the third-story office where the business of the mill was being wrapped up.
Louisiana’s rice boom started around 1884 with the introduction of mechanical harvesting equipment, but due to pricey Louisiana land, many of the farmers headed across the state line to Texas, where land was abundant and cheap.
Read MoreThe Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. Applications for the 2025-27 class are due by Friday, September 6.
The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter will hold a field day focusing on best management practices for rice production Sept. 26 in Kaplan.
Read MoreArkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas rice producers that qualify as Historically Underserved (HU) according to NRCS definitions have until Friday, August 30, to apply for the Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities project. Producers with a history of growing rice have the option to choose from a variety of management and structural practices and create a contract customized to fit their operation.
Read MoreIt’s 106 days until the 2024 USA Rice Outlook Conference (December 8-10) opens here and as always, the educational programming is going to be top notch.
“We follow what we call ‘the Richard Fontenot Principle,’” said Michael Klein, USA Rice vice president of communications & strategic development. “Richard once told me that if we don’t provide practical programming that growers can take back to their operations and put to use, it’s going to be a difficult proposition to get them to leave the farm to join us.”
Read MoreWe have all heard about the high prices and low production during crawfish season. Well, now it’s time for rice harvest.
When driving in Southwest Louisiana, it’s pretty easy to spot a field of rice. But some may not be aware of the impact those rice fields have.
Read MoreFarmers, consultants, and industry experts gathered on August 15 at the new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg, Arkansas, for the annual Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day. This year’s event included updates on the new rice station, row rice in Clearfield, state reports, introduction to Horizon’s new breeding program, staff presentations on the success of high-yielding rice varieties like CLL18 and CLL16, along with updates on the strong performance of new lines PVL04 & CLL19.
Read MoreLouisiana rough rice stocks in all positions on August 1, 2024, totaled 2.10 million cwt, down 1 percent from August 1, 2023.
Read MoreThe annual National Rice Month (NRM) Scholarship video contest is here! Creative students are challenged to shine a light on our favorite home-grown grain, and in a short video – three minutes or less – educate, entertain, and tell us why rice is special to you, to your state, or to the world.
It’s easy to participate! ReelRiceContest.com has all the details about this year’s contest open to graduating high school students from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas.
Read MoreLast week, USA Rice hosted several scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs and an agricultural economist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Pest Management Policy for an in-depth educational tour of the U.S. rice industry based here in southwest Louisiana. The tour’s objective was to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the Louisiana Gulf Coast rice producing and processing region to educate and build relationships in a friendly and comfortable environment.
Read MoreThe largest rice-specific event in North America is returning to the number one rice-producing state in the U.S. for what is sure to be the largest USA Rice Outlook Conference ever, and registration is now open.
The event that draws farmers, millers, merchants, end-users, exporters, academics, government officials, and special guests will take place December 8-10, 2024, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Read MoreWith the U.S. rice industry exporting about half its annual crop, market development is vitally important. Trade missions, trade servicing, and fostering relationships are a primary function of USA Rice’s international team.
Read MoreThis report contains supply and demand use estimates for the corn, soybean, rice, and cotton markets.
Read MoreAs the cotton season progresses in Louisiana, there have been several reports of potassium deficiency. Potassium deficiency can weaken the plant, making it easier for plant pathogens to attack. It is very common to see fungal leaf spots on potassium stressed plants. Although pre-mature defoliation due to disease is possible, it is most likely the nutrient deficiency that is the leaf-dropping culprit.
Read More
