U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) will introduce the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 to protect Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, rice, catfish, and other American producers from unfair foreign competition. The legislation would establish tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on import-sensitive food and agricultural products to stop import surges, restore fair prices, and keep American producers in business without shutting down lawful trade.
Read MoreNew varieties are one of the best ways farmers can stay ahead of the many challenges that come with growing rice. Next year, they’ll be able to plant two fresh releases from the LSU AgCenter that address key disease and grain quality issues.
Read MoreOne of the most common observations during the early growing season is uneven crop growth within the same field. While some areas emerge quickly and develop vigorous canopies, others appear delayed or less uniform. These differences can be frustrating for producers, especially when planting conditions seemed favorable and management practices were applied uniformly across the field.
Read MoreLast week, the Louisiana Farm Bureau (LAFB) held its 104th Annual Convention here, featuring a host of speakers and panels focused on the challenges and opportunities facing producers in Louisiana.
Delegates also convened for official business and LAFB elections, including that of Richard Fontenot, a fourth-generation rice farmer from Ville Platte, who was reelected to serve his third term as president, and, of course, to share in the celebration of the newest LAFB Queen, Jean Treas from Tangipahoa Parish.
Read MoreThe 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook remains virtually unchanged relative to last month. June’s WASDE report calls for fractionally higher beginning and ending stocks for 2026/27, reflective of mostly offsetting trade and domestic use changes for 2025/26 with adjustments to imports, corn used for ethanol, and exports based on data to date. The 2026/27 season-average farm price received by producers is unchanged at $4.40 per bushel.
Read MoreTexas rice producers enter a new crop year with a watchful eye on prices, yield potential and the threat of rice delphacid, an invasive planthopper that wreaked havoc on the 2025 crop, according to Texas A&M AgriLife experts.
Read MoreFor nearly a decade, LSU AgCenter entomologist Blake Wilson has been facing an uphill battle over stem borer and rice weevil infestation in rice crops, particularly the most popular variety in the state, PVL03. For the last three years, a formerly effective insecticide has become decidedly less so in controlling the pest.
Read MoreThe latest crop progress update shows U.S. rice growers are wrapping up planting for the 2026 season. Crop development and condition ratings are providing encouraging signs as the industry moves into the summer growing months.
Read MoreFor the U.S. rice industry, traditional trade mechanisms have proven ineffective. Now, the industry prepares to charge ahead with an aggressive solution. The hopes are that a Section 301 investigation will result in tariffs.
Yes, you read that right. Tariffs.
Read MoreChina is increasing agricultural support for Cuba through rice aid and technical projects, adding a food-security tie in the region. Retired USDA economist Fred Gale reports Chinese rice shipments to Cuba rose sharply during the first four months of 2026
Read MoreUSA Rice will conduct the inaugural Aromatic Rice Quality Symposium this summer, in conjunction with the organization’s annual July Business Meetings in Dallas. The symposium will be on Wednesday morning, July 8, in the National Ballroom I at the Thompson Hotel downtown.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station will hold its annual field day June 24. The event will highlight variety development, pest management strategies and other research aimed at helping farmers successfully produce one of Louisiana’s most valuable crops.
Read Morehe RICE Awards recognize individuals who embrace the values of Resilience, Innovation, Contribution and Excellence (RICE) in their work throughout the rice industry. If you know someone who exemplifies these characteristics, help us honor their incredible achievements by nominating them for a 2026 RICE Award.
Read MoreIn a groundbreaking study emerging from the University of Arkansas, scientists have uncovered a startling natural defense mechanism in rice plants: they trap and kill caterpillars using tiny, spike-like hairs called trichomes located on rice spikelets.
Read MoreMany farmers across the Midsouth are shifting acres toward soybean production in 2026 and choosing to plant less corn and rice, which are more expensive to grow. Although the war in Iran has largely contributed to this move, some farmers made the decision well in advance in the face of already high input costs.
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