Rice farmers make long-term decisions based on many factors, some including uncertain market conditions and adverse weather.  As a tool for making effective and lasting choices with these factors in mind, farmers use risk management provisions provided through the Farm Bill, such as commodity support programs and crop insurance. 

The current Farm Bill provides a modest safety-net for farmers who must contend with depressed prices, increased costs of production, thin margins, and revenue losses due to natural disasters.

Recent News

  • USDA Announces 235M for RCPP WASDE Report Released

    May 10, 2016

    U.S. 2016/17 all rice production is forecast at 231 million cwt, up 38.7 million cwt from the previous year and the largest since 2010/11. The increase reflects larger area and a higher yield. Long grain harvested area is forecast at 2.4 million acres, up 32 percent from the previous year and the largest in six years. Combined medium- and short-grain harvested area is forecast at 60,000 acres, down 17 percent from 2015/16 due to a sharp reduction in southern medium-grain planted area. The yield increase for both classes of rice reflects a return to trend. Total U.S. 2016/17 all rice supplies are forecast to increase 13 percent from the previous year. Long grain supplies are up, while medium- and short-grain supplies are down. Full story
  • USDA Grants $332 Million for Conservation Easements

    Apr 26, 2016

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts ACEP applications on a rolling basis, but to receive funding in fiscal year 2015 you must submit by May 15, 2015. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Apr 12, 2016

    U.S. 2015/16 rice supplies are lowered 500,000 cwt on lower long-grain imports. Long-grain ending stocks are lowered 500,000 cwt to 22.5 million. All rice ending stocks are now 43.4 million cwt. The all rice and long-grain season-average prices are each lowered $0.30 per cwt at the midpoint to $12.30 to $12.70 and $10.80 to $11.20, respectively. Medium- and short-grain prices are also down with the California price lowered $0.50 per cwt at the midpoint and the Other States price lowered $0.20 per cwt at the midpoint. Full story