The rice industry prides itself on its commitment to the conservation of natural resources and the institution of practices that provide habitat to wetland dependent wildlife and waterfowl. Working lands programs are good for the environment and for rice farmers. The voluntary-incentive based conservation model used by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has worked well. 

Rice farmers have been able to significantly improve their environmental footprint through practices implemented through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program has provided rice farmers funds to better manage water resources through irrigation efficiency, water quality, and erosion control. For more information on our work through this program click here.

Recent News

  • Three happy guys at the Slovak-oyster-supper Slovak Oyster Supper – Eat Good and Feel Good Doing It

    Feb 02, 2016

    In this small agricultural community north of Stuttgart, the annual Slovak Oyster Supper, a 50+ year tradition for many around the state, doesn’t disappoint but you’ve got to come prepared. Full story
  • NASS logo Annual Crop Projection Report Released

    Jan 12, 2016

    Production in 2015 is estimated at 192 million cwt, up less than 1 percent from the previous forecast but down 13 percent from the revised 2014 total. Planted area for 2014 is estimated at 2.61million acres, down 12 percent from 2014. Area harvested, at 2.58 million acres, is also down 12 percent from the previous crop year. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Jan 12, 2016

    The U.S. 2015/16 all rice crop is projected at 192.3 million cwt, up 1.6 million from last month. Long-grain production is up 700,000 cwt to 133 million, and medium- and short-grain is raised 900,000 cwt to 59.3 million. The all rice production increase stems from both higher harvested area and yield. The all rice yield increased 47 pounds per acre to 7,470, and harvested area increased 5,000 acres to 2.58 million. Full story