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In This Issue:
- Market Update: U.S. Long Grain Rice Harvest Moving North
- Washington, D.C. Update
- RMTC 2026: Sponsor and Exhibitor Registration Coming Soon
- Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day Highlights
- Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today!
- Sharing the Versatility of U.S. Rice from Guatemala
- Photo from Rice Country
| | U.S. Long Grain Rice Harvest Moving North | | |
Harvest is progressing swiftly in Louisiana, and we can say it has begun in earnest in Arkansas. Initial reports coming out of the Louisiana crop leave us with “cautious optimism” for milling yields; it is still too early to tell in Arkansas. Texas has also harvested the majority of its crop, with milled quality pending, but perceived as average. The weekly crop progress report shows Louisiana at 65% harvested, Texas at 57%, Mississippi at 8%, and Arkansas at 4%. Missouri and California, like normal, still have a few weeks. Crop condition is holding steady, with Good/Excellent still reporting at 75%. In northeast Arkansas, few farmers, if any, are cutting, but next week should be active as will be Missouri.
On the ground, getting old crop out of the farm bins to make room for the new crop hasn’t improved since our report last week. Much of the rice has been purchased by mills but hasn’t been shipped yet due to weak demand. This has resulted in severe backlogs at mills to move paddy that they aren’t ready for, all while the paddy itself is suffering from poor quality and bugs. A terrible situation to be dealing with in the midst of an already challenging marketing environment. We hope this pressure will alleviate soon, and things will return to “normal” with a focus on milling a quality crop. Prices for the new crop coming out of one cooperative are $5.11/bushel before deductions, another indication of the lack of demand.
A recent GAIN report in Panama reports that on July 31, President Mulino signed a decree that declares rice as a national security crop, and shields Panama’s rice producers from international competition. This decree effectively closes Panama’s market to imported rice from June 1-December 31 this year. This does not apply to jasmine, basmati, or parboiled rice. This is pertinent because in 2025, 9,044 metric tons of U.S. rice may enter Panama duty-free through the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. At the same time, we understand one vessel of Brazilian paddy (25,000 tons) is arriving in Panama duty-free for the “social feeding program”. How Panama manages their domestic demand versus production levels remains to be seen.
In Asia, prices continue to suffer in Thailand, with Thai 5% now dropping below $360 pmt. India also softened some down to $380 pmt, while Vietnam has remained somewhat resilient at $390 pmt. It has been well over a year since we have seen such a wide divergence of pricing between Thailand and Vietnam. It can be attributed to weak demand for historical Thai buyers, while Viet customers are at least maintaining their buying patterns, thereby putting the brakes on the downward slide.
The weekly USDA Export Sales report shows net sales of 26,900 MT this week were primarily for Saudi Arabia (10,400 MT), Haiti (8,100 MT, including decreases of 7,200 MT), Mexico (4,300 MT), Taiwan (2,000 MT), and Canada (1,100 MT, including decreases of 700 MT). Exports of 63,300 MT were primarily to Haiti (17,500 MT), Venezuela (14,900 MT), Japan (13,200 MT), Saudi Arabia (9,800 MT), and Mexico (4,800 MT).
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Dept. of Labor Makes Changes to H-2A Wage Rates for Non-Herding Employers:
On August 15, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced in a filing its plans to revise the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which is the formula that sets the minimum pay for workers employed through the H-2A visa program. This proposal, expected in February 2026, will reexamine the calculation of wages. The purpose of this is to keep the AEWR affordable and sustainable for employers while supporting the needs of agricultural laborers. Included in the filing, DOL outlined its targets as “non-range agricultural occupations,” applying to farming, meatpacking, and other ranch-related jobs outside of herding or the production of livestock. While the Trump Administration has pledged to support farmers, the White House has yet to provide any additional details on any plan to overhaul the current system in place.
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We’re excited to announce that registration for the Rice Market & Technology Convention 2026 is opening soon!
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Past Exhibitors & Sponsors: Early access begins September 2.
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New Exhibitors & Sponsors: Registration opens October 2.
Secure your spot and join us for the premier global rice industry event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with industry leaders, and be part of RMTC 2026!
Make sure to check our social media this afternoon to see where we’re going next!
| | Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day Highlights 2025 Rice Season Insights & Opportunities | | JONESBORO, AR (August 18, 2025) — Growers, researchers and industry partners from across the South gathered for Horizon Ag’s Arkansas Field Day to share experiences, review varietal performance and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges in rice production. The event served as both an educational forum and a community gathering, offering participants the chance to exchange ideas, connect with peers and explore new tools that can make a difference in their operations. | Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today! | | Sharing the Versatility of U.S. Rice from Guatemala | | Rice is one of the most versatile crops in the world, serving not only as a daily staple but also as the foundation for countless innovative dishes. Beyond being enjoyed as steamed rice on the table, it can be transformed into flour, noodles, beverages, snacks, and even baked goods. This beautiful crepe made with rice flour is a perfect example of how rice continues to inspire creativity in kitchens everywhere. | | Through its promotion programs, US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) works to educate consumers, chefs, and industry partners about the many uses of U.S.-grown rice. By highlighting dishes like this rice flour crepe, USRPA showcases the versatility of rice while encouraging greater appreciation and consumption of this essential crop. | |
USRPA Board Member Mark Pousson hosted USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley at the South Louisiana Rail Facility earlier this week. Thanks to Administrator Whitley for his commitment to U.S. agriculture and ensuring U.S. rice is consumed around the world!
Send us your field photos or videos on Facebook, Instagram, or via email!
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Food & Agriculture
Regulatory & Policy Roundup
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August 22, 2025
2025 Model Farm Field Day - Haynie Farms
Pine Bluff, AR
More Information
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August 27, 2025
California Rice Field Day
Biggs, CA
More Information
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October 1 - 4, 2025
Texas Rice Festival - Main Festival
Winnie, TX
More Information
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January 31, 2026
Texas Rice Roudup
Richmond, TX
Sponsor Sign Up
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February 5 - 6, 2026
29th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference
Jonesboro, AR
More Information
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USRPA does not discriminate in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, or marital/family status. Persons who require alternative means for communication of information (such as Braille, large print, sign language interpreter or translation) should contact USRPA at 713-974-7423. |
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