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In This Issue:
- Market Update: U.S. Agriculture Under Extreme Pressure
- Washington, D.C. Update
- RMTC 2026: Past Sponsor & Exhibitor Early Access Begins Tuesday
- USDA Webinar: Farm Income & Financial Forecasts
- Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today!
- Photo from Rice Country
| | U.S. Agriculture Under Extreme Pressure | | |
Louisiana and Texas have moved through much of their harvest, both now more than 75% complete as of this writing. Milling yields and field yields in Louisiana are strong, a welcome reprieve from what has otherwise been a steady stream of bad news. Texas, by contrast, is seeing somewhat inconsistent milling results, with harvest moistures declining in the fields due to various types of inclement weather. The bulk of the market will ultimately come from Arkansas, which is still less than 25% harvested and has little to report at this stage. Overall, harvest is well ahead of last year at this time, though we expect conditions to even out as Arkansas begins harvesting in earnest. Currently, 74% of the crop is rated good to excellent, 22% fair, and only 3% poor. This is encouraging, as harvest conditions will be the key factor shaping expectations from here forward.
The market in Asia remains dismal, with no signs of improvement. Political unrest is growing among Thailand’s rural farming community as milled prices have fallen below $360 pmt, leaving farmers under significant strain. Thai exporters continue to grapple with an oversupplied global rice market, and no relief is in sight. Vietnamese prices have proven slightly more resilient, holding steady near $390 pmt, while India remains firm around $380 pmt. The broader six-month trend has been one of convergence toward the lowest-price leader, an unwelcome signal for both Vietnam and India.
In the Western Hemisphere, prices are higher, but competition is just as intense. Markets that have historically been reliable U.S. customers are being actively courted by Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. U.S. long grain continues to be priced above competing origins, while also struggling with inconsistent quality relative to buyer expectations. U.S. paddy at NOLA has been reported as low as $300 pmt, while milled rice is closer to $575 pmt. Old crop rice stocks continue to weigh on farm prices as well.
On the ground, reported cash prices are $12.50/cwt in Texas, while Louisiana is trading at $11.75–$12.00/cwt. Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri are reported at $10.75–$12.00/cwt where available. The most recent stocks report has had a bearish effect on the futures market, with average daily volume steady at 2,610, and open interest down 2.35% to 11,811.
The pain the rice industry is experiencing is not unique — the entire agricultural complex in the United States is under extreme pressure. The general consensus is that without additional federal funding, nearly one in three farms could be up for auction by next spring. The provisions in the new Farm Bill are great, but U.S. ag producers and the allied industries need relief sooner than that. Players like India and China have distorted agricultural flows in recent years, and U.S. food producers are taking a brunt of the hit.
The weekly USDA Export Sales report shows net sales of 16,400 MT this week, primarily to Japan (14,700 MT), down 39% from last week. Exports totaled 34,600 MT, down 45% from the prior week, with shipments primarily to Japan (13,500 MT), Haiti (6,000 MT), Honduras (5,500 MT), Mexico (5,400 MT), and Canada (2,100 MT).
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USDA announces presidential appointments, naming more state directors:
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the latest slate of presidential appointments to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Rural Development. The following individuals were announced as state directors within the two agencies:
- Paul D. Ellington Appointed as State Director, Maryland and Delaware Rural Development
- George Turner Appointed as State Executive Director, Maryland Farm Service Agency
- Jeffrey Holmes Appointed as State Executive Director, New Hampshire Farm Service Agency
- Robert Andrzejczak Appointed as State Executive Director for the New Jersey Farm Service Agency
- Zach Riley Appointed as State Executive Director, New Mexico Farm Service Agency
- Eddie Fields Appointed as State Executive Director, Oklahoma Farm Service Agency
- Zac Swartz Appointed as State Director, Oklahoma Rural Development
- Tootie Smith Appointed as State Director, Oregon Farm Service Agency
- Dan Hunter Appointed as State Executive Director, Texas Farm Service Agency
- James Redfield Appointed as State Director, Texas Rural Development
- Susan Larson Appointed as State Executive Director, Utah Farm Service Agency
- Beth Walker Green Appointed as State Director, Virginia Rural Development
- Keith Richmond Appointed as State Executive Director, West Virginia Farm Service Agency
- Laurie Boner Appointed as State Executive Director, Wyoming Farm Service Agency
As Secretary Rollins said in her announcement, these state directors will play a critical role in advancing the Administration’s agenda ensuring that farmers and ranchers are prioritized. For more information, or the official announcement, please see the following link.
| | RMTC 2026: Past Exhibitor & Sponsor
Early Access Begins Tuesday | | |
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!
| | USDA Webinar: Farm Income & Financial Forecasts | |
Wednesday, September 3 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) releases farm income and balance sheet estimates and forecasts three times a year. These core statistical indicators provide guidance to policymakers, lenders, commodity organizations, farmers, and others interested in the financial status of the farm economy. ERS farm income statistics also inform the computation of agriculture's contribution to the U.S. economy's gross domestic product.
During this webinar, ERS Economist Carrie Litkowski will present the September 2025 update to the farm sector income and wealth forecasts for calendar year 2025.
For details about the last farm income forecast, click here.
| Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today! | | |
The US Rice Producers Association office will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
We know our producers' work doesn't stop for a holiday. Thank you to all of the hardworking men and women in the fields this weekend!
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Harvest began at the Missouri Rice Research Farm this week. This year's rice experiments included a number of variety trials as well as planting date trials.
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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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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