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In This Issue:
- Market Update: Old Crop Rice Supplies Hang Over the Market
- Washington, D.C. Update
- USRPA Staffing Updates: Buckler & Figueroa Assume New Leadership Roles, USRPA Welcomes New Producer Relations Coordinator
- Announcing the Fifth Annual Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship
- Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today!
- Photo from Rice Country
| | Old Crop Rice Supplies Hang Over the Market | | |
Harvest is officially underway in all rice-producing states. California, always the latest, now has combines in the field for both specialty short-grain varieties as well as early-maturing commercial Calrose. No field yields are available yet, but reports are expected to trickle in over the coming weeks. As for long grain, the industry is operating at full tilt, with Arkansas crossing the 30% completion threshold. Louisiana and Texas are nearing the end of their harvests, while Missouri is about 10% complete. Mississippi is approaching 50%. The encouraging news is that there are no significant issues being reported from producers in the field or from early milling results. Overall, conditions appear better than average, and certainly better than last year. There is serious concern for the presence of plant hoppers along the gulf coast and reports farther north in the delta.
The real concern lies in the sheer volume of low-quality old-crop rice hanging over the market. Mills and warehouses, already expected to be at maximum capacity during harvest, face the added burden of old-crop paddy deliveries that many believe will not meet grade for packaged products or be deliverable against futures contracts. There is no silver bullet or easy fix to this issue, and focusing solely on harvest will not make it disappear. It will be resolved, but not without shared pain along the supply chain where the demand outlook is weak.
Due to the lingering effects of the old crop overhang and the ongoing bear market, securing cash purchases has become very challenging as new crop supplies enter the market. The only meaningful activity appears to be in Texas, with bids at $12.50/cwt, though reports suggest prices may be weakening from that level. Elsewhere, prices are largely indicative given minimal activity. Louisiana is reported at $11.75–$12/cwt, while Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are all quoted at $10.75–$12/cwt.
The Food and Agriculture Organization’s most recent report paints a bleak picture for global rice prices. The FAO All Rice Price Index (FARPI) averaged 101.4 points in August 2025, reflecting a 2% decline from July and a 24.3% drop compared with a year earlier. The decrease was driven primarily by a 2.7% fall in the Indica Index, which slipped to a 44-month low. The Glutinous and Japonica Indices also weakened, down 0.5% and 4.9%, respectively, reflecting reduced demand for glutinous rice in Vietnam and increased summer–autumn Japonica arrivals. In contrast, the Aromatic Index edged up 1.1%, supported by rising Indian basmati prices due to tightening supplies and renewed sales prospects to Iran following the lifting of seasonal import restrictions there.
Competition remains extremely intense in Asian markets, where Vietnam continues to struggle with a discount of more than $10 pmt compared to Thailand and India. The positive takeaway is that Thai and Indian prices have not dropped to match Vietnam’s levels, though recent trends suggest this may be the direction ahead. $370 pmt now appears to be the new settling point, down from $385 only a few weeks ago, which itself was down from $400 pmt earlier.
The weekly USDA Export Sales Report shows a sharp increase in net sales of 109,600 MT this week, primarily destined for Canada (63,100 MT), unknown destinations (18,000 MT), Mexico (11,800 MT), Honduras (10,500 MT), and Jordan (4,000 MT). Exports of 34,000 MT were primarily to Mexico (28,900 MT), Canada (2,300 MT), Japan (1,700 MT), Saudi Arabia (400 MT), and Poland (200 MT).
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USDA Extends Public Comment Period for Reorganization to September 30:
On Monday, September 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the public comment period for its planned large-scale Department reorganization, which was originally announced on July 24. The deadline for public comment was moved to September 30, 2025, from the original deadline of August 26, 2025. While this announcement was quietly made through an update to the USDA website, agency spokespersons have noted that the extension is to ensure that everyone interested in providing feedback is able to do so. This extension follows significant pressure from lawmakers to extend the comment period to at least 60 days for ample stakeholder engagement. Interested parties can submit and email public comments to reorganization@usda.gov.
Court Appeals the Trump Administration's Tariff Authority:
On Friday, August 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District ruled that the Trump Administration exceeded its authority while imposing sweeping tariffs across numerous international trading partners, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While the decision upheld a previous ruling by the Court of International Trade (CIT) against the Administration’s tariffs, it rejected the CIT’s decision to immediately retract already in place tariffs. This will give the Administration the opportunity to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision. The decision was based on findings that IEEPA does not specifically grant the president the ability to levy tariffs, as taxation authority lies with the “power of the purse” under Congress. While the White House has commented in defense of its tariffs and the Administration’s broader trade initiatives, there has been no specific action against this decision taken thus far.
H-2A Wage Rate Reforms Struck Down by Court:
In a final ruling issued last week, on August 28, a federal court in Louisiana struck down the Department of Labor’s 2023 rule on H-2A wage rate calculations. The rule, which was implemented under the Biden Administration, required the use of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Occupational Employee and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, established higher wage rates for jobs on the farm, such as driving a truck or fixing a fence. In the wake of this decision, the Farm Labor Survey will no longer be factored into the OEWS wages when determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). In this regulatory filing post, the Department of Labor alluded that they hope to introduce a modified methodology for AEWR calculations sometime in early next year.
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USRPA Staffing Updates:
Buckler & Figueroa Assume New Leadership Roles; USRPA Welcomes Producer Relations Coordinator
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This week, Mollie Buckler assumed the role of US Rice Producers Association's President and CEO. Buckler joined the USRPA team in 2021 and has served as the organization's Chief Operating Officer for nearly three years. Outgoing President and CEO Marcela Garcia will remain an advisor to USRPA.
A Sikeston, Missouri native, Buckler earned a B.A. in Classical Studies and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri. After a decade working in higher education fundraising and alumni relations, Buckler returned home to the Missouri Bootheel in 2021 to join the US Rice Producers Association. Bringing a background in communications, relationship building, and legislative affairs, she quickly found a calling in agriculture. With deep roots in rice country and rice producers on both sides of her family, Buckler is dedicated to advocating for farmers and strengthening the future of the rice industry.
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Mollie Buckler
USRPA President & CEO
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Iris Figueroa
USRPA Chief Operating Officer
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Stepping into the Chief Operating Officer role is Iris Figueroa, B.A. in Marketing, M.B.A., who will continue to lead the Association's Western Hemisphere activities, including the Rice Market & Technology Convention. Since joining USRPA in 2022, Figueroa has actively fostered and developed relationships with rice organizations and related businesses by traveling to various countries to engage with the rice industry, promote U.S. rice, and create marketing campaigns aimed at boosting rice consumption.
Originally from Puerto Rico and currently residing in Texas, Figueroa shares that working in agriculture has been one of the best decisions of her career, "especially because of the people I get to work with and the farmers I have the privilege to support while doing what I love," she said. "I give special thanks to Marcela Garcia for her support and mentorship in helping me become who I am today."
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USRPA also welcomed its new Producer Relations Coordinator this week, Gayla Rose. Rose is currently a senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development. Originally from Liberty, Texas, she was named a USRPA Stoesser Scholar in 2023, recognizing her commitment to the future of agriculture. Rose brings valuable experience from her background working with agricultural cooperatives and the USDA Farm Service Agency, where she developed a strong foundation in producer services and agricultural policy. With a passion for supporting farmers and rural communities, she is excited to contribute to the mission of the US Rice Producers Association and further engage with rice producers across the country.
"I'm thrilled to continue working with our amazing team and bring Gayla into the fold," Buckler said. "USRPA is well-equipped with a talented staff and trusted advisors. I hope our producers feel confident that they have a strong team advocating for them day in and day out."
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Gayla Rose
USRPA Producer Relations Coordinator
| | Announcing the Fifth Annual Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship | | As we kick off National Rice Month, we are pleased to launch the application process for the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship. In collaboration with the US Rice Producers Association, the Stoesser family is thrilled to offer a $5,000 scholarship for the fifth consecutive year. This scholarship aims to assist a deserving high school senior or current college student with a passion for, or pursuing a career in, an agriculture-related field. The application deadline is Friday, December 5. For more information and to apply, click on the link below. | | Support Texas Rice Farmers:
Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today! | | |
Through our promotional programs, we have achieved incredible attendance and engagement across the Western Hemisphere, reflecting the strong interest in U.S. rice and the value these initiatives bring to the industry. These efforts not only showcase the quality and versatility of U.S. rice but also strengthen long-term partnerships with consumers, businesses, and organizations.
The continued trust we have earned, and continue to build, demonstrates the impact of our programs and the confidence stakeholders place in USRPA to represent and promote U.S. rice around the world. “Creating these programs is one of the most important parts of our work,” said Figueroa. “We are extremely proud of the innovative ways we are promoting U.S. rice and the lasting connections we are building across international markets.”
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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 21, 2026
Western Rice Belt Conference
More details to come
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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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