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In This Issue:
- Market Update: Mother Nature and Market Make U.S. Rice Acres Unpredictable
- Washington, D.C. Update
- Strengthening Export Routes: USRPA Board Member Mark Pousson Meets with Lawmakers in D.C.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Research Producer Participation Request
- RMTC 2025: Texas Jasmine Rice Featured at RMTC; Thursday Networking Reception
- Photo from Rice Country
| | Mother Nature and Market Makes U.S. Rice Acres Unpredictable | | Rice markets are increasingly competitive globally, from the Americas to the Near and Far East. All origins are aggressively fighting for export share. U.S. milled white rice remains the most expensive globally at $670/MT, yet this is still 16% below last year’s price. Many Asian origins have seen price drops of over 30%. Newly announced U.S. tariffs on Thai rice are raising concern in Bangkok. At the same time, U.S. producers and marketers see a rare opportunity to grow domestic market share and possibly regain ground long term. | |
Domestically, a large crop is going into the ground, putting downward pressure on new crop price expectations. Yet the full impact of weather-related acreage losses and weak grower economics is still unfolding. As of May 4, the Crop Progress Report shows rice planting across the six major states is 73% complete, ahead of both last week (64%) and the five-year average (64%). Arkansas (77%) and Mississippi (74%) are ahead of average, while California trails at 35%. Emergence is also ahead of schedule nationally at 54%, compared to the 42% five-year average, with Louisiana (90%) and Texas (85%) leading. California has not yet reported emergence, consistent with its later planting window.
On-the-ground prices remain unchanged. Texas is holding at $12.50–$13/cwt, Louisiana at $13, and Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri between $11.75–$12/cwt.
Globally, the April FAO All Rice Price Index edged up 0.8% from March to 104.9, though it remains 22.6% below year-ago levels. The increase was driven solely by modest firming in historically weak Japonica and Fragrant rice markets. Indica prices were mostly flat, while glutinous rice slipped 4.1%.
U.S. weekly Export Sales reached 58,200 MT, up sharply from both the previous week and the 4-week average. Exports totaled 43,100 MT, up week-on-week but 15% below the prior 4-week average.
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Secretary Rollins Testifies before both House and Senate Appropriations:
This past week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins took to Capitol Hill and testified before both the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Generally, Democrats and Republicans alike agreed that the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget request must sufficiently fund the USDA to best support farmers, ranchers, and families in rural America. Members of the Subcommittee emphasized the importance of the USDA releasing the $20 billion in natural disaster relief funding that was appropriated through last December’s continuing resolution.
Republicans commended Secretary Rollins for prioritizing producers and facilitating efforts to eliminate wasteful spending within the Department. Additionally, Republicans discussed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reform, expanding foreign market accessibility, and protecting domestic farmland from foreign ownership. Democrats argued that the FY26 request inappropriately cuts nutrition programs that support schools and foreign countries. Further, Democrats raised concerns about staff reductions, funding freezes at the USDA, and how the Trump Administration’s tariff policy has exacerbated financial hardships in rural America. You can watch the Senate Agriculture Appropriations hearing here and the House Agriculture Appropriations hearing here.
Trump Administration Releases Budget Framework:
Late last Friday, President Trump released the Administration’s budgetary framework, calling on Congress to cut non-defense programs by more than $163 billion while leaving defense programs relatively untouched. This FY26 spending framework furthers the Administration's goal to prioritize government efficiency and cut wasteful spending by making major cuts to many agency funds. In particular, this budget would bring $4.5 billion in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, it proposes $500 million in support of the “Make America Healthy Again Movement”, which plans to operate in place of the current Commodity Supplemental Food Program. While the President does weigh in on budget-related decisions, Congress still holds the “power of the purse.” This means that while the Administration has made their initiatives known, members of Congress still have ultimate decision-making power in any upcoming budget decisions. You can find more details on the President’s simplified budget here.
Thousands of USDA Employees Resign:
Recently, it was reported that at least 15,000 USDA employees have resigned as part of the Trump Administration’s deferred resignation program (DRP). Roughly 800 USDA employees signed up for the program during the first DRP in January, while the recent program push received 11,305 resignations. The program allows employees to quit and be paid through September 2025, which has helped the Administration cut USDA’s workforce down by 15%. Of these resignations, 555 are employees at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, over 1,000 from Farm Service Agency county offices, 4,000 employees from the U.S. Forest Service, 1,300 from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1,255 employees at the Agricultural Research Service, 78 employees from the Economic Research Service, 54 employees from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and 243 employees from the National Agricultural Statistics Service will resign. This is part of a larger initiative by the Trump Administration that aims to eliminate 30,000 jobs within the agency.
| | Strengthening Export Routes: USRPA Board Member Mark Pousson Meets with Lawmakers in D.C. | “Maintaining the navigability of the channel is critical to ensuring ongoing vessel access and expanding export opportunities for SLRF rice,” stated Mark Pousson, USRPA board member and South Louisiana Rail Facility General Manager, following his visit to Washington, D.C. with the Port of Lake Charles delegation. “Advocating for consistent channel maintenance and dredging is essential to supporting the long-term success of our regional economy and agricultural exports. We’re grateful for the time and attention of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who took a moment to meet with us during our visit.” | | Texas Producers: Participate in Texas A&M AgriLife Research Study | | |
With just 18 days to go, excitement is building for RMTC 2025, which is already shaping up to be a major success. Over 225 companies from 35 countries have confirmed their participation, highlighting the event's global reach and industry significance. As anticipation grows, RMTC 2025 promises to deliver unmatched networking, insights, and business opportunities for all sectors of the rice industry.
| RMTC 2025 Proudly Serving Texas Jasmine Rice | |
We're excited to feature Texas-grown Jasmine Rice during Thursday’s lunch at RMTC 2025—generously donated by Hoffpauir Grain DBA HG Rice Mill.
Based in Texas, HG Rice Mill is a family-owned business dedicated to producing and milling high-quality rice while supporting local farmers and preserving agricultural traditions. Their commitment to excellence ensures every grain served represents the best of Texas rice.
Enjoy a delicious taste of Texas and celebrate the farmers behind it!
| | RMTC2025: Thursday Networking Reception | | |
Throwback to #RMTC2013 in Miami! We're grateful to Zaccaria for their continued support and partnership over the years. Be sure to stop by and visit them at #RMTC2025 at Booth #11 — we look forward to seeing you there!
Send us photos or videos on Facebook, Instagram, or via email!
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Food & Agriculture
Regulatory & Policy Roundup
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Deadline: August 15, 2025
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May 28 - 30, 2025
Rice Market & Technology Convention
Miami, Florida
More Information
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June 17, 2025
2025 Victoria County Crop Tour
Victoria, TX
More Information
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June 24, 2025
51st Annual Eagle Lake Field Day
Eagle Lake, TX
More Information
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July 10, 2025
77th Annual Beaumont Field Day
Beaumont, TX
More Information
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August 6, 2025
MU Fisher Delta REEC Ag Expo
Portageville, MO
More details to come
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August 7, 2025
University of Arkansas 2025 Stuttgart Rice Field Day
Stuttgart, AR
More details to come
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August 14, 2025
Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council Annual Field Day
Glennonville, MO
More details to come
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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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