Market Update

Expected 2026 Rice Acres & New Farm Bill on the Table 

With the focus turned to DC and all things political this week, there is a distinct focus on the legislative and policy opportunities before us. US Rice Producers Association was in DC for our annual fly-in this week (more on that in today’s DC Update), and front and center of all conversations on the Hill was the Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to drop their version today, with markup coming later in the month. However, it will be a monumental lift for the Senate to get on board with it right now. For obvious reasons, passing an updated and modernized Farm Bill is of utmost importance to producers, who are facing extreme and unfair competition from governments that are highly subsiding their rice crops, thus distorting global trade.  This isn’t the whole reason that milled and paddy exports are lagging significantly behind last year, down 12% and 49% respectively year over year, but this can certainly take some of the responsibility.

  

This will be the first week that we take a formal stab a predicting acreage for the coming year. We have been using a broad “30% reduction” for Long Grain acres; while that is likely true for Arkansas, some of the other states are looking going to be above and below that number as well. From our surveys, our best guess is that Arkansas will have 825,000 acres of long grain and 150,000 acres of medium grain, for a total of 975,000 acres.  From the boots on the ground we’ve talked to, nobody is expecting acres to crest 1 million.  In Louisiana, the crop is expected to be down about 13%; long grain acres at 375,000, medium grain at 50,000 acres, for a total of 425,000 acres.  Mississippi is expected to be down by a whopping 35% to only 95,000 acres, and Missouri down 18% to 165,000 acres. Texas is also down significantly to only 115,000 acres, about a 20% drop. The only state that is expected to maintain its acreage is California, still north of 500,000 acres, perhaps equal to last year at 525,000 acres.  

As of this date, surveys indicate total expected long-grain production for the 2026 season is 1.555 million acres. Last year, the country had a total of 2.118 million long grain acres, a difference of 563,000 acres, or a 27% reduction. It is staggering to expect more than 560,000 acres to not be planted into rice.  One significant factor to note, however, is that we expect carry-in to remain at record highs, perhaps ending above 37 million cwt. The average carry-in over the last three years is 20 million cwt, or the equivalent of 265,000 acres.  This means that additional 17 million cwt will “add” over 220,000 acres on top the short plant, thus extending the supply and perhaps muting any upwards price movement that could be expected to result from losing more than a quarter of the supply.

We will refine these numbers in the coming weeks, but quantifying the loss to over 560,000 long grain acres is a significant departure from the norm. As we have discussed previously, though, this reduction may help the market clear out old supplies and refine some of its processes to become more efficient and customer-centric in the coming marketing campaigns.  

The weekly USDA Export Sales Report shows net sales of 77,100 MT this week, up noticeably from the previous week and up 61% from the prior 4-week average. Increases primarily for Colombia (27,500 MT) and Mexico (20,900 MT). Exports of 44,200 MT were up 32% from the previous week, but down 19% from the prior 4-week average.  



We will have a thorough summary of the most recent WASDE report next week and its implications on the market. 

Washington, D.C. Update

With FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley

Farm Bill, Trade, and Assistance at Center of USRPA Washington Fly-In

The US Rice Producers Association brought the voice of U.S. rice farmers directly to policymakers this week during a fly-in visit to Washington, D.C., holding a full slate of meetings across the federal government at a pivotal moment for the industry. 

The multi-day trip featured a packed schedule as producers and association leadership met with staff representing all four corners of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, along with officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the White House Office of Public Liaison. The group also met with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Daniel Whitley and numerous congressional offices on Capitol Hill. 

With farm income pressures continuing across rice-producing states, participants emphasized the urgent need for additional economic assistance and effective safety-net programs. Producers outlined how rising input costs, volatile commodity markets, and global competition are placing increasing strain on operations across the Mid-South, Gulf Coast, and California rice regions. 

The timing of the fly-in was particularly significant as Congress continues discussions on a new farm bill. USRPA representatives stressed that the structure of future farm policy will directly determine whether many family rice operations can remain viable. Members of Congress and committee staff received detailed information about production costs, market access challenges, and how current policy tools fall short of protecting rice producers compared to competing countries. 

Trade policy was another central focus. During meetings with USTR officials and USDA FAS leadership, producers discussed ongoing concerns about market access barriers, unfair trade practices, and the need for more aggressive enforcement of trade agreements. The rice industry remains heavily dependent on exports, and maintaining reliable international markets is essential to producer stability. 

Participants also addressed regulatory issues with EPA staff, including the in-progress Section 18 request for Courier to combat rice delphacid. They highlighted the importance of workable pesticide regulations and water management policies that allow farmers to operate efficiently while maintaining their long-standing record of environmental stewardship. The White House Office of Public Liaison meetings provided an opportunity to ensure the administration understands current on-farm realities. Producers shared firsthand accounts of how policy decisions translate into real-world consequences for rural communities, input suppliers, mills, and local economies that depend on rice production. 



USRPA President and CEO Mollie Buckler said direct engagement is more important than ever. 

“Rice producers cannot afford to sit on the sidelines right now,” Buckler said. “We have a farm bill approaching, serious trade challenges, and financial pressures facing farmers across the country. It is critical that the administration and elected officials hear directly from the people growing this crop. These conversations help policymakers understand what is actually happening on the ground and why additional economic assistance and strong trade policy are necessary for the survival of U.S. rice farming.” 

By the end of the week, association representatives had met with dozens of policymakers and staff members, reinforcing that rice is not a niche crop but a major contributor to rural economies, food security, and U.S. export competitiveness. 

The fly-in demonstrates the continuing commitment of producers to advocate for practical policies that sustain U.S. agriculture. As farm bill negotiations advance and trade issues evolve, the association plans to remain actively engaged in Washington to ensure rice producers have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that will shape their future. 

With White House Office of Public Liaison Deputy Associate Director Jason Becker

The group visited with all "four corners" of the House and Senate Ag Committees

House Farm Bill text expected to drop today

On Thursday, February 12, House Agriculture Committee Republican staff hosted a call to brief stakeholders on what to expect for the upcoming release of text and markup for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. On the call, Chairman Thompson’s team affirmed that base text for 2026 Farm Bill will drop on Friday, February 13. The Chairman’s team also confirmed that the Committee has scheduled to markup the farm bill starting the afternoon of Monday, February 23 and will go through Wednesday, February 25, as necessary. Staff stated the bill will look very closely to the farm bill version that passed out of Committee in 2024 (H.R. 8467) minus the agricultural provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). You can find text once it drops on the House Agriculture Committee’s website under the News section here. 

Senate Finance holds hearing over USMCA

On Thursday, February 12, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing titled, “The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Evaluating North American Competitiveness.” Over the course of the hearing Republicans and Democrats agreed on the importance of the USMCA for supporting American jobs, economic growth, and strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico. Republicans focused on enforcing the agreement, improving market access—especially for agriculture and manufacturing—and ensuring the USMCA’s extension to maintain competitiveness against China. Democrats emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of labor and environmental standards, criticized the negative impact of tariffs, and called for reforms to better protect workers. Other topics discussed included supply chain resilience, the impact of tariffs, labor programs, environmental standards, and the need for bipartisan cooperation in trade policy. You can find the witness testimony as well as watch a recording of the hearing here.

Domestic News

Eric Hover addresses the crowd at the 29th Annual Cotton and Rice Conference

USRPA Plays Key Role in Annual Cotton & Rice Conference

Producers and industry members from across the Mid-South gathered in Jonesboro last week for the annual NCS Cotton & Rice Conference, a two-day event built squarely around the needs of farmers. The conference once again delivered a producer-focused program featuring both technical production guidance and timely market analysis aimed at helping growers make better decisions on the farm. 

Attendees participated in sessions covering agronomic practices, input management, and crop protection strategies, along with market outlook discussions addressing price volatility, export demand, and the economic pressures currently facing row crop agriculture. Speakers included university specialists, industry representatives, and market analysts who provided practical, applicable information growers can take directly back to their operations. 

USRPA served as a lead sponsor of the conference and has supported the event for more than two decades. As part of its involvement, USRPA coordinated the keynote address delivered by USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Undersecretary Richard Fordyce, who discussed the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, the upcoming farm bill, and current challenges confronting U.S. agriculture. 

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Rice Farmer of the Year award to Mark Pousson. Although Pousson was unable to attend the event in person, his absence reflected the realities of the industry: the South Louisiana Rail Facility was actively loading a vessel of rice bound for Honduras at the time. His involvement in delivering U.S. rice to international customers illustrates the commitment and stewardship that define the U.S. rice industry. 

The annual gathering continues to provide a valuable opportunity for growers to learn, exchange ideas, and stay informed about both production practices and market conditions shaping the coming crop year. 

Congratulations to USRPA Board Member Mark Pousson, 
Rice Farmer of the Year Award Recipient

USRPA President & CEO Mollie Buckler with USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce

International News

On Wednesday, USDA formally announced the awardees of 2026 Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development funding. USRPA once again received MAP funding to continue its export development programs around the world.

"The Market Access Program is one of the most effective tools we have to open and defend overseas markets for U.S. rice," Iris Figueroa, USRPA Chief Operating Officer and Director of Western Hemisphere Promotions, said. "We're grateful for USDA's continued trust in our organization to deliver results for U.S. rice producers."

RMTC 2026

Gelson R. Schmidt is the Commercial Director of Indumak Máquinas and has over 25 years of experience in industrial conditioning and automation solutions for the food industry, an expert in packaging, baling, boxing, bagging, and palletizing. He was a key figure in Indumak's national and international expansion, establishing a strong presence in the Latin American rice market. A specialist in industrial machinery technologies, he has led modernization and efficiency improvement projects in industrial plants for both multinational and local companies. His work method integrates technical expertise with a strategic market vision.

At RMTC 2026, he will share his perspectives on technological innovation, industrial competitiveness, and global trends in the rice sector for operational cost savings.

Photo from Rice Country

February 19, 2026

Missouri Rice Council Annual Meeting
Gobler, MO

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February 24, 2026

University of Missouri Extension Rice Meeting
Dexter, MO

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May 26 - 28, 2026

Rice Market & Technology Convention

Cartagena, Colombia

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June 6, 2026

LSU AgCenter South Farm Rice Field Day

Crowley, LA

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