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In This Issue:
- Market Update: Size of 2026 Rice Crop Should Impact Market
- Washington, D.C. Update: House Ag Committee to Mark Up 2026 Farm Bill Next Week
- Packed House for MO Rice Council Annual Meeting
- RMTC Confirmed Speaker: Mark Pousson
- RMTC Exhibitor Highlights: AMD & Comil
- Photo from Rice Country
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| Size of 2026 Rice Crop Should Impact Market | | |
Last week we had a thorough discussion on expected long grain acreage reduction in the coming year. We had plenty of feedback, some positing the decrease will be a minimum of 30%, while others projecting a maximum of 20% long grain reduction, particularly in long grain. Whichever the case may be, it can be decided that at least one-fifth of the crop will not get planted next year, and this should be viewed as an opportunity to hone in on quality varieties that produce strong milling yields and help liquidate old crop carryover that will significantly absorb any reduction. A few farmers in south Louisiana will be putting seed in the ground early next week assuming weather permits.
From a global perspective from the WASDE, global rice production is slightly higher from last month, primarily due to an increase for Cambodia. Global trade is virtually unchanged with increases to Burma, China, and Tanzania exports nearly offsetting a reduction for Thailand and the United States. Global consumption is down on a reduction to Burma, more than offsetting increases for China, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and Cote d’Ivoire. Global stocks are forecast higher due to Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia.
Since the January WASDE, global export quotes decreased aside from Thailand. U.S. quotes dropped $2 to $550/ton on continued weak sales to Latin America. Uruguayan quotes declined $13 to $453/ton as customers wait for the harvest of the new crop. Indian quotes are down $3 to $351/ton. Vietnamese quotes decreased $1 to $359/ton despite sales to the Philippines resuming following the expiration of the temporary rice import ban. Pakistani quotes dropped $4 to $366/ton, reflecting reduced demand from core Middle East markets. Thai quotes were up $4 to $400/ton, on currency appreciation, and are the highest among major Asian exporters.
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The Mercosur harvest is gaining ground though too early to indicate any production numbers although an 8% planting reduction from 2025 seems to be the situation. Brazil’s carryover stocks continue to trickle into the marketplace though not at a pace previously expected, especially into the export market.
Paddy exports remain a significant concern, where U.S. paddy exports are off nearly 50% from last year. Cumulative rice exports, both in the milled and paddy forms, are off from last year and the five-year average. This comes as no surprise, with the only bullish factor at the moment coming in the form of reduced supplies next year. We would caution any producer who is considering swapping to medium grain acres, as California is receiving plenty of snowpack right now and is expecting a medium grain crop at least as large as last year (525,000 acres), if not larger.
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House Ag Committee to mark up 2026 Farm Bill next week
Last Friday, the House Committee on Agriculture released bill text for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. With a little over a week to review text, the Full Committee is scheduled to convene and begin to markup the 2026 Farm Bill this upcoming Monday, February 23, and go through Wednesday, February 25. Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) stated in the initial announcement releasing text that, “a new farm bill is long overdue, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step forward in providing certainty to our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.” A few notable changes in the 2026 version of the ‘skinny’ farm bill include codifying the transfer of the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), language to address and overturn California’s Proposition 12, and updates regarding current pesticide labeling standards. In response to the majority’s announcement, Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) stated that, “the Republican farm bill fails to meet the moment facing farmers and working people.” You can find the following resources for the 2026 Farm Bill below:
You can watch live or recorded coverage of the markup on the House Agriculture Committee’s website once the markup begins here.
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Trump announces EO deeming glyphosate production as a national security priority
On Wednesday, February 18, the White House issued an executive order (EO) relaying that the production of elemental phosphorus is crucial to military readiness and overall national security. This follows a similar chain of executive actions from November 2025 when the Department of the Interior designated phosphate as a critical mineral. Phosphorus is a key ingredient in the widely used herbicide glyphosate and is an effective and efficient tool available for producers. The EO directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support increased production of phosphorus and authorizes the Department to “allocate materials, services, and facilities deemed necessary” to ensure adequate supply. You can find more information and view the EO in its entirety here.
USDA announces specialty crop assistance eligibility through the FBA Program
Late last Friday, February 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced commodity eligibility for the $1 billion set aside for specialty crops and sugar under the Farmer Bridger Assistance (FBA) Program to be issued through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. These one-time payments for specialty crops and sugar are aimed at addressing poor market conditions such as inflation, increased input costs, market losses, etc. The commodity-specific payment rates will be released before the end of March. Eligible producers have until March 13, 2026, to submit records pertaining to 2025 acreage reports to the Farm Service Agency for inclusion. More information, including eligible commodities, can be found here.
Additionally, producers eligible under the initial wave of FBA are encouraged to prepare for program access by creating a Login.gov account here. You can find more general information about the FBA program here.
| | President and CEO Mollie Buckler addresses the crowd at the Missouri Rice Council Annual Meeting | |
Packed House for MO Rice Council Annual Meeting
The Missouri rice industry came together yesterday evening for the Missouri Rice Council's annual meeting at Elk Chute Lodge in Gobler. The program included research updates from University of Missouri Extension, a state legislative update, and remarks from USRPA President and CEO Mollie Buckler. The evening's keynote speaker was Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. The meeting served as a strong reminder of the value of Missouri Rice’s partnerships and the shared commitment to advancing production and promotion in the year ahead.
| | RMTC Speaker: Mark Pousson | |
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Welcome, Mark Pousson, as a speaker at RMTC 2026! We’re pleased to have Mark join us to discuss "New U.S. Rice Export Opportunities for the Western Hemisphere: Port of Lake Charles"
The Port of Lake Charles offers a new export option for buyers in the Western Hemisphere, featuring the first new crop rice out of the U.S. with consistent high milling yields. Product is available as milled or rough and can be shipped by vessel or barge, providing flexible logistics. The port offers a cost-competitive alternative compared to other Gulf ports, helping reduce delivered costs. Loading operations are currently handled through temporary facilities while permanent storage and elevation infrastructure are being developed, allowing shipments to move immediately while long-term capacity is built.
| | RMTC Exhibitor: AMD Color Sorter | |
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Missouri Department of Agriculture Chris Chinn presents at the Missouri Rice Council Annual Meeting.
As always, you can send us your rice country photos by email, or via Facebook or Instagram!
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FAO Rice Price
Update
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Food & Agriculture
Regulatory & Policy Roundup
| | | | | | Grain: World Markets and Trade | | | | | | Inter-Rice World Rice Market Report | | |
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February 24, 2026
University of Missouri Extension Rice Meeting
Dexter, MO
More Information
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May 26 - 28, 2026
Rice Market & Technology Convention
Cartagena, Colombia
More Information
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June 6, 2026
LSU AgCenter South Farm Rice Field Day
Crowley, LA
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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