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In This Issue:
- Market Update: Farmers Making Planting Decisions
- Washington, D.C. Update
- Denim & Diamonds Event Shines Bright
- Missouri Rice Council Members Advocate at State Capitol
- Stoesser Scholar in Washington, D.C. by Lance Nicholas
- 2023 Rice Market & Technology Convention
- Photos from Rice Country
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Market Update: Farmers Making Planting Decisions | |
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The conundrum persists: How does the U.S. long-grain industry compete in the export market when prices are still so high? News of Haiti returning and higher-than-normal export sales are encouraging, but very few of those sales are actually to Mexico, and cheaper rice from our competitors is likely to find its way into Haiti. Perhaps the only cure to this problem will be a significant increase in acres, but with the water problems in Texas, it is unlikely to see a rebound significant enough to bring prices back into a balance that will result in competitive pricing. We shall see, but for the time being, the market has learned to function in its current form, and domestic business is strong enough to support prices.
On the ground, the market has remained fairly quiet in most places, namely Mississippi. Barge movements are light with little export business on the books. The story on medium grain is consistent across most states — if seed is available, it’s going to be planted. The expectation is that Arkansas is going to see a resurgence in long grain, but the magnitude of this expected return to “normal” is yet to be decided. In a few more weeks and we will have a much better direction on where the planting will go.
A GAIN report on Argentina this week highlights the persistent drought in South America. With approximately 10% of the harvest complete, it is expected that farmers have been forced to abandon approximately 50,000 acres of rice on account of the drought in Corrientes and Entre Rios. Rainfall in 2022 was only half of the annual average, so producers who planted hoping for rain and surface water were sorely disappointed. This will ultimately result in a shorter exportable supply, with key export markets like the EU, Brazil, and Chile competing for the product. These dry conditions are having a significant impact on early-planted corn in the region as well.
In Asia, we are seeing some price softening in Thailand, likely a result of the second crop supply about to hit the market. Prices have adjusted from approximately $485pmt last week to $470pmt this week. Adjustments in Vietnam were less severe, though a slight reduction is noted from $465pmt last week to $460pmt this week. While China will remain the world’s largest importer in 2023, the Philippines will soundly hold the second spot. They have historically sourced the majority of their 3.7 MMT from Vietnam, but because of reduced acreage this year, exports from Thailand are expected to double this year, reaching as high as 20% of total imports to the Philippines.
Net sales of 59,400 MT for 2022/2023 were down 47% from the previous week, but up 36% from the prior 4-week average. Increases were primarily for Mexico (51,200 MT), Guatemala (5,000 MT), El Salvador, Saudi Arabia (800 MT), and Canada (300 MT). Exports of 61,700 MT were up 82% from the previous week and 56% from the prior 4-week average. The destinations were primarily Mexico (25,100 MT), Honduras (19,200 MT), Guatemala (10,000 MT), Canada (2,800 MT), and El Salvador (2,600 MT).
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House Agriculture Democrats Announce New Members
On Thursday, Rep. David Scott (D-GA), the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, announced Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Darren Soto (D-FL) would be joining the Committee for the upcoming congressional session. He also announced Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) would no longer be serving on the Committee. Del. Plaskett served as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research in the previous congressional session.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Holds a WOTUS Hearing
This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Witnesses, including the president of the Missouri Farm Bureau on behalf of the agricultural sector, explained how the current rule creates uncertainty and increases costs for farmers. They also argued the current rule is an overreach of the federal government.
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Denim & Diamonds Event Shines Bright | |
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Thank you to those who are furthering the rice industry and supporting our farmers. From our generous sponsors and guests to those who placed bids on auction items or purchased raffle tickets, we appreciate you.
The success of the event demonstrated great industry partnerships and strong leadership. Handcrafted quilts, an axis hunt & winery tour, a whiskey and cigar basket, a custom leather belt, and an all-expenses trip to Puerto Vallarta were some of the items up for live and silent auction. Guests mingled at their tables, bar, and dessert station and danced to Dawson Drake Music. The auction items were unique, and the live music was fun, but Denim and Diamonds has a serious purpose.
The true heart of this event was raising funds to support our U.S. rice farmers. The industry has been stronger than ever after many hurdles, storms, and challenges. We will always strive to succeed because hard work and resilience are in farmers' blood.
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USRPA Staff left to right, Marcela Garcia, Mollie Buckler, Iris Figueroa and Grace Wang. | |
Galen Franz recognizes Tommy Turner's hard work and dedication as the "Energizer Bunny" of the U.S. rice industry. | |
Marcela Garcia, President and CEO of USRPA, recognizes the work and long hours of Galen Franz, Meredith Stoesser, and Tommy Turner to help make this event a success. | |
Best emcee in the rice industry, Tommy Turner. | |
Full house! It was a fun night for all who attended and a great opportunity to meet with friends from the rice industry. | |
Dawson Drake Music brought guests to their feet with a great live performance. | |
Missouri Rice Council Members Advocate at State Capitol | Blake Davis, MO Rice Council; Representative Jamie Burger; Mollie Buckler, USRPA; Rance Daniels, MO Rice Council; and David Martin, Missouri Rice Council Chairman. | |
Members of the Missouri Rice Council spent the day in Jefferson City on Wednesday, educating and advocating on behalf of the state's rice industry. In addition to meeting with legislators, the group had the opportunity to visit with MO Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn and our friends at Missouri Farm Bureau.
The beautiful murals in the background of the photo with Representative Jamie Burger were created entirely out of rice by students from Neelyville. The school group also visited the Capitol yesterday and had their artwork displayed in the Capitol Rotunda.
The day ended with Senator Jason Bean's inaugural Taste of the South event, a fantastic event bringing together legislators with the great folks of SEMO and featuring favorite dishes from the bootheel.
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Thanks to Missouri Department Agriculture Director Chris Chinn and the Ag Business Development team for taking the time to visit. | |
Agriculture Tomorrow #1 - Stoesser Scholar in Washington, D.C. | |
Lance Nicholas, 2022 Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship recipient, shares highlights from his visit to Washington, D.C. with USRPA as part of his scholarship prize. | |
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As the recipient of the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship, I had no idea how many doors this would open for me. I thought I was getting money to go to college but little did I know there was a new world at my feet. I am not a rice farmer. I am a rice advocate, and this is mainly due to the numerous amounts of opportunities USRPA has given to me. As an undergraduate at Texas Tech University studying agricultural education, I cannot say I am as surrounded by the rice industry as I was back home in Katy, Texas. The second I walk off campus, I see endless cotton fields and numerous cattle operations. However, I often find myself advocating for the U.S. rice industry whenever I find the opportunity when I am away from home. I do not do this strictly because of the scholarship. I do this because I believe rice is the sole crop essential in every country across the globe. Going to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry has left me with countless feelings of emotion, a new way to network, and very beneficial experiences.
When I found out that I was going to go on this trip, I was scared. I had zero ideas what I was getting myself into. I am just a college student; how could I make a change by talking to these important people? This was something that I had to step out of my comfort zone for. I remember driving to the hotel, passing through all the landmarks, and being overwhelmed by the fact that I was there. As the week progressed, all the emotions of fear started to fade. By the end of the trip, I felt confident in my ability to bring change to the industry. The various USRPA members that attended helped me think I played a valuable role in this trip. Galen Franz, a rice farmer in Victoria, TX, was a great individual I interacted this week. Whether we were having a simple conversation or riding Lime scooters through the city, he made me feel that my voice had value. More importantly, interacting with him made me understand that the only difference between the other members was that I was not a rice farmer. We were all there with the same mission, and knowing this helped me feel confident in my abilities throughout the week. While the beginning of the week was stressful, by the end, all of those bad feelings left and brought in feelings of confidence, happiness, and contentment. I felt good knowing I was helping advocate for rice farmers in America.
During this week, I got to network with some significant people. In addition, I got to understand the value of networking throughout this visit. Overall, I was glad I got to network with Vernie Hubert and Maggie Linden, from Cornerstone that worked with us throughout the week. I remember Tommy Turner, President of the Texas Rice Council, telling me to connect with Mr. Hubert as much as I could this week. In turn, that is precisely what I tried to do. By having beneficial conversations with him and asking him numerous questions, I felt that I was able to build a good relationship with him. Networking has always been important to me, but this trip brought me a new value behind the principle. Even outside the Cornerstone office, I found myself having meaningful conversations with people who worked on capital hill, whether it was legislative assistants or members of Congress themselves. I seek out those opportunities to build a connection with someone new because I never know when I will have the chance to meet these individuals again. Overall, speaking face-to-face with these individuals was a great experience, but it felt more meaningful for me to build a connection with them to network with a greater purpose.
This was by far the best experience I could ever have asked for. I always knew that I wanted to go into teaching agricultural science, but this trip has made me rethink my future career. After talking to Dennis DeLaughter, a retired rice farmer, he made me realize that this is a unique experience most people do not get to have. I got to see American politics in a new light and from an entirely different viewpoint. I got to participate in meetings I never saw myself sitting in. I can take this chapter and put it into action as I begin a professional career. This brought up much reflection for me to understand what I could do. While my desired career is surrounded by agriculture, I could see myself taking what I learned and potentially going into agricultural policy, lobbying, or even working on a congressional or senate staff team. I can’t know what my future holds, but the experiences I got to have through these interactions will have me considering different options.
I owe plenty of thanks to USRPA for this opportunity to advocate on the federal level. They are working towards the future of the U.S. rice industry and agriculture as a whole. By supporting college students, they are empowering them to be a part of some great things. This is only the beginning. To think about how many students they will impact makes me feel comfortable knowing that they are building the industry's future. This trip is something that I will take for granted. It would be foolish not to implement what I learned at the end of my life. USRPA is constantly pouring into today’s youth in the hopes of better-preparing students for a better future in agriculture.
We look forward to Lance sharing more in future editions of The Rice Advocate as part of our new "Agriculture Tomorrow" series!
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Rice Market & Technology Convention | |
It's time to register for the rice industry's premier event! Featuring the strongest and most relevant agenda designed by rice industry members from throughout the world, coupled with an outstanding trade show, it is known as one of the most important and widely attended international events in the Western Hemisphere. Click here to register. | | |
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Food and Ag Regulatory and Policy Roundup | | |
World Agricultural Production | | |
Grain: World Markets and Trade | | |
Argentina: Grain and Feed Update | | |
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Rice Outlook:
February 2023
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Inter-Rice
World Rice Market Report No. 227
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February 28, 2023
Missouri Rice Council Annual Meeting
The Gathering @ Versity Crossing
Dexter, MO
More Information
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May 30 - June 1, 2023
2023 Rice Market & Technology Convention
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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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