BATON ROUGE, La. (RFD News) — The U.S. rice crop is expected to be smaller this year as fewer acres go into production across major growing regions.
Louisiana State University economist Dr. Michael Deliberto tells us the industry is looking at fewer acres in the six-figure range.
“We’re probably going to harvest about 500,000 fewer rice acres, which would signal production 200 plus million hundred weight down to about 175 million hundred weight,” Deliberto says. “Producers in Arkansas faced poor returns in recent years. They got what a lot of people would consider maybe a gloomy outlook for rice. And keep in mind, the story for the rice market — really for the past two or three years — was excessive carryout. There was a lot of rice on the market that had to find a home.”
Deliberto says tighter production could boost demand for the new crop and potentially support stronger prices for rice producers.
Shifts in energy demand will influence fuel, fertilizer, and input costs.
April 21, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Roger McEowen breaks down the EPA’s updated dicamba regulations and shares what farmers need to do to remain compliant under the new rules this growing season.
April 20, 2026 05:01 PM
·
The fourth-generation owner of Georgia’s Arena Acres cultivated a love for floral arts in FFA on a family farm passed down through generations.
April 20, 2026 04:55 PM
·
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
April 20, 2026 04:32 PM
·
Louisiana farmers say high water levels routinely threaten crops, highlighting the need for critical infrastructure and sustainability efforts in the Bayou.
April 20, 2026 03:37 PM
·
Dixondale Farms produces around 900 million onion transplants each year, shipping them directly to customers and distributors across the country.
April 20, 2026 03:02 PM
·
