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.
Cotton acres slipping as competing crops gain ground.
February 16, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
February 16, 2026 11:30 AM
·
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.
February 16, 2026 11:00 AM
·
Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline for 2025 is March 13
February 13, 2026 04:12 PM
Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
February 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
February 12, 2026 05:11 PM
·
