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.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
February 12, 2026 04:26 PM
·
Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
February 12, 2026 03:29 PM
·
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
February 12, 2026 10:46 AM
·
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
February 12, 2026 10:00 AM
·
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
February 11, 2026 01:51 PM
·
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
February 11, 2026 01:32 PM
·
