The rice market has not changed any since last week. Rice still in the producers’ possession on this side of Houston is in less than 60,000 cwt. Of that 60% is medium grain and 40% is long grain. The coop has approximately 17,700 cwt. that is not sold out of 200,000 cwt. in storage. We expect the majority if not all of that to be shipped by the end of June.

The local area is in a dire need for rain. The dryland row crops are starting to suffer, especially the corn. The irrigated crops are looking okay. Some of the crops looks are deceiving due to the thin spots are hidden by the height of the plants. There is only a few acres of conventional rice left to be planted. Most of the rice is emerged and progressing as normal for this time of the year. The very early rice is starting to boot. The majority of the acres will be under permanent flood in a next week or so. The rice that I have scouted is in good shape with grass and weeds under control.

Please take time to read this article about the U.S. rice production. Here’s an excerpt:

USA Rice’s World Market Price Subcommittee in Washington, D.C. yesterday to review with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials USDA’s first projections of global rice supply and demand statistics for 2017/2018, including world rice stocks, area and production estimates for the United States, and to review developments in key export markets. Severe flooding in the mid-south, in particular in Arkansas, the top rice producing state in the country, have forced the industry to drastically reduce estimates for the coming year.

Also, check out our latest rice recipe: Ruby Jean’s Chicken Pilaf.

Have a great weekend!