Rice farmers make long-term decisions based on many factors, some including uncertain market conditions and adverse weather.  As a tool for making effective and lasting choices with these factors in mind, farmers use risk management provisions provided through the Farm Bill, such as commodity support programs and crop insurance. 

The current Farm Bill provides a modest safety-net for farmers who must contend with depressed prices, increased costs of production, thin margins, and revenue losses due to natural disasters.

Recent News

  • Louisiana Department of Ag Logo Flood Assistance Available for Louisiana Rice Producers

    Jul 17, 2017

    Following flooding, some 2017 replanting expenses will be covered for rice farmers in some parishes in Louisiana. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Jul 12, 2017

    U.S. 2017/18 all rice supplies are lowered 9.5 million cwt to 261.6 million on a production decrease, which is partially offset by slightly higher imports. Long grain production is lowered 5.6 million cwt and combined medium/short grain production is lowered 4.1 million cwt. The production decrease stems from a 123,000 acre reduction in harvested area, reflecting the floods that occurred in Northeast Arkansas and the bootheel of Missouri as well as excessive moisture in California at planting time. Full story
  • Aerial-view-of-2017 AR-flood 2017 Rice Area Numbers Down Almost 20 Percent from 2016, Harvested Area in Arkansas Takes a Hit

    Jun 30, 2017

    In the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first survey-based estimate of grain acreage for the 2017 crop, all rice planted acres is set at 2.56 million, 19 percent less than the 2016 figure, and two percent less than reported in the March Prospective Plantings. Full story