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

  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    May 10, 2017

    U.S. 2017/18 all rice production is forecast at 201 million cwt, down 23.1 million from the previous year, all on a large reduction in long grain acreage as indicated by the NASS Prospective Plantings survey issued March 31. The forecast 2017/18 yields are based on long-term historical trends and are higher for long grain but slightly lower for combined medium- and short-grain. Total 2017/18 rice supplies are forecast to decrease 7 percent from the previous year to 273.1 million cwt, primarily on the reduction in long grain. Full story
  • DP.w-Changes-to-School-Lunch-Program,-Sonny-Perdue-170504 Changes to School Lunch Program Present Opportunity for Rice

    May 04, 2017

    This week, new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue signed a proclamation to give America’s schools more flexibility to make food choices that are both healthful and appealing to students. The rice industry, already a major player in school lunch nutrition programs, can benefit thanks to high nutritional and taste standards. Full story
  • GA.w-2017-Ag-Census-Logo-170418 2017 Ag Census a Chance to Count New Farms and Farmers

    Apr 18, 2017

    Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census of Agriculture is designed to be a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them. Full story