The rice industry prides itself on its commitment to the conservation of natural resources and the institution of practices that provide habitat to wetland dependent wildlife and waterfowl. Working lands programs are good for the environment and for rice farmers. The voluntary-incentive based conservation model used by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has worked well. 

Rice farmers have been able to significantly improve their environmental footprint through practices implemented through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program has provided rice farmers funds to better manage water resources through irrigation efficiency, water quality, and erosion control. For more information on our work through this program click here.

Recent News

  • USDA Outlook Forum Projects Lower Rice Plantings, Higher PLC Payments in 2017

    Feb 24, 2017

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) kicked off their two-day annual Agricultural Outlook Forum here yesterday with highlights from industry experts and keynotes from House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) and Iowa’s Governor, Terry Branstad. Full story
  • What’s Good for Rice is Good for Ducks and It’s All Good to Eat

    Feb 16, 2017

    The annual Ducks Unlimited-USA Rice Congressional Luncheon took place here yesterday, with more than 200 USA Rice Government Affairs Conference attendees and Congressional staff and Members mixing and talking rice and politics. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Feb 09, 2017

    U.S. 2016/17 rice exports are lowered 2 million cwt to 110 million. Long-grain milled exports account for the entire reduction and reflect the sales and shipment pace to date. U.S. ending stocks are raised by an equal amount and are the highest since 1985/86. The 2016/17 all rice season-average farm price range is raised $0.10 per cwt at the midpoint to $10.50. The long-grain, and the Other States medium- and short-grain season-average prices are both increased. Full story