United State Rice production Forecast as latest Crop Production Estimate

United State commodity rice production is forecast at 255 million cwt, up 4% from the August forecast and up 16% from last year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates. . In California, wet field conditions and spring rainstorms delayed planting, and in Texas, high winds and little rain made it difficult to get a good stand. About 32% of the United States acreage was harvested as of August 29, well ahead of last year and the 5-year average at 15 and 17%, respectively. So far, 68% of the United States acreage was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 66% rated a year earlier.

Based on administrative data, planted area now totals 3.64 million acres, up 4% from the June estimate and up 16% from 2009. Area for harvest is expected to total 3.62 million acres, up 4% from August and up 17% from 2009. As of September 1, the average United States yield is forecast at 7,047 pounds per acre, up 8 pounds from the previous forecast but down 38 pounds from last year. As of August 29, 93% of the United States acreage was headed, 5 percentage points ahead of last year but 1 point behind the 5-year average. Crop development was well ahead of normal in all States except California and Texas.

Expected yields are up from last month in all States except California and Arkansas. Expected yield is down 300 pounds from the August forecast in California and is unchanged from last month in Arkansas. If the forecasts are realized, new record-high yields will be achieved in Louisiana and Missouri.