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USA Rice Federation is the global advocate of all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses.
Thursday, June 26, 2014

USA Rice Participates in LSU Rice Field Day; Reports to LA Rice Promotion  

Board      

 
USA Rice's Bob Cummings

CROWLEY, LA -- More than 400 rice farmers and industry stakeholders gathered here yesterday for the 105th Annual Louisiana State University AgCenter Rice Research Field Day.  Rice research findings and crop production recommendations by AgCenter scientists and Extension personnel were presented in an indoor setting because field tours were cancelled due to rain.

 

USA Rice Federation COO Bob Cummings, on hand to review USA Rice's activities and present a financial report, said, "We are happy that the Louisiana check-off program, which is so vital to rice research and promotion, is back on track."   

 

Cummings also discussed trade constraints and opportunities facing the Louisiana rice industry and outlined efforts by USA Rice to preserve market share in Mexico, increase rice sales to Iraq, and to assist the International Trade Commission in its new investigation of various factors and policies affecting the global competitiveness of the U.S. rice industry.  The positive trade situation with Colombia also has generated over $1.5 million for Louisiana rice research since implementation of the agreement.

 

Following the field day activities, USA Rice staff presented the annual USA Rice Council report to the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, the governor-appointed producer board responsible for allocating funds from the state's rice promotion check-off.

 

 
USA Rice's Jim Guinn (l) explaining export competition.

Jim Guinn, USA Rice vice president of international promotion, reported on USA Rice's work to increase domestic awareness and usage of U.S. rice, including ongoing efforts to position rice favorably in federal food policy initiatives, partnering with retail dietitians to reach consumers, and promoting U.S.-grown rice to foodservice professionals.

 

Guinn also reviewed the top U.S. export markets, focusing on competition in Mexico, Central America, and Haiti, and outlining USA Rice efforts to increase rice sales in each.  He noted recent increases in sales to Iraq following a visit by Grain Board of Iraq officials to U.S. rice country.

 

Contact:  Randy Jemison, (337) 738-7009

Texas Rice Field Day 'Rained In'  

Dr. Joe Outlaw stays dry.
EAGLE LAKE, TX -- Rain in the area moved Tuesday's 40th annual Texas AgriLife Extension Field Day indoors but didn't dampen the resolve of researchers there who discussed their work with rice varieties, seed treatments, and pest management. 

The USA Rice Federation was a sponsor of the event where staffer Lauren Echols and Texas A&M's Dr. Joe Outlaw were featured speakers.  Outlaw talked about Farm Bill implementation and his efforts
to develop and launch educational tools to help farmers and ranchers make enrollment decisions for the Agriculture Risk Coverage program and the Price Loss Coverage program. 

 

Earlier in the day, Echols spoke to the Texas Rice Producers Legislative Group and provided updates on Farm Bill implementation, crop insurance issues, research funds generated by the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the USA Rice/Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership, and the Regional Conservation Partnership program.

 

While in Texas, Echols visited with USA Rice members at the Colorado County Rice Mill in Eagle Lake and Riviana Foods in Freeport.

 

Contact:  Lauren Echols, (703) 236-1440

Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported   

WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 13,300 MT for 2013/2014 were down 85 percent from the previous week and 68 percent from the prior four-week average, according to today's Export Sales Highlights report.  Increases were reported for Colombia (6,500 MT), Canada (2,400 MT), Saudi Arabia (1,500 MT), Jordan (1,200 MT), and Guatemala (500 MT).  Decreases were reported for Costa Rica (200 MT) and the Republic of South Africa (100 MT).

Exports of 32,800 MT were down 20 percent from the previous week and 39 percent from the prior four-week average.  The primary destinations were Japan (13,000 MT), Haiti (8,800 MT), Canada (2,900 MT), Mexico (2,300 MT), and South Korea (2,100 MT).


This summary is based on reports from exporters from the period June 13-19.
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Preliminary):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for June 26


Month
Price
Net Change
July 2014
$14.730
- $0.110
September 2014
$13.460
- $0.215
November 2014
$13.645
 - $0.225
January 2015
$13.800
- $0.235
March 2015
$13.960
- $0.235
May 2015
$13.960
- $0.235
July 2015
$13.960
- $0.235


In the News 

Around Washington

House Passes Bill to Reauthorize CFTC Through 2018 Delta Farm Press

Forty-six Democrats joined with 219 Republicans to pass the legislation. The Senate is yet to introduce companion legislation.

 

NSAC Provides USDA with Farm Bill Related Climate Change Recommendations Agri-Pulse

USDA has launched a climate change initiative, which includes new Regional Climate Hubs and science-based guidelines for cover crop management, among other new tools and programs. 

 

 

Around the Country

AgCenter Develops High Protein Rice, Pretty Pearly Grains The Daily Advertiser

LSU has researchers toiling to find a way to enhance Louisiana rice, which is grown in 31 parishes, to make it more shimmery and appealing to the eye in Mexico.

 

California Water Board to Crack Down on Urban Waste Capital AG Press

Overall water use statewide has declined by 5 percent according to a state survey but water managers say cities have failed to cut their measured water use by 20 percent as called for by Gov. Jerry Brown.

 

Cargill Plans Tactical Approach to Climate Change, Executive Chairman Says  

Wall Street Journal

For agriculture, where hospitable growing conditions and investments in infrastructure have made the U.S. a global leader, the effects of climate change could be severe if businesses don't respond.

 

Old Buildings Stir Imagination Southwest Farm Press

Photo gallery of old barns, abandoned houses and dilapidated tool sheds.

 

Video report says it takes about 39 inches of water to grow rice, so every inch of rain that falls means less water rice farmers have to purchase and less water the Lower Neches Valley Authority has to pump in for irrigation.

 

Weather Doesn't Dampen Interest in 2014 Rice Field Day Rayne Today

Booths from Wildlife and Fisheries, RiceTec, USA Rice Federation, Entergy and many more were on hand, trying to provide their insights and expertise into what they can and have contributed to the rice industry.

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Mission Statement
USA Rice Federation is the global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses.
About Us
Editor: Michael Klein,
(703) 236-1458,
[email protected]

Fax (703) 236-2301

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This report is time-sensitive, based on information available at press time. Content is derived from facts and sources believed to be reliable. Reprinting and/or distribution may be done with permission of the USA Rice Federation

Copyright � 2014. Please direct comments or questions to the editor or contact name listed for each story.