Rice Royalty

BRINKLEY, AR -- Monroe County 17-year-old Madison Coleman was named Miss Arkansas Rice at the state contest last Saturday.  She is the daughter of Shannon Coleman of Brinkley.

The first and second runners up were: Josie Brown of Cross County and Anna Thrash of Faulkner County, respectively.

Contestants were judged on rice promotion, rice cooking skills and knowledge of the industry.  Representatives from six counties participated in the contest -- which has been held for 53 years.   The other contestants were Lizzy Bronson of Arkansas County; Brittany Roedel of Craighead County and Gennie Bariola of Lonoke County.

Contest judges were Katie Jacques, Brinkley Argus; Mary Francis Perkins, Arkansas Women in Ag; and Jennifer Victory, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

The goal of the Miss Arkansas Rice program is to encourage youth interest in rice promotion and to publicize the importance of the Arkansas rice industry to the state's economy.  Prizes for this year's contest were:  Miss Arkansas Rice $1,000; first runner-up $500; and second runner-up $300.  Each contestant that competed in the state contest received $100.  

The Arkansas Rice Council sponsors the annual contest in cooperation with the Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Contact:  Chuck Wilson (870)  673-7541(870)  673-7541 

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. 2014/15 total rice supplies are projected at 282.6 million cwt, up 2.8 million from last month on higher production. USDA's first survey-based forecast of the U.S. 2014/15 rice crop is 228.8 million cwt, up nearly 21 percent from the previous year. Average all rice yield is forecast at 7,560 pounds per acre, up 91 pounds per acre from last month's projection, but down nearly 2 percent from last year's record. Area harvested is unchanged at 3.03 million acres. Long-grain production is forecast at 169.3 million cwt and combined medium- and short-grain production at 59.5 million, up 0.3 million and 2.5 million from a month ago, respectively. The all rice import projection is 21.0 million cwt, down 9 percent from last year.

U.S. 2014/15 total rice use is projected at 243.0 million cwt, 3.0 million above last month, and 12 percent above the previous year. Total domestic and residual use and exports are forecast at 134.0 million cwt and 109.0 million, up 1.0 million and 2.0 million, respectively. Long-grain and combined medium- and short-grain exports are projected at 75.0 million and 34.0 million, respectively. U.S. all rice ending stocks for 2014/15 are projected at 39.6 million cwt, down 0.2 million from last month, but 21 percent above the previous year.  

The 2014/15 U.S. long-grain rice season-average farm price is projected at $12.00 to $13.00 per cwt, unchanged from last month. The 2014/15 combined medium- and short-grain price is projected at $17.50 to $18.50 per cwt, up 50 cents per cwt from a month ago. The 2014/15 all rice price is projected at $13.80 to $14.80 per cwt, up 30 cents per cwt on each end of the range from last month.

The projected decrease in global 2014/15 total supply is greater than the drop in total use resulting in a decrease in world ending stocks. Global production is lowered 2.1 million tons to 477.3 million, still a record, due primarily to forecast reductions for Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, and India, offset partially by an increase in the United States. India's 2014/15 rice crop is lowered 1.0 million tons to 103.0 million, attributed mostly to a slower rate of planting of the kharif rice crop due to the late start of the monsoon and below normal precipitation in some rice growing areas. Global beginning stocks for 2014/15 are lowered 1.4 million tons due mostly to a 1.3-million-ton reduction for Indonesia-where the 2013/14 crop is lowered to 36.0 million tons. World 2014/15 consumption is reduced 0.3 million tons to 482.1 million, still a record. Global trade is lowered 0.3 million tons due mostly to a reduction in exports from India, partially offset by an increase in the United States.
Global 2014/15 ending stocks are projected at 105.4 million tons, down 3.2 million from last month, and a decline of 4.7 million from the previous year.

Around the U.S.

During Drought, Once-Mighty Texas Rice Belt Fades Away - State Impact

The Texas Rice Belt has an interesting history, but needs water if there is to be a future.

Wild rice harvesting season opens Aug. 15; most areas not yet ready - Brainerd Dispatch

Wild rice harvest is governed quite differently - but the link to waterfowl and important habitat is a common denominator.

Trade and Tariff

Labor wary of Trans-Pacific trade agreement - LaCrosse Tribune

The AFL-CIO and other unions give Ambassador Froman a different take on TPP.

Around the World

China's refusal of cross-border rice shipments has little impact on Vietnam: experts - Tuoi Tre News (Vietnam)

China is cracking down on importers avoiding rice duties.

Future appears bright for indoor veggie farms - Japan Times

With success for vegetable "factories" in Japan, they eye rice as a future possibility.

Nation's Grain Imports Grow - China Daily

China has increased the flexibility of its grain imports by purchasing more cereals from the global markets at cheaper prices to ensure sufficient domestic stocks, prevent unexpected supply risks and ensure long-term food security.