Rice Crop Remains Below Last Year

WASHINGTON - Sep 12/07 - SNS -- Rice production in the United States is forecast at 192 million cwt, up 1% from the August forecast but down 1% from last year, according to the USDA crop report.

Based on administrative data, planted area is revised to 2.75 million acres, up slightly from the June estimate but down 3% from last year. Area for harvest is expected to total 2.73 million acres, up slightly from last month but down 3% from 2006.

As of September 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at a record high 7,024 pounds per acre, up 40 pounds per acre from last month and up 156 pounds from last year. If realized, this will surpass the previous record high yield of 6,988 pounds per acre set in 2004. Record high yields are expected in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.

As of September 2, rice harvest was behind normal in Texas and Louisiana at 79 and 75% complete, respectively. In Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, producers are harvesting their crop ahead of the normal pace. In California, harvest was just beginning at 1% complete. Nationwide, the crop was rated in mostly fair to good condition.

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