USDA Lifts Rice Forecast

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/07 - SNS -- U.S. rice production is forecast at 197 million cwt (100 pound units), up 3% from the September forecast and up 2% from last year, judging from the latest USDA crop estimates.

Area for harvest is expected to total 2.73 million acres, unchanged from last month but down 3% from last year. As of October 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at 7,215 pounds per acre, up 191 pounds per acre from last month and up 347 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 Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In Missouri, the expected yield would equal the record high set in 2004.

By the end of September, rice harvest in Louisiana and Texas was virtually complete at 96 and 99%, respectively. California, Mississippi, and Missouri were ahead of their respective 5-year averages at month's end. In Arkansas, harvest was at 75% complete as of September 30, slightly behind the 5-year average.

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