Rice Crop Expands in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Sep 11/09 - SNS -- U.S. rice production is forecast at 219 million cwt, up 4% from the August forecast and up 7% from last year, according to the USDA.

Based on administrative data, planted area is revised to 3.13 million acres, up 4% from the June estimate and up 4% from 2008. Area for harvest is expected to total 3.10 million acres, up 3% from August and up 4% from 2008.

As of September 1, the U.S. yield is forecast at 7,051 pounds per acre, up 12 pounds from the previous month's forecast and 205 pounds above the 2008 average yield of 6,846 pounds per acre. If realized, this will be the second highest U.S. yield on record. Forecasted yields in September for both California and Texas are up from August, while Mississippi showed a decline. Yields were unchanged from the previous forecast in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

As of August 30, 90% of the U.S. acreage was headed, 3 percentage points behind last year and 6 percentage points behind the 5-year average. Crop development was behind normal in Arkansas and Missouri due to delayed spring plantings as a result of wet field conditions. Around 16% of the U.S. acreage was harvested as of August 30, compared with 13% at the same time last year and 19% for the 5-year average. About 66% of the acreage was rated in good to excellent condition as of August 30.

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