BRUCE LINQUIST
DAVIS, CALIFORNIA
In California, 533,000 acres of rice were planted in 2025, which is the highest amount since 2016.Some of this increase in acreage was seen in San Joaquin County, which planted 15,000 acres in 2025. There has been a steady increase in acreage in this county since 2017 when only 3000 acres were planted.
A dry spring led to an early start to planting. By May 1, about 25% of the acreage had been planted. However, through early and mid-May, the planting progression slowed and the 50% plant date (May 16) was a couple days later than average date of May 13. There was also a lot of late planted rice with a good amount of acreage being planted in late May and early June. The summer of 2025 was mild; however, the grain fill and drying period (late September through mid-November) received more rainfall than normal and in between the rainfall events, the temperatures were warmer than normal. I think these fluctuating warm and wet conditions led to poorer-than-normal grain quality and in some cases, a very late harvest (harvesting into first week of December). Early harvested fields had generally high yields; however, as the harvest season progressed, yields tended to drop. Statewide average yields are not available yet, but I am guessing it will be around 86 cwt per acre – a little higher than 2025 (85.3 cwt per acre).
With the wet harvest conditions and later harvest, there was a lot more rutting than usual. Furthermore, field conditions and weather prevented a lot of post-harvest operations (i.e. chopping, tillage, etc). To manage the remaining straw and minimize ruts, stompers will likely be in high demand this winter.
In terms of pests, weeds – while always a major issue – were normal. Walter’s barnyardgrass is a continuing problem, and research has shown that this weed has resistance to many existing grass herbicides. Also, winged primrose willow (Ludwigia decurrens), which has only been found in Butte County to date, was detected in Placer County. For diseases, the incidence of bakanae has been on the rise, and 2025 was no exception. Other diseases were normal. Tadpole shrimp is showing some evidence of resistance to pyrethroids. Armyworms, while worse than normal, were not bad.
M-211 is a popular variety due to its high yields; however, grain quality is poor. Due to poor milling quality stability, a number of rice driers limited the amount of M-211 that were accepted. M-211 is being phased out, and 2026 will be the last year for foundation seed sales. ∆
BRUCE LINQUIST
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS