The number of acres actually planted to rice this season dropped to 2.562 million acres from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March planting intentions estimate of 2.626 million acres. If the acreage holds, it would be a 19 percent decrease from 2016 planted acres.
In its planted acres report released June 30, the USDA forecast a 2017 harvest of 2.482 million acres, down 20 percent from the 3.097 million acres harvested in 2016.
The USDA blamed higher prices for competing commodities for most of the decrease in planted rice acres. Broken down by types, long-grain acreage decreased 27 percent from 2016, with declines estimated in all states but California.
Arkansas, the largest long-grain producer in the United States, saw an estimated 28 percent decrease in estimated planted acreage from 2016.
Medium-grain acreage decreased 4 percent and short-grain acreage, 5 percent.
California, the largest medium- and short-grain-producing state, saw medium-grain acreage decreases of 8 percent, according to the report.
As of June 11, 68 percent of the crop was rated as good to excellent, identical to the same time in 2016.
The USDA’s March planting intentions estimate is based on telephone surveys that ask growers what they plan to plant. The June report is based on actual planted acres, but the USDA said it could revise planted rice acres in its September crop report.
| U.S. Rice Acres | ||||
| 2016 planted | 2017 planted | 2016 harvested | 2017 harvested (est.) | |
| Arkansas | 1,546,000 | 1,171,000 | 1,521,000 | 1,111,000 |
| California | 541,000 | 499,000 | 536,000 | 495,000 |
| Louisiana | 437,000 | 400,000 | 428,000 | 394,000 |
| Mississippi | 195,000 | 120,000 | 194,000 | 118,000 |
| Missouri | 236,000 | 187,000 | 231,000 | 183,000 |
| Texas | 195,000 | 185,000 | 187,000 | 181,000 |
| Total | 3,150,000 | 2,562,000 | 3,097,000 | 2,482,000 |
(Information courtesy USDA)