Preliminary Rice Variety Trial Results

Data collection and analyses were completed for the 2013 Mississippi On-Farm Rice Variety Trials on Friday, October 25.  A preliminary report will be posted within the next week.  However, if you are needing information to finalize seed booking for 2014, please email me (twalker@drec.msstate.edu) or call me at 662-822-2291.  I will gladly speak to you about seed options for the upcoming year.

The September FSA certified acre report had Mississippi planting approximately 122,000 acres.  The September yield estimate was 7100 lb/acre.  My guess is the December report will show Mississippi yields up from the initial estimate, but I am not willing to project a record rice yield at this point.  From what I am hearing, rice growers have been very pleased with grain yields, so that is a good sign.  I have fielded multiple calls this week from buyers asking about the crop status and yields.  From all indications, even though yields are good in the Delta, the crop will be short due to such a large reduction in acres the last three years.  Keep your eyes tuned to the rice market as harvest winds down in the northern Delta (including NE Arkansas and the Bootheel of MO).

A rice grower meeting will be held at the Bolivar County Extension Office on Thursday, November 21 at noon.  Rice growers throughout Mississippi are welcome to attend this meeting.  Information will be disseminated regarding production issues in 2013 as well as tools to help in decision making for 2014.  I will post more information in the coming weeks regarding this meeting.