By Blair Fannin
Southeast Texas rice harvest
Rustom said rice harvest is in full swing across southeast Texas. On the south and west sides of Houston, approximately 70% of the rice is harvested, with several growers reporting excellent regrowth for this year’s ratoon crop.
“On the east side of Houston, approximately 15% of rice is harvested, which is normal considering rice is often planted a little later over there and often not ratooned unless it is for crawfish production,” he said.
Rustom also notes a timely rally in the rice market, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture raising its 2026-2027 season-average farm price to $14.90 per hundredweight in its July outlook.
“For reference, this number was approximately $11.80 per hundredweight in June,” he said. “This is obviously great news for our producers and rice industry, but a little more rallying would make a big difference for the overall industry in Texas, especially regarding planted acres going into 2027.”
Statewide, Rustom said yields are down approximately 5% to 15% compared to 2025.
“Last year, rice delphacid was mostly to blame for our statewide yield reduction; however, this year’s yield reduction can be attributed to increased rainfall and cloudy weather during pollination,” he said. “As with a lot of the other major crops, rainfall during rice pollination increases the likelihood of spikelet sterility and unfilled grain at harvest.”
Source : tamu.edu