Riceland Member,
Today, we have an urgent update on medium grain and a decision that may impact your planting decisions this spring. Demand for southern medium grain is limited to a few industrial users and small export markets. Traditionally, new southern medium grain varieties would only be released for commercial production after being approved by the leading industrial user in the U.S. Unfortunately, RiceTec’s 3202 has not been approved by the major industrial user of southern medium grain, which limits a major outlet for this variety.
Separately, the other large user of southern medium grain can switch their processes between medium grain and long grain depending on which one is more economically priced. Medium grain has traded at a premium for several years and has now reached a point where it is a less viable option. As a result, this industrial user has given Riceland a strong indication that they will discontinue using southern medium grain in their process.
Given these recent industry decisions, your cooperative would have very few options for 3202, and accepting this variety would expose members to significant price risk. To protect the membership, Riceland has made the decision not to accept 3202 beginning August 1, 2026. Current industrial approved varieties are Jupiter, Titan, and CLM04. Riceland does not guarantee these varieties, and we understand members must evaluate what works best agronomically on your farms. But we encourage Riceland medium grain growers to plant these varieties for the reasons stated above.
Medium grain signed up for the seasonal pool in 2026 will require documentation certifying seed purchased, USDA Form 578, and subject to post-harvest genetic testing.