The CEO Connection
2026 is already off to an unusual start, with early field activity and a cooperative working full speed to serve members. While dry conditions offer opportunity, ongoing market pressures in rice and soybeans continue to challenge prices. From policy delays to global competition, major issues are shaping the months ahead—and Riceland is actively engaged in advocating for farmers and protecting U.S. markets. Important updates and opportunities to stay informed await in the pages that follow.
2026 is off and running with a flurry of activity on the farm and at your cooperative. Dry conditions have many members working ground, preparing for spring planting season. Obviously, this is highly unusual for this time of year, but this rare opportunity is hard to pass up.
Your cooperative is busy selling, processing, and delivering rice and soy products to our customers. Both commodities have their own set of issues that continue to negatively impact price. For soybeans, Chinese purchases have been positive, but the delay in finalizing the Renewable Fuel Obligation is weighing on soy meal & oil. The U.S. needs greater domestic demand for soy products, and increased RVOs are our best opportunity to support the industry.
For rice, the continued hang over of the 2024 crop, aggressive short positions from speculators in the futures market, and limited demand continue to weigh on the rice market.
Kudos to the Riceland Government Affairs Team and our industry partners for their continued pressure on the Administration and Congress to provide additional assistance for farmers. The plea has been heard, and some help is on the way.
Like the pressure and plea for farmer economic assistance, the same needs to be applied and heard on the major issues negatively impacting demand for U.S. rice. Bad actors around the world are over-subsidizing, removing risk, giving favorable tax incentives to rice farmers and millers, which results in cheap rice flooding world markets, and they are quickly taking our cornerstone market, the domestic market. Currently, over 30 percent of all the rice consumed in the U.S. is imported and represents one of the greatest threats to the U.S. rice industry.
Be assured that your team at Riceland will be working with other industry leaders to sound the alarm and seek action to protect our markets. I look forward to seeing all of you at our winter District Membership Meetings coming in February and March. Come out and get the latest updates on all things Riceland!
Go Big Blue!
Kevin McGilton
President & Chief Executive Officer
Recent Story
News & Views: Government Affairs Update
USDA has announced $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance, including direct payments to producers of key commodities. While the aid won’t fully cover recent losses, it provides timely support as farmers navigate current challenges and await stronger safety net programs later in 2026.