Texas rice producers are moving steadily through the 2026 harvest season, with generally solid yields, relatively low insect pressure and an improving market outlook offering some encouragement for growers.
Harvest is well underway across Southeast Texas, one of the state’s primary rice-producing regions. On the south and west sides of Houston, approximately 70% of the crop has already been harvested, while areas east of Houston are closer to 15% complete because rice is typically planted later there. Some growers are also reporting strong regrowth in fields being prepared for a ratoon crop.
Yields Down From 2025
While harvest conditions have been relatively favorable, statewide rice yields are running approximately 5% to 15% below 2025 levels.
Last year’s yield losses were heavily influenced by rice delphacid infestations. This season, increased rainfall and cloudy conditions during pollination are considered bigger factors. Excessive rainfall during pollination can increase the likelihood of spikelet sterility, resulting in unfilled grain at harvest.
The rice market has also shown some improvement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its 2026-27 season-average farm price for rice to $14.90 per hundredweight in its July outlook, up from approximately $11.80 per hundredweight in June. The increase provides some welcome relief for producers as the industry looks toward planting decisions for 2027.
Rice Delphacid Pressure Remains Low
One of the more encouraging developments this season has been relatively low rice delphacid pressure across the Texas Rice Belt.
The pest was a major concern following the 2025 crop season, but widespread economically damaging infestations have not been reported this year. Field scouting and research monitoring have detected some localized activity, however, making continued monitoring especially important as ratoon rice begins to develop.
Texas rice producers also have access this year to a Section 18 Emergency Use Exemption for Courier as an additional management option.
Researchers Continue Monitoring Fields
Texas A&M AgriLife researchers are continuing to monitor rice fields throughout the growing region to better understand pest activity as harvest progresses.
Localized increases in rice delphacid populations have been observed in a research field in Wharton County, while low numbers were detected in Liberty County and only a few insects were observed at Beaumont. No rice delphacids were detected in monitored fields in Chambers or Waller counties.
Researchers have also observed rice delphacids gathering along the margins of harvested fields in Wharton County. The activity suggests vegetation surrounding harvested fields could provide temporary refuge for the insects until ratoon rice begins to regrow, although additional observations are needed.
Harvest Continues Across the Region
Rice harvest is also progressing in other parts of Texas. In the Coastal Bend, mostly good rice yields have been reported as dry weather allows harvest to move quickly. In Southwest Texas, rice harvest continues alongside corn and grain sorghum, although uneven early-season stands could affect final rice quality.
For now, the combination of manageable pest pressure, steady harvest progress and stronger rice prices provides some positive news for Texas producers. Attention will increasingly turn toward the ratoon crop, where continued field scouting will be important as growers work to finish the 2026 season.
