Texas Yields were the best ever at an estimated 6,500 pounds per acre, says Arlen Klosterboer, Extension agronomist, and milling yields were good. Total production in the Lone Star State was down, as growers wary of low prices planted approximately 210,000 acres, down from about 246,000 acres in 1999. Cypress remained the dominant variety with 45 percent of the acreage, although Cocodrie at 34 percent captured a bigger share of the state s acres in 2000. Lemont, Jefferson and Gulfmont accounted for about 15 percent. This past season had ideal growing conditions for rice production, Klosterboer says.
Rice likes clear, sunny days with relatively cool nights.
Disease pressures were down, and we didn t get significant insect damage, although we had some armyworm and chinch bug.