Believed to be originated in Southeast Asia from the Graminaceae (grass) family thus, speaks to why most of the rice producers are from Asia. Although cultivated around the world, rice growth requirements require average sunlight exposure, cooler nights, plenty of water, and plain land for the water drainage system.
Rice types in the US come in three forms; long, medium, and short. Typically cooked dry and separated. Arkansas is known for long-grain rice production. While California is the main producer of medium-grain rice, it also grows short-grain rice exclusively.
US rice is cultivated in irrigated fields which proves to be effective as they achieve the highest yield in the world.