Supporting Farmers in a Year of Uncertainty

<p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>HORIZON AG NEWS</strong></p>

<h1>Horizon Ag: Supporting Farmers in a Year of Uncertainty</h1>

<p>For rice farmers, every season brings new challenges. Weather shifts, rising input costs, and global trade

      pressures make planning harder and margins tighter. As growers prepare for the 2026 season, resilience will once

      again be tested in fields across the Mid-South.

      Horizon Ag has announced it will maintain flat pricing on all varieties for 2026 and reduce the price on three

      proven performers — CLL19, PVL03, and PVL04. The decision is designed to give farmers stability at a time when

      “We recognize that farmers are facing significant uncertainty going into 2026,” said Dr. Tim Walker, CEO of

      Horizon Ag. “Maintaining prices across our portfolio — and even reducing prices on some key varieties — is one way

      we can help ease the burden and reaffirm that Horizon is a partner farmers can count on.”

      Fertilizer costs remain volatile after years of global supply disruptions. Crop protection prices annually trend

      upward. Weather variability, particularly extreme rainfall and late-season heat stress, continues to test growers’

      ability to maximize yield. At the same time, international competition is pressuring U.S. rice prices, creating an

<p>Farmers will also have access to financing options from other partners. BASF, for example, has announced a 2026

      Grower Finance Program that offers 0% APR financing through March 15, 2026, on qualifying seed and crop protection

      purchases, including Clearfield<sup style="font-size: 40%;">®</sup> rice. and Provisia<sup

style="font-size: 40%;">®</sup> rice. Programs like this provide additional flexibility for managing input

<p>Horizon Ag emphasizes that its approach is about more than the price of seed. The company continues to

      collaborate with university researchers, consultants, and farmers to evaluate variety performance, share agronomic

      insights, and develop new tools that address challenges from weed resistance to export demands.

      As 2026 approaches, Horizon Ag’s message is simple: the company is committed to standing with farmers through

      uncertain times. Flat prices, targeted reductions and a focus on long-term partnership reflect Horizon Ag’s role

      as a dependable ally to rice farmers.

<img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width"

src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_5177a3419b4880a12c8c09c43605cb1cbe0375c5343110e23b45931332f2b8af/images/timwalker.jpg"

style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 140px !important; height: auto !important; margin-bottom:10px !important;"

<h5>Tim Walker<br>CEO<br><a href="twalker@horizonseed.com">twalker@horizonseed.com</a></h5>

As growers prepare for the 2026 season, resilience will once again be tested in fields across the Mid-South.

Celebrating the 2025 Rice Awards Honorees

Horizon Ag and USA Rice proudly recognize the 2025 Rice Awards winners — leaders whose dedication, innovation and service continue to strengthen Rice Country.

Let’s Connect at the USA Rice Outlook Conference

We hope you’ll join us next month at the USA Rice Outlook Conference, December 7-9, in New Orleans.

PVL05 and PVL06: The Next Generation of Provisia® Rice 

Heading into 2026, Horizon Ag continues to strengthen its lineup with new, high-performing rice varieties built for yield, stability, and superior grain quality.

Upper Delta Growers Battling Through Adversity

        text-decoration: none !important;

        <p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>HORIZON AG NEWS</strong></p>

        <h1>Upper Delta Growers Battling Through Adversity</h1>

        <p>As harvest season winds down, it’s clear that 2025 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years for rice growers in southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. From an optimistic start in March to a roller coaster of weather events, the season has tested grower’s resilience, adaptability, and determination.</p>

        <p>The year began with promise. Early planting windows had growers optimistic about the potential for a strong crop. But heavy rains soon arrived, slowing progress and making it difficult to get fields established. Those same conditions carried into fertilizer and herbicide applications, forcing farmers to adjust and work around delays.</p>

        <p>Later in the season, just as fields entered critical growth stages, new challenges emerged. Rains during pollination, paired with unusually high nighttime temperatures, created stress on the crop. Typically, yield reductions occur near field inlets where cold water enters—but this year, the opposite occurred. In many cases, fields closest to water sources actually performed better, as the cooling effect created a more favorable microclimate during grain fill.</p>

        <h2>Resilience Through Challenge</h2>

        <p>While the year has been anything but easy, it has also underscored the resilience and ingenuity of growers. Many did everything right in terms of management—timely applications, proactive fieldwork, and responsive adjustments—yet still faced unpredictable setbacks. These challenges highlight not only the realities of farming but also the determination it takes to keep moving forward.</p>

            <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>PVL06 being harvested near Bernie, MO.</em></p>

        <p>Encouragingly, some varieties are showing strong performance despite the adversity. Reports from the field suggest that certain Clearfield® varieties are delivering solid yields, giving growers reason for optimism. And while final harvest results are still coming in, there are indications that parts of the region may achieve average or even slightly above-average yields.</p>

        <h2>Looking Ahead with Optimism</h2>

        <p>Though 2025 will be remembered as a historic “prevent plant” year for some regions, it’s also a story of perseverance. Growers have faced setbacks from every angle—flooding, heat, delayed applications—but continue to rise to the occasion. Their commitment, combined with innovative management practices and the adaptability of proven rice varieties, provides valuable lessons for the future.</p>

            <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Robyn looking at PVL06 before its harvested.</em></p>

        <p>As we gather more harvest results, the conversations may be difficult at times, but they are also hopeful. This season reinforces the importance of supporting one another, sharing insights, and learning from both challenges and successes.</p>

        <p>At Horizon Ag, we recognize the effort it has taken to reach this point in the season. We remain committed to walking alongside growers, offering the tools, knowledge, and varieties that help manage risk and maximize opportunity—even in a year like this one.</p>

        <p>Thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and partnership. 2025 is a year we’ll all talk about for years to come—not only for the challenges it brought but for the strength and resilience rice growers showed in meeting them. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.</p>

        <h5>Robyn Chlapecka<br>District Field Representative<br><a href="mailto:rchlapecka@horizonseed.com">rchlapecka@horizonseed.com</a><br>(870) 672-1291</h5>

        <h2>There’s An App For That!</h2>

        <p>The <strong><a href="https://onelink.to/zrpbkn" target="_blank">Horizon Ag Productivity app</a></strong> provides easy access to critical management recommendations and tools, including seeding rates, fertilizer recommendations and other suggested management practices to help you get the most out of our varieties. Updated for 2025, the app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.</p>

        <p>Whether you are a long-time Horizon Ag customer or growing our Clearfield and Provisia varieties for the first time, the <strong>Horizon Ag Productivity App</strong> can be a valuable tool. Available in the <strong><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/horizon-ag/id1614880264" target="_blank">App&nbsp;Store</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horizonag.app" target="_blank">Google&nbsp;Play</a></strong>.</p>

        <p>Check out the Horizon Ag <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/HorizonAgSeeds?utm_source=HorizonAg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regional-report&utm_id=06272024&utm_content=facebook-hypertext"><strong>Facebook</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/horizonagrice?utm_source=HorizonAg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regional-report&utm_id=06272024&utm_content=instagram-hypertext"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> pages for industry news, product updates and good conversations about rice and the industry. We’d like you to join our “community” as we share the latest from rice country.</p>

As harvest season winds down, it’s clear that 2025 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years for rice growers in southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas.

Slow But Steady Harvest Progress in Arkansas & Missouri, Strong Early Yields in Mississippi & North Louisiana

One Year In: Dr. Maria Montiel Builds a Foundation for the Future of U.S. Rice Breeding

    <h1>One Year In: Dr. Maria Montiel Builds a Foundation for the Future of U.S. Rice Breeding</h1>

    <p>For Dr. Maria Montiel, the journey to becoming a rising leader in rice breeding began generations ago &mdash; in the fields of Argentina, where her family has long been rooted in farming and science. Today, as she moves into her second year with Horizon Ag, Montiel is already making significant impacts in shaping the future of rice breeding across the Southern U.S.</p>

    <p>Based at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station in Crowley, Louisiana, Montiel brings a deep blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and passion for plant genetics to her work. Inspired early on by her great-grandfather, a Belgian geneticist, and her family&rsquo;s rice-growing legacy, Montiel&rsquo;s path has always been closely tied to agriculture and the science behind it.</p>

    <p>&ldquo;I fell in love with genetics as a kid,&rdquo; she recalls. &ldquo;My dad read me a National Geographic article about DNA, and I&rsquo;ve been hooked ever since.&rdquo;</p>

    <p>That childhood fascination evolved into a global career in plant breeding, with rice ultimately becoming her crop of choice, not just because of its complexity, but due to its social impact. &ldquo;Rice is a social crop. It&rsquo;s about food security, culture, and communities,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s incredibly meaningful to work on something that touches so many lives.&rdquo;</p>

    <p>Maria&rsquo;s move to Horizon Ag hasn&rsquo;t just been a professional step forward &mdash; it&rsquo;s also offered her the chance to thrive personally. She credits the company&rsquo;s culture and team for supporting both her work and her role as a mother. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m grateful to be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Being able to contribute meaningfully while being present for my family &mdash; that means a lot.&rdquo;</p>

    <h2>Building a Strategic Breeding Program from the Ground Up</h2>

    <p>Montiel&rsquo;s first year at Horizon Ag was all about laying the groundwork for long-term success. Tasked with leading the development of a high-impact breeding program, she wasted no time in aligning scientific rigor with strategic goals.</p>

      <li>Evaluating and selecting elite germplasm for strategic crosses</li>

      <li>Designing multi-environment trials to test for yield, quality and stability</li>

      <li>Setting up a breeding pipeline aligned with commercial objectives</li>

      <li>Introducing structure and discipline into trial execution and germplasm advancement</li>

    <p>One of the biggest advantages she sees in Horizon Ag&rsquo;s approach is the ability to test across a wide range of environments in the Southern U.S. &mdash; a key differentiator in today&rsquo;s breeding landscape.</p>

    <p>&ldquo;Unlike some programs limited to one geography, we&rsquo;re actively selecting for broad adaptability,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;That means we can identify lines that perform well and consistently, even in unpredictable conditions &mdash; and that&rsquo;s a huge benefit to growers.&rdquo;</p>

    <p>The partnership with LSU AgCenter has also played a central role in helping Horizon Ag build its breeding program. Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, noted how the relationship quickly found its rhythm:</p>

    <p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s always a period of ramp-up with these partnerships, but overall, it&rsquo;s been pretty seamless,&rdquo; said Dr. Famoso. &ldquo;We expected it to be because of Montiel&rsquo;s background. A big thing for our staff at the beginning of this was: how will this work, and what can we do for them? It&rsquo;s gone just as expected &mdash; and that&rsquo;s been great.&rdquo;</p>

    <h2>Breeding that starts with the Grower</h2>

    <p>At every stage of the process, Montiel emphasizes a clear, unwavering focus on the grower. That means listening to their challenges, anticipating future needs, and building a pipeline that can deliver reliable, profitable solutions year after year.</p>

    <p>&ldquo;Everything we do is guided by one question: how does this help the grower?&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Whether it&rsquo;s yield stability, grain quality, or access to premium markets, we&rsquo;re making choices now that will deliver real value in the future.&rdquo;</p>

    <p>Her South American background has given her a particular edge in grain quality, especially around milling and cooking characteristics that are vital for market differentiation. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re putting a lot of effort into developing materials that meet premium quality standards. That&rsquo;s how we help growers compete, both at home and internationally.&rdquo;</p>

    <h2>Looking Ahead: From Crosses to Commercial Impact</h2>

    <p>While her first year has focused on laying the foundation, Montiel already has a clear vision for what&rsquo;s next.</p>

    <p>In five years, she expects to see advanced lines nearing release that reflect the best of Horizon Ag&rsquo;s breeding strategy: stable performance, premium grain quality, and strong adaptability. She&rsquo;s also working to refine the company&rsquo;s understanding of genotype &times; environment (G&times;E) interactions, helping determine where each product will thrive.</p>

    <p>Her end goal? A differentiated product portfolio built not just on science, but on real-world performance and grower trust. &ldquo;This is a long-term game,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t shift direction every year. You need clear objectives, consistent execution, and a strategy that&rsquo;s rooted in what growers actually need.&rdquo;</p>

    <h2>The Impact on Rice Growers Nationwide</h2>

    <p>Montiel is enthusiastic for what&rsquo;s ahead &mdash; not just for her program, but for the U.S. rice industry at large. &ldquo;Horizon Ag is building something special. We&rsquo;re not just reacting to change; we&rsquo;re preparing for it,&rdquo; she said.</p>

    <p>That optimism is rooted in more than just strong early results. As public breeding programs shrink across the Southern U.S., Horizon Ag is stepping up &mdash; investing in research and partnerships to help fill those gaps. The breeding program is built on delivering high-performing varieties where they&rsquo;re needed most.</p>

    <p>&nbsp;&ldquo;This partnership isn&rsquo;t just important for Horizon Ag and LSU &mdash; it benefits growers across the region,&rdquo; said Montiel. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re focused on delivering high-performing, high-quality varieties that bring more adaptability and long-term value to growers. At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s not just good for growers &mdash; it&rsquo;s good for the entire U.S. rice industry.&rdquo;</p>

    <p>With a full year under her belt and a clear roadmap ahead, Montiel&rsquo;s work is just getting started &mdash; but already, the seeds of innovation and impact are firmly in the ground.</p>

Drawing on her family’s agricultural roots and genetic expertise, Dr. Maria Montiel has spent her first year at Horizon Ag building a strategic rice breeding program that prioritizes grower needs, premium grain quality, and adaptability across the Southern U.S.

Heating Up in the Upper Delta, Strong Crop Potential in Texas

    <p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>HORIZON AG REGIONAL REPORTS</strong></p>

    <h1>Heating Up in the Upper Delta, Strong Crop Potential in Texas</h1>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>PVL06 seed production near Powe, Missouri.</em></p>

    <h2>Northwest Arkansas and&nbsp;Missouri</h2>

    <p>The heat is cranking up across the <strong>Upper Delta Territory.</strong> Much of the region is approaching our favorite time of the year&nbsp;&mdash; heading&nbsp;&mdash; which means high nighttime temperatures are the last thing we like to see. While we can&rsquo;t do anything about the heat, we can mitigate some of the stress by pushing fresh water across the paddies and down the&nbsp;furrows.</p>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>PVL06 at boot split.</em></p>

    <p>Disease pressure is always a concern this time of year. Fortunately, there&rsquo;s been more discussion avoiding or delaying fungicide applications in our Clearfield<span>&reg;</span> varieties. This is a positive trend &mdash; but it should not replace diligent scouting, especially to avoid key windows on other varieties.</p>

    <p>One important reminder: the University of Arkansas has updated its threshold for rice stink bugs <strong>(RSB) to 10 RSB per 10 sweeps</strong> for the entire heading season.</p>

    <p><strong>The PLV06 seed production fields look great in Missouri.</strong></p>

    <p>One of the fields is expected to start heading by the end of the week (7/26). PVL06 shares a similar appearance to <strong><a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll18" target="_blank">CLL18</a></strong>, with its deep green hue, upright leaves, and taller stature (42 inches). For any fellow rice progeny nerds (maybe only me!), PVL06 is a backcross to Diamond. We&rsquo;re still in the very early stages of launching this variety, with a very limited release planned for 2026. I&rsquo;m looking forward to sharing yield reports from seed production and other small plot trials in our&nbsp;region.&nbsp;</p>

    <p><strong>Upcoming Events&nbsp;</strong></p>

    <p>July 31: Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Rice and Row Crop Field Day, registration starts at 7:30</p>

    <p>Aug. 7: Rice Research and Extension Center Rice Field Day, registration starts at 7:00</p>

    <p>Aug. 12: Annual Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center</p>

    <p>Aug. 14: Missouri Rice Research &amp; Merchandising Council Annual Field Day, registration starts at 8:30</p>

    <p>Please feel free to reach out to me anytime! As always, thank you for supporting Horizon Ag!</p>

    <h5>Robyn Chlapecka<br>District Field Representative<br><a href="mailto:rchlapecka@horizonseed.com">rchlapecka@horizonseed.com</a><br>(870) 672-1291</h5>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>CLL19 planted mid-March in Brazoria County, Texas</em></p>

    <p>The 2025 rice crop is progressing exceptionally well and continues to show strong yield potential across many acres. Fields that received timely inputs and avoided setbacks are now approaching harvest in excellent condition, with harvest already underway in the western part of the region. Standability, grain quality, and early yield reports have all been&nbsp;positive.</p>

    <p>Getting fields to flood on time and making the right early decisions helped drive the strong crop we&rsquo;re seeing now. Disease pressure remained manageable, with well-timed fungicide applications protecting the crop through boot and heading stages. Weed pressure was a common challenge again this year&nbsp;&mdash; particularly in areas that missed early herbicide windows due to wind or delayed access&nbsp;&mdash; but follow-up treatments have kept most fields clean as they head into&nbsp;harvest.</p>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>CLL19 harvest taking place in Wharton County, Texas.</em></p>

    <p>Across Texas, a significant number of acres have already been drained. Harvest activity is steadily ramping up in El Campo and surrounding areas. Early yields have come in strong, and the rest of the crop is lining up to deliver much of the same. I will continue to update everyone concerning grain quality and variety performance as more fields are cut and we receive more&nbsp;data.</p>

    <p>Praying for a safe and successful harvest. If you have any questions or concerns, please don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach&nbsp;out.</p>

    <h5>Hunter Brown<br>District Field Representative<br><a href="mailto:hbrown@horizonseed.com">hbrown@horizonseed.com</a><br>(337) 546-7288</h5>

    <h2>Horizon Ag Arkansas Field&nbsp;Day</h2>

    <p>We hope you&rsquo;ll come to our next Horizon Ag field day this summer. It&rsquo;s a chance to visit with farmers and consultants in the region and hear about industry developments, variety performance and promising Horizon Ag rice varieties which will soon be commercially available.</p>

    <p><strong>The 2025 Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day will be held on August&nbsp;12</strong> at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in&nbsp;Harrisburg. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 5:00 p.m.</p>

    <h2>Reminder: Rice Industry Awards Call for Nominations</h2>

    <p><strong>We&rsquo;re still accepting nominations! </strong>Horizon Ag and USA Rice need your help to identify candidates worthy of being honored as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Rice Industry Awards at the Rice Outlook Conference in&nbsp;December&nbsp;2025.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>The awards for <strong>Rice Farmer of the Year, Rice Industry Award </strong>and <strong>Rice Lifetime Achievement Award</strong> recognize those rice leaders who have demonstrated dedication, determination and innovation to the&nbsp;industry.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>More information about each award, nomination forms and instructions can be found at <strong><a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/rice-awards" target="_blank">horizonseed.com/rice-awards</a></strong>.</p>

    <p>The <strong><a href="https://onelink.to/zrpbkn" target="_blank">Horizon Ag Productivity app</a></strong> provides easy access to critical management recommendations and tools, including seeding rates, fertilizer recommendations and other suggested management practices to help you get the most out of our varieties. Updated for 2025, the app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.</p>

    <p>Whether you are a long-time Horizon Ag customer or growing our Clearfield and Provisia varieties for the first time, the <strong>Horizon Ag Productivity App</strong> can be a valuable tool. Available in the <strong><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/horizon-ag/id1614880264" target="_blank">App&nbsp;Store</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horizonag.app" target="_blank">Google&nbsp;Play</a></strong>.</p>

    <p>Check out the Horizon Ag <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/HorizonAgSeeds?utm_source=HorizonAg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regional-report&utm_id=06272024&utm_content=facebook-hypertext"><strong>Facebook</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/horizonagrice?utm_source=HorizonAg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regional-report&utm_id=06272024&utm_content=instagram-hypertext"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> pages for industry news, product updates and good conversations about rice and the industry. We’d like you to join our “community” as we share the latest from rice country.</p>

Field Conditions & Fungicide Outlook Across the Delta

    <h1>Field Conditions & Fungicide Outlook Across the Delta</h1>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Earlier-planted CLL18 in Woodruff County, AR.</em></p>

    <p>This growing season has brought its fair share of challenges, along with chances to learn and adjust our management approach. Erratic planting windows have led to a wide range of crop stages, from rice just beginning to head out, to fields still being flushed in order to establish a stand&nbsp;&mdash; and everything in between.</p>

    <p>As we rapidly approach the end of the season for our earliest planted rice, I&rsquo;ve had several conversations regarding fungicide applications. The most important factors to keep in mind are <strong>timing</strong> and <strong>canopy penetration</strong>, both of which are critical to maximizing effectiveness and return on investment.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>Many growers in the <strong>Upper Delta</strong> are looking for cost-effective ways to apply fungicides without sacrificing protection. One of the best strategies I&rsquo;ve recommended for Clearfield<span>&reg;</span> product lines is to delay fungicide application until <strong>late boot stage</strong>, unless earlier application is warranted due to sheath blight pressure. Targeting late boot allows us to get solid protection against blast, and if we include <strong>propiconazole</strong>, we can also effectively protect against smut.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>However, when it comes to the Provisia<span>&reg;</span> system, our experience continues to show that a <strong>two-pass approach</strong> remains the most effective against <strong>stem <em>Cercospora</em></strong>. This involves a first application of propiconazole at the <strong>2&ndash;4&Prime; panicle</strong> stage, followed by a traditional boot-stage application.</p>

    <p>Later-planted rice is coming on quickly now. Thanks to better pre-flood fertilizer conditions, it&rsquo;s catching up to earlier-planted fields, many of which had to be spoon-fed due to early weather issues. While these later fields were originally 4&ndash;6 weeks behind on the calendar, most have now received their mid-season fertilizer and are only about three weeks behind in actual development. That said, the latest planted rice in my territory has had a tough time establishing a good stand and, in many cases, is still being flushed to get there.</p>

    <p>With such widespread planting dates, we&rsquo;re hopeful that this variability will work in our favor by enabling a more staggered, timely harvest&mdash;ultimately helping us preserve grain quality across the board.</p>

    <p>I&rsquo;d also like to give you a friendly reminder to mark your calendars for our <strong>Annual Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day,</strong> happening <strong>August 12, 2025,</strong> at the <strong>Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC). </strong>We look forward to seeing you there.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>As always, please don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support of Horizon Ag.</p>

    <h5>Chase Kagen<br>District Field Representative<br><a href="mailto:ckagen@horizonseed.com">ckagen@horizonseed.com</a><br>(870) 273-9283</h5>

    <h2>Mississippi and&nbsp;North Louisiana</h2>

    <p>It has been a hot couple of weeks here in <strong>Mississippi. </strong>Well motors have been running non-stop to keep everything watered. We do have a favorable forecast this week calling for some rain almost every day until the end of the week. I hope we can catch some to give our farmers a much-needed breather.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>There is still some rice that has not gone to flood yet and farmers are doing everything they can to get it there. Fungicide applications have gone out on the early planted rice. I have not heard of any heavy disease signs yet or insect pressure, but we need to continue to be on the lookout. We do have some rice beginning to head and I anticipate some farmers should begin cutting samples around the middle of August.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>Overall, the rice crop is looking good considering what we have been through this year. Mississippi rice acres are down compared to last year. According to the USDA, planted rice acres in Mississippi are at <strong>130,000</strong>, compared to <strong>155,000</strong> acres last year.&nbsp;</p>

      <p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>5th generation farmer Addison Melton approves Horizon Ag CLL18</em></p>

    <p><strong>North Louisiana</strong> has caught some favorable rains the past couple of weeks to keep from running wells too often. The rice is progressing nicely, and the majority of it is between early boot and full boot. The earliest planted rice is about <strong>50-60% headed out</strong>.</p>

    <p>There has been some disease pressure, and fungicides have gone out accordingly to keep it in check. I have seen some grass poking out, especially barnyard grass, but compared to how crazy the weather has been this year, we did the best we could do with weed control.</p>

    <p>Some of the early planted rice will be drained at the end of July or beginning of August. We are looking at <strong>mid to late August</strong> before harvest ramps up.</p>

    <p>If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.</p>

    <h5>Garland Melton<br>District Field Representative<br><a href="mailto:gmelton@horizonseed.com">gmelton@horizonseed.com</a><br>(662) 671-2465</h5>

    <p>Horizon Ag and USA Rice need your help to identify candidates worthy of being honored as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Rice Industry Awards at the Rice Outlook Conference in December 2025.</p>

    <p>The awards for <strong>Rice Farmer of the Year</strong>, <strong>Rice Industry Award</strong> and <strong>Rice Lifetime Achievement Award</strong> recognize those rice leaders who have demonstrated dedication, determination and innovation to the&nbsp;industry.</p>

    <p><strong>The deadline for submitting nominations is July&nbsp;15</strong>.</p>

Thanks for Another Great Field Day!

Horizon Ag Field Day Showcases Season Outlook and New Variety Potential

With new Provisia® varieties and a grower-first focus, Horizon Ag outlines its vision for Southern U.S. rice.

Rice is in the Ground!

    <h2>Northwest Arkansas and Missouri</h2>

    <p>After a long, hard fight, I’d say rice planting has finally crossed the finish line for 2025. Last week gave us the perfect window to wrap up fieldwork and get those final acres planted in the Northeast Arkansas and Missouri Territory — just in time for a heavy downpour (2–4 inches) in parts of Southeast Missouri late Wednesday evening (June 4).</p>

    <p>The weather’s finally bringing us what rice loves: heat and humidity (or, as I like to call it, the warm fuzzy blanket). While this season might not be everything we hoped for, it’s definitely given us a masterclass in rolling with the punches. The grit and resiliency of our growers never fails to impress.</p>

    <p><strong>March Madness… in June?</strong></p>

    <p>This year’s planting has been unusually spread out compared to past seasons. So, let’s take a moment for fertility management for rice planted back in March.</p>

    <p>If you’ve been spoon-feeding nitrogen (N) applications just to buy time before pulling levees, now’s the time to calculate how much N you’ve already applied. Subtract that from your total target rate to see what’s left to apply. Here are a couple of scenarios, <strong>values are shown in pounds of N per acre:</strong></p>

    <p><strong>Goal: 2-way Split N Application</strong></p>

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

Articles »

Supporting Farmers in a Year of Uncertainty

One Year In: Dr. Maria Montiel Builds a Foundation for the Future of U.S. Rice Breeding

Horizon Ag Field Day Showcases Season Outlook and New Variety Potential

Industry »

Rice seed availability tightens even more for 2025

Horizon Ag launches new varieties, brings together grower advisory board

Horizon Ag: Ready To Meet Seed Demand

Newsletters »

Celebrating the 2025 Rice Awards Honorees

Let’s Connect at the USA Rice Outlook Conference

PVL05 and PVL06: The Next Generation of Provisia® Rice

Videos »

CLL19 Stand Out in Arkansas

New PVL04 | Aiming for Zero Weeds Even on Tough Acres

CLL18 | High Yields and High Value

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

Articles »

Supporting Farmers in a Year of Uncertainty

One Year In: Dr. Maria Montiel Builds a Foundation for the Future of U.S. Rice Breeding

Horizon Ag Field Day Showcases Season Outlook and New Variety Potential

Industry »

Rice seed availability tightens even more for 2025

Horizon Ag launches new varieties, brings together grower advisory board

Horizon Ag: Ready To Meet Seed Demand

Newsletters »

Celebrating the 2025 Rice Awards Honorees

Let’s Connect at the USA Rice Outlook Conference

PVL05 and PVL06: The Next Generation of Provisia® Rice

Videos »

CLL19 Stand Out in Arkansas

New PVL04 | Aiming for Zero Weeds Even on Tough Acres

CLL18 | High Yields and High Value

Let's Get Social

Newsletter Sign Up