The U.S. rice supply showed a slight decline in rough rice stocks as of December 1, 2025, according to the latest United States Department of Agriculture Rice Stocks report, while milled rice stocks edged higher.
Rough rice stocks totaled 137 million hundredweight (cwt), down 2% from the same date in 2024. On-farm stocks accounted for 37.3 million cwt, with off-farm stocks at 99.4 million cwt. Long grain varieties made up 67% of the total rough rice, medium grain 31%, and short grain 2%.
Meanwhile, milled rice stocks increased 3% to 6.81 million cwt. This total includes 4.42 million cwt of whole kernel rice and 2.39 million cwt of second heads, screenings, and brewers rice.
State-level data showed Arkansas holding the largest rough rice stocks, followed by California and Louisiana. Milled rice stocks were concentrated in Arkansas and California.
The report reflects ongoing shifts in rice storage and processing, with implications for supply chain management and market planning. The USDA’s survey methodology combines on-farm probability sampling with a census of off-farm facilities to provide a comprehensive picture of rice stocks.
Industry professionals can use this data to gauge inventory levels and adjust operations accordingly. While rough rice stocks have dipped slightly, the rise in milled rice stocks suggests steady processing activity.
