Rice planting ahead of schedule

Today's USDA crop progress report said that 15% of the rice crop had been planted, 7 points ahead of last year and 8 points ahead of the 5-year average. Arkansas growers were well ahead of their normal pace with 17% planted. Growers in Louisiana and Texas were further ahead at 36% and 31% planted, respectively, slightly ahead of normal in Louisiana, but slightly behind in Texas. Planting was also underway in Mississippi and Missouri, with 4% planted in each State.