Rice is one of the world’s most important cereal crops. Cereal crops are members of the grass family (Gramineae or Poaceae) grown for their edible starchy seeds. The term “cereal” is derived from the Greek goddess, Ceres or “giver of grain.” Rice and wheat are two of the most important cereal crops and together make up the majority of the world’s source of calories. They feed the world.

In the United States rice is grown on approximately 3 million acres in two distinct regions — California and several southern states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas. A small amount is also grown in Florida and South Carolina. Rice has been grown in Louisiana for over 300 years and today is one of the most important crops grown here.

In 1987 the first Louisiana Rice Production Handbook was published with the intent of putting into one volume a comprehensive reference to all aspects of rice production in Louisiana. The handbook was revised in 1999 with extensive changes and again in 2014. The handbook has been so popular it became apparent that supplies of printed copies would be exhausted well before the anticipated 10-year revision anniversary would be reached. Rather than reprint that edition, the authors decided to update it with new information, better photographs and the latest research information. This edition retains the enduring information from the first, second and third editions, deletes dated product references and adds the latest in rice production information. Many of the earlier references to crop protection chemicals and specific rice varieties have been eliminated to avoid early obsolescence. That information is available in the annually revised publication 2270, “Rice Varieties and Management Tips.”

This publication is a product of the cumulative efforts of numerous scientists of the LSU Agricultural Center at the Rice Research Station in Crowley and from the main campus in Baton Rouge.