Rice farmers, it’s time to bring ACCase into the mix

Rice farmers who grow Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) or imidazolinone (IMI) herbicide technologies to battle herbicide weed resistance issues can look forward to a slate of new releases and an increased seed supply in 2026. Two companies leading in these technologies gave an overview of what farmers can expect, along with an outlook for the upcoming season.

From RiceTec, Garrison Hardke, U.S. marketing manager, discussed the Max-Ace Cropping Solution with ACCase technology and the FullPage Cropping Solution with IMI technology. 

RiceTec products for 2026

Hardke said Max-Ace hybrid production was a significant focus for RiceTec last season, resulting in a substantial increase in seed availability for 2026. “This isn’t our launch of Max-Ace, but it’s our launch of Max-Ace on big acres. This is the first year we have had a huge increase in Max-Ace hybrid availability, giving more farmers the opportunity to get the genetics, yield and technology they want, whereas supply has been limited in the past,” he said.

Max-Ace hybrids are particularly critical in areas like southern Louisiana, where ACCase rice is a must. The cropping system is also gaining traction northward into the Midsouth. Hardke emphasized that this technology is essential to address outcrossing issues with FullPage hybrids and to preserve the longevity of existing crop systems. “Farmers have been using FullPage for a long time, but we need to work in this Max-Ace technology,” he said.

Hardke also highlighted reduced prices on all RiceTec products for the upcoming crop year by an average of 5% less across the board. “The take-home is that every product on our product list is cheaper than it was last year,” he said. Price cuts are attributed to company efforts by RiceTec to streamline its portfolio and improve efficiencies, from the administrative level to seed production. 

RiceTec has also bumped up its loyalty rebate program so that growers will receive an extra percent. “We are glad to be able to do that for our growers and share some of the burden we are all facing right now,” Hardke said of the lower prices and higher rebate percent.

Here are some of the RiceTec products growers can expect this year. First up is Max-Ace rice: 

RT7531 MA. Hardke described this one as a standout product. But as with all the Max-Ace hybrids, this new launch will likely sell out quickly.

RT7302. This is a newer long-grain rice hybrid and a replacement for the widely known XP753. Hardke said XP753 has been like the “Michael Jordan of rice” for a long time. “XP753 has been the genetics that everybody can count on, the highest-yielding long-grain rice in America. So it has been a tough one to top,” he said.

RT7302 surpasses that performance with higher yields, better milling quality and an amylose content aligned to market preferences. “We are really excited about that, and we have a much better supply of RT7302 this year,” he said.

RT7301. This conventional long-grain rice has a similar performance and agronomic qualities to XP753. “When we plant the two side by side, you cannot tell a difference in the field,” Hardke said. RT7301 also gives RiceTec more flexibility in seed production for future growing seasons.

Here are the new products from FullPage rice: 

RT7521 FP. This rice will be available in the highest volume of all the hybrids in the FullPage cropping system. Hardke noted that RT7521 has been the most widely planted long-grain rice in America for the last five consecutive years. 

RT3202. The medium-grain rice is in its second year of commercial availability. RT3202 is early maturing with good standability and a yield advantage — all qualities growers look for when planting a medium-grain rice. RiceTec continues to work toward full market acceptance with Kellogg approval of this cultivar.

Horizon Ag products in 2026

This year, Horizon Ag added new Provisia lines to the company portfolio. Walker’s hope is for more rice growers to consider adopting Provisia technology as part of their Clearfield rotation. So far, Provisia adoption has been slower in the northern Delta compared to in southern Louisiana where the technology is essential.

Walker gave an overview of a few Horizon Ag products that growers can expect this year. First up is Provisia rice:

PVL05. Developed at Louisiana State University, this semidwarf variety has early maturity, blast resistance and good milling quality. In trials, it has demonstrated good field performance over PVL03, and PVL05 has also proved acceptable in Latin American markets. PVL05 will launch on a limited basis. 

PVL06. Developed at the University of Arkansas, PVL06 has shown exceptional performance in variety trials across the Delta, leading the pack in conventional performance data and herbicide tolerance. Walker hopes this variety will encourage the adoption of ACCase technology throughout the Midsouth. 

“A variety like PVL06 will give more confidence in transitioning to Provisia, so farmers can rotate both herbicide-tolerant technologies,” Walker said.

Clearfield rice varieties include the following:

CLHA03. This rice competes in production with the highest-selling semidwarf Clearfield variety, CLL19, and has demonstrated better milling stability between the two. Walker highlighted the success of CLHA03, with its high-amylose qualities that make it competitive in Latin American markets.

CLM05. This medium-grain option was introduced in 2025 and continues to demonstrate good field performance. “CLM05 was out there this year for the first time commercially, and it fills variety-specific market needs for medium grains,” Walker said.

Outlook for the 2026 rice crop

Undoubtedly, economic pressures are expected to impact the 2026 growing season, potentially affecting planted rice acres. “A lot of farmers are not sure if they’re going to be able to farm next year, then others are not sure how much rice they can afford to grow,” Hardke said.

While the federal government announced an $11 billion bridge payment in early December, the aid package may not be enough to regain financial stability. “When you look at the dollar figure and consider it is for the entire U.S. row crop sector, it spreads thin pretty quickly,” Hardke said. “Some think another round of bridge payments may be necessary, but growers ultimately don’t want a check. They want market access and to be able to sell their crop with fair competition in export markets.”

Generally, the consensus is that rice acres will be lower this year across the Midsouth, and there is chatter about farmers shifting some rice acres from long grain to medium grain. “We hear medium grain is going to be pretty popular in 2026,” Walker said.

Hardke said that farmers are looking for any financial edge they can get, and the premium price for medium grain could spur a shift in planted rice acres. The catch is marketing the crop. “If you are thinking about growing a medium grain, our suggestion is to talk to your buyer or even consult other buyers to make sure there is an avenue for marketing that rice before you plant it,” he said.

No matter which of the cropping systems you choose, stewardship of the technology is crucial. Both Hardke and Walker discussed the need to adopt ACCase technology in an effort to better steward the technology and preserve the effectiveness of IMI-resistant rice varieties.

It is also important to plan ahead. “If there are hybrids that growers specifically want, you need to have those conversations early,” Hardke said.