2024 Harvest Update: Freddie Gahr and POMs

Drier Division

The Drier Division received its first load of new crop rice for the 2024 harvest season on August 9 in Corning, AR. Even though the members’ harvest clock was moved up, it is tough for the drier division to advance its shipments in correlation with the harvest clock!

Because of this, many drier locations were still shipping the 2023 crops while receiving the 2024 crops. As the new crop progressed, the division was able to relocate the vast majority of the 2023 crop into the mill points, but this tightened up the space for new crops at the mills.

As things progressed, it was almost 100% assured that the drier division would have to install several “temporary storage sites” or PODS, and then came along tropical storm Francine. Nearly all facilities went into extended hours mode leading up to the tropical storm, not knowing how bad it would be. The division received a 3-day record receipt total of 7.2 million bushels and moved the harvest complete percentage total from 48% to 65% of the crop. The persistent rain following the tropical storm allowed the division to catch up on drying and re-think our storage plan on PODS.

Currently, our objective is to finish the rice crop while eliminating PODS. We have a clearcut plan to accomplish this at this time, but some facilities will be tight on space to make this happen.

It’s been a challenge, but the drier team has done an excellent job of making it happen, so hats off to the team and the hours committed to getting the crop from the field.

- Freddie Gahr  |  Vice President, Drier Division

Procurement & Upcoming Deadlines

As you read this, harvest is either done or in the short rows. It has been another unique finish to the crop, with dry harvest conditions in the first half and wet and soggy in the second half. With the challenges of harvest mostly behind you, it is time to look forward to important upcoming deadlines and dates.

Growers Option Price Later Charges: If you are in GO and forego going into the pool by the deadline, a flat rate of $.12/bu will be charged for staying in GO until December 31. An additional $.06/bu will be added on the first of each month starting January 1.

Other Important things to note: After the pool deadline passes for rice, you can take a Growers Option Advance. Please contact us or local drier offices for details.

- Daniel Mayer  |  Procurement Operations Manager
- Dee Davis  |  Procurement Operations Manager

See all upcoming dates and deadlines: https://riceland.coop/calendarEvents

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