It was observed that head yield increases as drying temperature decreases, with fixed tempering time and initial tempering moisture. An increase in tempering time produces also an increase in head rice yield. Depending on operating conditions the head rice yield changes between 68% and 74%. These high values, confined in a narrow range, shows that the rice variety used in the present work is very resistant to breakage. Based on the results found here it can be concluded that two step drying with an intermediate tempering time at 16% moisture content leads to satisfactory rice yield and an acceptable BI for drying temperatures of 70°C or below