The Rice Stuff

High performing people & organizations often don’t celebrate their victories before tackling the next project. We take a breath for this episode to focus on important successes in the industry that benefit us all. First, Adam Shea of Riceland Foods is back, and he’s brought Austin Brown to talk about their Carbon Ready Program that is saving water, reducing GHGs, and putting money in farmers’ pockets. Then Louisiana farmer Fred Zaunbrecher stops by to talk about his shift from diesel power to electricity for water pumping on his family farm. Yay us! With special guests: Adam Shea, Riceland Foods, Austin Brown, Riceland Foods, and Fred Zaunbrecher Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Steve Linscombe

Latin America is an important destination for U.S.-grown rice, but consumers there have different expectations for their rice than U.S. consumers. In this episode, Michael & Lesley talk about this with Sarah Moran, Chief Operating Officer at USA Rice. Meanwhile, Asiha Grigsby sat down with Kamal Dieck, President of FECARROZ, the Central American Rice Federation. Then LSU rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso stops by to talk about the successes he has had establishing new varieties for this market. With special guests: Sarah Moran, Chief Operating Officer, USA Rice, Kamal Dieck, President, FECARROZ, and Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Aisha Grigsby

The Rice Stuff's most prolific recurring guest, Cameron Jacobs, tells Michael and Lesley all about his adventures at the American Craft Sake Fest in Hot Springs, AR. Turns out, sake brewed with U.S.-grown rice pairs well with almost everything. Plus: sumo wrestlers! With special guests: Weston Konishi, President, Sake Brewers Association of North America and Ben Bell, VP, Origami Sake Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice

Humans aren't the only creatures who love to eat rice, which is why the work of entomologists like Dr. Blake Wilson of the LSU Ag Center and Dr. Lina Bernaola of Texas A&M Agrilife Research is so important. In this episode, USA Rice's Dr. Steve Linscombe sits down with these two experts to discuss unwelcome guests in rice fields, from stink bugs to snails, and what can be done about them. With special guests: Lina Bernaola, Assistant Professor & Rice Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Blake Wilson, Associate Professor & Entomologist, LSU Agricultural Center Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lesley Dixon

Members of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) create high-end foods and drinks. Rice is often found as an ingredient, but why not take the spotlight? Michael went to SFA’s Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas last month to ask this question and sample fancy food. He's back to talk about his observations with Lesley and share an interview with California rice farmers (and show exhibitors) Tom and Carter Knowles of Chico Rice. He also visited with Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group about food trends and consumer desires. And SFA's Leana Salamah stops by to talk about the market and her organization. With special guests: Leana Salamah​​​​ SVP, Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, Laurie Demeritt, CEO, The Hartman Group, Carter Knowles, Chico Rice, and Tom Knowles, Chico Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

In 2022, USDA announced Climate Smart Commodity grants, with the USA Rice - Ducks Unlimited - National Black Growers Council application receiving the highest score and $80 million. Throughout 2023, the details of the program were negotiated and sign ups are about to open. USA Rice's Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership Josh Hankins comes by to explain how the program will work and what rice growers can expect. With special guest: Josh Hankins, Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. agriculture is facing a major labor shortage and increasingly relies on foreign workers to keep food on our tables. The government program designed to help is complex, confusing, and confounding in many aspects. Ag labor expert Kristi Boswell with Alston & Bird law firm conducted a session on the topic at the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference. On this episode of TRS, Arkansas rice farmers Jennifer James and Joe Mencer talk about their experiences with the program and how they think it can be improved. With special guests: Jennifer James, Arkansas rice farmer, Joe Mencer, Arkansas rice farmer, and Kristi Boswell, Attorney, Alston & Bird Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference took place in early December in Indian Wells, California. Rice industry members from around the world gathered to network and learn from dozens of speakers on as many important topics. Michael and Lesley talk highlights and play clips from several education sessions, though they only scratched the surface. With special guests: Michael Fruge, Cole Jones, Jeremy Jones, Jay Coker, Dr. Michele Reba, Dr. Michael Humber, Dr. Ben Runkle, Aled Thomas, Cameron Jacobs, and Steve Linscombe Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

With about half of the annual U.S. rice crop exported every year, maintaining & expanding overseas markets and finding new ones is a critical function for USA Rice. Reverse trade missions are an important tool for our export experts. One such expert, Ashia Grigsby, joins us to talk about a recently completed mission she led through the mid-South with several Central American importers, including El Salvador’s Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade and Guatemala’s Gerardo Pallais Montenegro both of whom sat down with Michael. With special guests: Asiha Grigsby, Director of International Promotion - Western Hemisphere, USA Rice, Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade, CEO Suministros e Inversiones S.A. de C.V, and Gerardo Pallais Montenegro, Supplies and Logistics Manager, Central de Alimentos Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Once again, Michael attended the International Rice Festival (IRF) in Crowley, Louisiana and lived to tell the tale. Lesley & Michael discuss the interviews he brought back with the 86th IRF Rice Queen and her sister, the 84th IRF Rice Queen (the Hardy Girls); the 2023 IRF Rice Farmers of the Year, Julie & Christian Richard; the Junior Farmer of the Year, KynLee Fruge; the Grand Parade Marshals, Christine & Dwayne Fulton of Falcon Rice Mill; and the 2023 Chef de Riz, Alex Welch. All that, grand theft auto, parade float etiquette, and more. With special guests: Alex Welch, 2023 Chef de Riz, KynLee Fruge, 2023 Junior Rice Farmer of the Year, Isabella Hardy, 86th International Rice Festival Queen, Caroline Hardy, 84th International Rice Festival Queen, Christian & Julie Richard, 2023 Rice Farmers of the Year, and Dwayne and Christine Fulton, 2023 Grand Parade Marshals Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference is fast approaching. The team talks about the many changes that have been made to improve the experience of attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Education sessions to improve your bottom line, speakers to tackle important issues, awards, and a golf tournament for The Rice Foundation...all against the beautiful backdrop of Indian Wells, California. www.usarice.com/outlook With special guest: Sarah Moran, Vice President of International, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

India continues to unapologetically flaunt WTO obligations, and their On-again/Off-again rice export bans are wreaking havoc on global markets, prices, and with food insecure countries in Asia & Africa. Congress has taken steps to pressure the Biden Administration to force India to shape up. Joining the podcast to talk about it is our own Peter Bachmann, Craig Thorn of DTB AgriTrade, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a cosponsor of related legislation and someone who is not shy about calling India out. With special guests: Craig Thorn, Partner, DTB AgriTrade, Peter Bachmann, VP Policy and Government Affairs, USA Rice, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice is a founding member of the Oldways Whole Grains Council, and in this episode, we check in with Kelly LeBlanc, VP of Nutrition for Oldways who shares results of a recent consumer survey her group conducted that looks into American understanding of nutrition, whole grains like brown rice, and the Whole Grain Stamp as a symbol of healthy eating. We also chat nutrition with Sam Schneider, rice farmer, owner of Inland Cape Rice Company, and a nutrition and wellness devotee. With special guests: Kelly LeBlanc, MLA, RD, LDN, Vice President of Nutrition Programming, Oldways and Sam Schneider, Owner, Inland Cape Rice Co Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. rice got its start more than 300 years ago in the coastal region of the Carolinas and many are once again growing the heirloom varieties that made the region the first rice capital of the U.S. First, Michael & Lesley talk with Craig Sasser, refuge manager at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge that includes the Hasty Point Plantation and their still operating rice fields. Then it’s back to the Fancy Food Show in NYC where Michael visited with growers from South Carolina’s White House Farms and North Carolina’s Tidewater Grain Company. With special guests: Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon Related links: www.whitehousefarms.com www.tidewatergrain.com www.fws.gov/refuge/waccamaw

Maybe you know wild rice isn’t technically rice, but do you know where and how wild rice is grown? Processed? Do you know the top market for wild rice? Or what kind of special nutrition punch wild rice packs? Elise Oliver, Director of Operations and Research for the California Wild Rice Advisory Board joins Lesley and Cameron to answer those and other questions about Oryza sativa’s mighty cousin. Plus Michael and Lesley kvetch about the heat and talk wild rice recipes that can be found at www.calwildrice.org. With special guest: Elise Oliver, Director of Operations & Research, California Wild Rice Advisory Board Hosted by: Lesley Dixon, Cameron Jacobs, and Michael Klein

Rice is moved by road, rail, & water. Each mode of transport has advantages and drawbacks, but poor service is making rail a costly and frustrating option. Keith Glover, president & CEO of Producers Rice Mill, has been running point for the industry on holding Class 1 railroads accountable. He comes by to offer history and an update. Also, Michael sat down with Robert Primus, a member of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to talk about problems, accountability, and where shippers can go from here. With special guests: Keith Glover, President & CEO, Producers Rice Mill and Robert Primus, Member, U.S. Surface Transportation Board Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Michael is back from the 2023 Fancy Food Show and the Rice Millers' Association Convention where he visited with experts to talk about consumer trends. First, he attended a session with Dwight Richmond, Director of Center Store at Town & Country Markets Inc, to hear his thoughts on how and why he buys for his stores. Then Michael sat down with Emily Moquin, Food & Beverage Analyst for Morning Consult to hear her analysis of how the retail sector is changing right in front of our eyes. With special guest: Emily Moquin, Food and Beverage Analyst, Morning Consult Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Anheuser-Busch is the largest user of U.S.-grown rice and they have a special relationship with farmers – especially in Arkansas. Lesley got out of the Texas heat to go up to Jonesboro and the 2nd Annual Discovery Farm Showcase where she met and interviewed rice farmer Eric Vaught, U of AR researcher Trent Roberts, a Budweiser Clydesdale, and A-B’s Bill Jones. The event highlighted regenerative agriculture, soil fertility, irrigation strategies, the importance of research and checkoff dollars and more. With special guests: Eric Vaught, Arkansas Rice Farmer, Dr. Trent Roberts, University of Arkansas, and Bill Jones, Anheuser-Busch Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

We’re talking organic rice again. This time, Lesley shares interviews she conducted at a Texas rice event a few months ago. Bob Whitney with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Dr. Alvaro Durand-Murat at the University of Arkansas shared their thoughts and new exciting research they are undertaking in organic rice production. Then Michael and Lesley are joined by Dr. Steve Linscombe for his perspective on the topic. With special guests: Bob Whitney, Regents Fellow & Extension Organic Program Specialist, Texas A&M University and Dr. Alvaro Durand-Morat, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Steve Linscombe

Rice is the most manipulated commodity in the world and U.S. rice exporters and farmers are at the mercy of governments that make no secret of their WTO violations. The industry would like the U.S. government to take a case against India to the WTO – but our two recent victories against China have had little impact – so is it worth it? Craig Thorn of DTB AgriTrade and USA Rice’s Peter Bachmann join Michael and Asiha to talk it all through. All that, the Peace Corp, being tear gassed, and more. With special guests: Craig Thorn, Partner, DTB AgriTrade and Peter Bachmann, VP of Government Affairs & Trade Policy, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Asiha Grigsby