ST. LOUIS, MO -- (December 4, 2013) -- The 2013 USA Rice Outlook Conference officially opened in St. Louis, Missouri today with a trade show, several receptions, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Participating in the opening ceremonies were Vice Chair of the USA Rice Producers' Group Blake Gerard, producers Rance Daniels and Chuck Earnest, Anheuser-Busch's Kimberly Rogowski, USA Rice Chairman Mark Denman, Wade Ellis of Bunge, and Cape Girardeau radio personality Cousin Carl.

"We're excited USA Rice has come to Missouri, and we're looking forward to very informative sessions," said Gerard before cutting the ribbon to open the conference.

The Conference program formally begins on Thursday morning with a New Products and Technology Showcase and continues through midday Friday.

Photo caption: Rance Daniels and Blake Gerard at the Grand Opening of 2013 USA Rice Outlook Conference.