Arkansas Rice Producers Explore Marketing, Research And Production

STUTTGART, AR, July 27, 2005 — Rice producers David Gairhan, Trumann, AR, and Jeff Rutledge, Newport, AR, took a firsthand look at rice marketing, research and production in Arkansas during the second session of the 2005 Rice Leadership Development Program, completing the session July 1.

The weeklong session began in England, AR, and Lonoke, AR, where alumni Bill McNeil and Dow Brantley arranged for the class to observe production practices, precision land leveling and conservation practices.

The class of seven also attended personal development workshops on media communications, business etiquette and public speaking. “Training in public speaking is a definite asset when we’re asked to comment on key issues affecting the rice industry,” said Rutledge.

While at Riceland Foods Inc. and Producers Rice Mill, participants discussed rice marketing, observed rice bran oil production and toured a parboil rice mill.

Research plant physiologist and Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center Interim Director Dr. David Gealy and University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center Director Dr. Chris Deren provided information on the latest advances in rice research in the Mid-South.

The class then met with executives at John Deere and observed combine manufacturing at the Harvester Works. “It’s gratifying to see that Deere executives place such importance on this leadership program. They are committed to a successful and profitable rice industry,” said Gairhan.

The session wrapped up in Chicago at the Chicago Board of Trade where the class observed rice trading on the floor and learned how to use the board as a marketing tool.

The class will meet September 2006 in California to examine rice issues in that state. The final session will be held February 2007 in Washington, D.C.

John Deere Company and Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc sponsor the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation. The program is administered by the USA Rice Federation.

Photo Cut Line: Class members: Dr. Tim Walker, Cleveland, MS; Jeff Durand, St. Martinville, LA; Philip Bertrand, Elton, LA; Jeff Rutledge, Newport, AR; Don Traynham, Arbuckle, CA; David Gairhan, Trumann, AR; Christian Richard, Kaplan, LA.

Contact: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@usarice.com

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USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting activities to influence government programs, developing and initiating programs to increase worldwide demand for U.S. rice, and providing other services to increase profitability for all industry segments.