Rice Leadership Class Explores Marketing, Research, Production and Conservation in Mid-South

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

STUTTGART, AR, July 18, 2008 — The 2008 Rice Leadership Development Program class members began their second session June 14 with a weeklong, firsthand look at rice production, marketing and conservation programs with three days in Arkansas and two days in Illinois.

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

Rice producer class members are Dan Hosman and Kirk Meins of Arkansas, Sean Doherty of California, Blake Gerard of Missouri, Buddy Allen of Mississippi, and industry-related members are Dr. Carrie Castille of Louisiana and Michael Fruge of Texas.

The class attended personal development workshops on media communications, public speaking and business etiquette. “Media and public speaking training are vital to help prepare class members to be able to provide interviewers with solid information, as well as be able to get key points across on behalf of the rice industry” said Rice Foundation Director Chuck Wilson.

While in Arkansas, the class visited Producers Rice Mill, Riceland Foods, Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, and the University of Arkansas Rice Research & Extension Center. At these stops the class learned about rice marketing, toured a parboil plant and saw the latest advances in rice research.

After leaving Arkansas the class flew to Moline, IL, where they met with John Deere executives and observed combine manufacturing at Harvester Works.

The session wrapped up 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 2009 in California to examine rice issues and observe harvesting in that state. The final session and graduation will be held February 2010 in Washington, D.C.

John Deere and Syngenta sponsor the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation, and the USA Rice Federation administers it.

Photo of 2008 Rice Leadership Development Class

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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.