Program

Conference programming is carefully curated to offer a tangible benefit to attendees.  We have exciting speakers and outstanding educational sessions that will make your time spent in Little Rock truly impactful to you, to your bottom line, and to your business.

Keynote Speakers

Steve Lerch

Steve Lerch, Innovation Strategist 


“Building a Culture of Collaboration, Curiosity, and Speed”
Innovation is the key to survival in today’s world. Steve will explain how to create a culture that breeds creativity and transformation.  Whether you represent a family farm, a multinational company. or the national trade association, Steve’s fast-paced presentation laced with real world examples and humor will set you on the path to success.

Nikolas Badminton

Nikolas Badminton, Futurist


“Facing Our Futures: Looking to 2035 and Beyond”
Nikolas will teach you how to develop a futurist mindset to see the signals of change and emerging trends in agriculture and rice farming. From demystifying global megatrends shaping geopolitical dynamics to exploring the signals and trends that will transform agriculture, Nik’s energetic keynote will ignite your curiosity and shift your mindset from What Is to What If.


Select Educational Programming

This year we are offering more than 20 hours of concurrent educational programming during the conference.  Below are a few highlights.  Other session topics include: Logistics & Shipping, Rice Grading, Rice History, Navigating E-Commerce, Social Media Strategies for Brands, USA Rice's Consumer Research, Ag Economy Lessons, USA Rice State Rice Research and Outlook Reports for eight states… and much more!
A speaker addresses a crowd of conference attendees

Becoming an Exporter

Learn the required steps to export rice and what various countries require.

Packaging Innovation & Regulations

Catch consumers’ eye but stay compliant with waste regulations.

California’s Rice Footprint Initiative

Dive into the multi-year, multi-layered economic and environmental study that will solidify the industry’s social license to operate.

Regulatory Landscape

From H2A to EPA, our panel will get you up to speed and prepped for what’s to come.

Rural Mental Health

It’s okay to not be okay.

Federal Farm Policy Implementation

We finally have a Farm Bill. Now what?

U.S. Rice Quality Symposium

U.S. rice breeders are making progress addressing the quality characteristics requested by Latin American rice importers. Rice breeders from public research institutions and private companies will share the results of their recent elite line testing.

International Market Panels – NEW!

Our international market panels will feature key importers and brand representatives to share insights into their regions, customers, and market opportunities. Featured markets include:

  • Mexico – Still our top market.
  • Central America – Will new varieties seal the deal?
  • Caribbean – How will some of our top milled rice markets fare in 2026?
  • Europe/Middle East – How will improved market access change this export destination?


Persons requiring special accommodations or having any dietary restrictions to attend or participate in this conference should contact Jeanette Davis at (240) 682-0059, or e-mail jdavis@usarice.com no later than November 30, 2025.

USA Rice is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  USA Rice does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital/family status or political beliefs.