ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – The 2019 USA Rice Outlook Conference is just over a month away and registration rates are set to increase on Wednesday as the Early Bird window closes. With more than two days of top-notch programming, a packed Exhibit Hall, the annual Rice Awards Luncheon, networking opportunities galore, and a special First Timers’ rate of just $99, there is little reason not to attend this year’s conference – expected to be the largest ever.
General Session attendees will witness a sit down between Arkansas rice farmer Jeff Rutledge and NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr, and take a deep dive into the global rice industry with USDA’s Nathan Childs, and the intersection of U.S. ag policy and politics with ProFarmer’s Jim Wiesemeyer. RealClearPolitics’ Senior Editor A.B. Stoddard will unpack the 2019 elections and tell attendees what she thinks it all means for 2020. Keynote speaker Dr. Shimi Kang will share insights into the science of stress and anxiety, how it impacts us all, and what we can do to live our best lives, be productive, and not give in to the pressure.
This year’s Exhibit Hall has a new look as well. In addition to being sold out, four stages will host cutting edge breakout sessions throughout the conference.
The FMC Stage will host sessions on mapping technology; plant breeding innovation; the latest in mid-south groundwater; and more. Over at the IndigoAg Stage attendees will learn about setting up an eCommerce platform; farm estate planning; new research into consumer grocery shopping habits; and much more. Those interested in making sense of competing data sets from NASS, FSA, and RMA; hearing a row rice annual review, or learning about the future of rice co-ops will find that and more at the Heritage Agriculture Stage.
The Rice Foundation Innovation Stage will once again host the state outlook and research reports as well as presentations on new products, technologies, and services designed to improve your bottom line.
“There is quite literally something for everyone at the USA Rice Outlook Conference. No matter the size of your operation or whether you are in farming, ag equipment or inputs, financial services, milling, end use, exporting, transportation, or somewhere else on the value chain, you will leave the conference with new practical knowledge,” said Charley Mathews, Jr., California rice farmer and Chair of USA Rice. “Our team has worked hard to make this the biggest and best Outlook yet and I know you won’t want to miss it.”
As was the case last year, the Think Rice Road Trip truck, a 2019 F-150 currently partaking in consumer promotion events across the Mid-Atlantic, will be raffled off during the Tuesday General Session - so be sure to include a raffle ticket in your registration!
Registration and programming details can be found at www.usarice.com/outlook.
The 2019 USA Rice Outlook Conference will take place from December 8-10, 2019 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The conference hotel is sold out, however, guests can lock in a special conference rate of $139/night at the Little Rock Doubletree, just steps from the Convention Center, by mentioning Group Code RIC.