Harris Retires from Riceland Foods After 45 Years of Service

STUTTGART, AR -- Terry Harris, senior vice president of operations at Riceland Foods, retired last Friday from the farmer-owned cooperative where he spent his entire career.  

Harris started out as a quality control grader in 1975, and eventually became the vice president of international rice marketing.  In that role, he traveled the globe selling Arkansas rice to countries around the world.  Prior to his retirement, Harris managed operations at Riceland’s four mill points and numerous drier locations.

Riceland President and Chief Executive Officer Danny Kennedy called Harris a long-standing leader in the rice industry, saying the co-op was better today because of his years of service to Riceland’s farmer members and employees.

In addition to his work at Riceland, Harris promoted the U.S. rice industry by sharing his knowledge and expertise with others, serving on numerous boards and committees at both the national and state level.  He was on the board of directors for USA Rice, the USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA), the USA Rice Council, and The Rice Foundation.  He also was chair of many USA Rice working committees including the International Promotion Committee and the Europe, Africa, Middle East Promotion Subcommittee.

“Terry’s depth of knowledge will be hard to replicate or replace,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  “His understanding of the intricacies of rice production and trade come from years of experience, putting in a lot of time and even more miles, on behalf of the U.S. rice industry.  Terry and I worked together for many years and I am grateful for his mentorship and friendship.  He devoted a lot of time and energy as a volunteer leader to USA Rice and that legacy of dedication and commitment is something we’ll miss greatly now that he has retired.”