Class members (standing) and sponsors (seated)
Dec 09, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- Members of the 2022/24 Rice Leadership Development Program class were announced Monday during the annual Rice Awards Luncheon at the 2021 USA Rice Outlook Conference. The class is comprised of seven rice industry professionals selected by a committee of agribusiness leaders.
“This is an outstanding group that displays exceptional leadership potential. They are also diverse, both in background and geographically,” said Rice Foundation Director Steve Linscombe.
The new rice-producer class members are Daniel Cavazos, Wellington, Florida; John McGraw, Star City, Arkansas; Conner Popeck, Gueydan, Louisiana; Julie Richard, Kaplan, Louisiana; and, Peter Rystrom, Chico, California.
The new industry-related class members are Corey Conner, Lake Arthur, Louisiana; and,
Adam McCalister, Woodland, California.
The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.
John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc., and American Commodity Company are sponsors of the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation, and USA Rice manages the program.