Amy Beth Dowdy (left) is congratulated by rice industry pal Sunny Bottoms
Feb 28, 2022
MEMPHIS, TN -- Crowds braved the cold that blanketed the region to attend the 70th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show held at the Renasant Convention Center this past weekend. Farmers and agriculture industry representatives from across the south gathered to learn about the latest innovations, equipment, machinery, and technology.
The rice industry was well represented, with booths staffed by USA Rice, Arkansas Rice, and Delta Rice Promotions, along with many industry partners who staged exhibits at the trade show.
“This is the biggest indoor farm show in the south and attracts approximately 20,000 attendees over the two-day timeframe,” said Kane Webb, USA Rice director of field services. “We were happy to be back in person this year. It was great to reconnect with familiar faces, and to share information about U.S.-grown rice with all who asked.”
During the show, Rice Farming Magazine and Corteva Agriscience honored the Rice Consultants of the Year for 2020 and 2021. The 2020 recipient, Amy Beth Dowdy, an independent crop consultant who works in southeast Missouri, talked about her love for the rice industry and recognized Missouri growers Rance Daniels and the Worrell family for her nomination.
“With so many irons in the fire, rice growers can’t always keep up with everything. I give my growers a heads-up about emerging agronomic issues,” said Dowdy. “It’s not that the grower isn’t knowledgeable. It’s that he doesn’t have time to know what problems are getting ready to pop or which fields may currently need more attention than others.”
Malori Lansing with Corteva Agriscience introduced the 2021 winner, BD Fontenot from Eunice, Louisiana, who has been consulting for more than four decades.
Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of The Rice Foundation, said Fontenot is by far the best rice consultant with whom he has worked. “One thing that has always impressed me about BD is that he will leave no stone unturned in getting the answer to a question or issue that will benefit one of his growers,” said Linscombe.