Bill Tomson (right) on stage with Rice Millers' Association Chair Keith Gray at the 2018 USA Rice Outlook Conference in San Diego
May 15, 2024
USA Rice was saddened to learn of the death of journalist and friend Bill Tomson after a battle with cancer.
Tomson was the senior trade editor for Agri-Pulse where he regularly wrote about the rice industry, including well-researched, thorough stories about the manipulation of global rice markets through trade barriers and illegal subsidies, and trade agreements and policies around the world.
A native of Washington, DC, Tomson understood government profoundly, regularly producing scoops and turning up exactly where he needed to be, even if those he was covering wished he hadn’t. One place he turned up and was quite welcome was the 2018 USA Rice Outlook Conference Main Stage where he had a fireside chat with then Rice Millers’ Association Chair Keith Gray. The talk, entitled, “Trade in the Trump Era: What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here?” was engaging and Tomson’s instincts proved quite prescient.
“Bill was a great journalist, a straight-shooter, super smart, and a nice, funny guy,” said Michael Klein, USA Rice vice president of communications. “We talked and texted frequently and at all hours, and Bill’s were calls you took – because he undoubtedly knew something you didn’t but needed to. I enjoyed listening to how his mind worked as he would unpack stories and angles in real time. I’ll miss him professionally and personally.”
USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann recalls his changing and challenging relationship with Bill. “As a government employee, I spent my time trying to dodge Bill and avoid giving him intel. But after returning to the private sector, Bill became one of my biggest allies and he worked closely with USA Rice to amplify our issues, especially if they were a little spicy or contentious. Our sincerest condolences to his family and the Agri-Pulse team.”
Bill held a bachelor's degree in journalism from Central Michigan University. He was 55 years old and is survived by his wife Marcia and daughter Chloe; two siblings, Jeff and Amy; and his parents, Bill and Anne.