PORTAGEVILLE, MO – The southeast Missouri rice industry was in the spotlight yesterday morning as a large crowd gathered for the 64th Annual Field Day & Appreciation Breakfast at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension & Education Center (FD-REEC).
The event officially kicked off the third annual Ag Research Expo, an increasingly vital forum for Missouri producers. Held at the University of Missouri’s Fisher Delta Center—part of a network of research farms serving the state’s diverse agricultural regions—the Field Day brought together farmers, researchers, elected officials, and industry partners to explore cutting-edge agricultural technology, discuss policy, and highlight the region’s contributions to national food and fiber production.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, speaking to a crowd of producers and researchers, praised the facility’s long-standing impact on U.S. agriculture.
“This is the physical presence of what ag research is all about,” Kehoe said. “A lot of the best ag research in the world happens here in Portageville … talking to those scientists—folks much smarter than me—that are figuring out how to be more productive and efficient in agriculture. It’s happening right here in the Bootheel.”
U.S. Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8), chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, underscored his legislative focus on supporting rural America, including historic tax relief efforts tailored to agriculture.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill is the largest tax relief for farmers in the history of America,” Smith said, highlighting key provisions like the permanent extension of the 199A small business deduction and 100 percent expensing for farm equipment. “This bill was the only way that we could have gotten an agriculture title through Congress this session, and we are thankful to have it signed into law.”
FD-REEC Director Aaron Brandt emphasized the Center’s role in bridging scientific discovery with real-world applications, especially in rice, cotton, soybeans, and peanuts. “Our goal is to help Missouri farmers make better decisions that ultimately improve their bottom line.”
As research from operations like FD-REEC underscore the value of innovation in rice production, USA Rice continues to advocate for strong federal policies and investments that ensure rice growers have the tools and support they need to stay competitive.
At today’s Ag Research Expo, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited staff were on hand to share information on the Rice Stewardship Partnership, founded in 2013 to offer rice producers from each of the six rice-growing states assistance in addressing water quantity, water quality and wildlife habitat on working ricelands.