RICE COUNTRY, ARKANSAS & MISSOURI – Field days across Arkansas and Missouri last week provided an important opportunity for the rice industry to gather in the field, see research firsthand, and exchange ideas on production, policy, and conservation. USA Rice and Rice Stewardship Partnership staff joined farmers, consultants, researchers, and industry partners at Horizon Ag’s Arkansas Field Day, Nutrien’s Missouri Bootheel Rice Field Tour, and the Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council’s Annual Field Day.
At Horizon Ag’s Arkansas Field Day, held at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg, attendees heard from researchers, industry specialists, and experienced rice farmers about promising new Horizon Ag varieties and Provisia technology. Nutrien’s Missouri Bootheel Rice Field Tour provided an inside look at seed production fields and an overview of their DynaGro Rice product pipeline. The Missouri Rice Council’s Annual Field Day near Glennonville, Missouri, featured technical presentations on weed and insect management, and variety trial results, along with timely policy and marketing updates.
“It was an honor to join growers, researchers, and partners at the Missouri field days this week,” said USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. “In these challenging times, our industry is stronger when we work together. The spirit of collaboration I witnessed here underscores the importance of unifying behind our shared priorities—supporting our farmers, advancing innovation, and ensuring a bright future for U.S. rice.”
Patrick Dill, rice coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, based out of the Jonesboro, Arkansas, DU field office that opened this time last year (see
USA Rice Daily, July 19, 2024), also highlighted the value of the week’s events. “These field days give us the chance to engage directly with farmers and industry partners, reinforcing how conservation and rice production go hand-in-hand,” Dill said.
The week’s events highlighted the important role field days play in connecting producers with new research, innovative practices, and the broader support network working to keep U.S. rice competitive and sustainable.