Rice Cooperatives Hold Annual Membership Meetings Amid Dour Economic Situation

STUTTGART, AR – Last week, more than 200 members and staff of the farmer-owned cooperative Producers Rice Mill gathered here at the Grand Prairie Center for their 82nd annual membership meeting. Attendees come together annually for fellowship, a luncheon, a keynote speaker, and industry updates from the cooperative’s leadership.  

Following the luncheon, the members remain for the membership business portion to review finances and discuss the cooperative’s operations.  USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann was this year’s keynote speaker, sharing organizational overviews and outlining USA Rice’s 2025/26 advocacy and policy priorities. 

“It was great to see such a large turnout for Producers’ annual meeting given the persistent challenges that row crop farmers are up against this year, and I think it’s a testament to the resilient nature of our industry,” said Bachmann.  “I shared with the group that while growers have been busy raising their crop this year, our team has been firing on all cylinders to help regain existing markets or expand to new markets and to push for a sustainable farm safety net program for rice farmers alongside a round of much-needed economic assistance this fall.”

Bachmann sounded a positive note, saying, “There is reason for optimism this fall.  There are prospects of new trade agreements where U.S. rice could see improved market access, the outlook for tariff-imposed support on foreign imports, payments moving through the USA Rice Advancing Markets for Producers grant, potentially multiple streams of ad hoc assistance to be announced upon the government reopening, and an improved Price Loss Coverage reference price on the horizon for next fall, all pointing toward keeping the industry viable into the future.”

He also acknowledged to participants that USA Rice is grateful for Producers Rice Mill CEO Keith Glover who is currently serving the industry as the USA Rice Chair through July 2026. 

November is the month for all three of the U.S. rice industry’s farmer-owned cooperatives to hold their annual meetings, following the conclusion of harvest and prior to the heart of hunting season.  This week, Riceland Foods held their annual meeting in Jonesboro where USA Rice was represented.  Similarly, California-based Farmers Rice Cooperative will hold their annual meeting next week.