ANAHEIM, CA — Arkansas rice farmer and Field Good Life podcast host Jennifer James took center stage last week at the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Summit, bringing a clear and compelling farmer perspective to national discussions about sustainability, data, and trust.
As a panelist on “From Data to Dialogue: Increasing Trust in Sustainability,” James emphasized the importance of translating complex sustainability information into practical, farmer-friendly communication. She highlighted that clarity, transparency, and real-world context help farmers better understand and apply data in ways that improve on-farm decision-making. James also underscored the value of peer-to-peer learning and farmer-led storytelling—such as through her podcast—as effective tools for connecting sustainability concepts to day-to-day practice.
Her contributions drew strong engagement from attendees across the supply chain, reaffirming that farmer-centered communication is essential to building confidence in sustainability efforts.
USA Rice Recognized at Field to Market
Earlier in the week, USA Rice was recognized during Field to Market’s Fall Membership Meeting for its longstanding engagement and leadership since joining FTM in 2010. The recognition highlighted USA Rice’s continued commitment to ensuring growers remain integral partners in shaping sustainability program development and data-driven initiatives.
Board Leadership Transition: Isbell Concludes Service, Hankins Elected
Field to Market also announced its 2026 Board of Directors, including the election of Josh Hankins, USA Rice Director of Grower Relations & the Rice Stewardship Partnership to the Grower Sector seat following a competitive race.
Long-time board representative Mark Isbell concluded his service after many years representing rice growers within Field to Market. His leadership played a key role in strengthening grower perspectives across FTM’s committees, working groups, and program design.
“Mark has been a tremendous representative for rice growers, always focused on ensuring farmers have a meaningful voice in sustainability discussions,” said Adam Shea, Vice President of Government Affairs & Sustainability at Riceland Foods. “His leadership helped build trust across the value chain, and seeing Jennifer carry that same spirit onto the Summit stage this week shows just how strong and thoughtful our grower voices are. The rice industry is fortunate to have both of them leading in these national conversations.”
With Jennifer James elevating the farmer’s voice at the Sustainable Ag Summit, USA Rice recognized for its sustained engagement with Field to Market, and continued grower representation secured on the FTM Board, the rice industry played an influential and highly visible role at both events in Anaheim.
USA Rice remains committed to advancing sustainability approaches rooted in real on-farm experience and championing grower leadership across the value chain.