NEW ORLEANS, LA – Members of the 2026 Rice Leadership Development Class were announced earlier this week during the annual Rice Awards Luncheon at this year’s USA Rice Outlook Conference here. The class is comprised of seven rice industry professionals selected by a committee of agribusiness leaders.
“This is an excellent group that displays exceptional leadership potential,” said Rice Foundation Director Dr. Steve Linscombe. “They also represent a mix of southern and west coast individuals which always makes for good class dynamics.”
The new rice producer class members are Dylan Benoit, Welsh, Louisiana; Dee Dickson, Stuttgart, Arkansas; Matt Howton, Forrest City, Arkansas; Alec Magenheimer, Yuba City, California; and Amy McArthur, Sledge, Mississippi.
The new industry-related class members are Austin Brown, Maumelle, Arkansas; and Nicholas Hanks, Crowley, Louisiana.
The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.
John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc., American Commodity Company, and Supreme Rice LLC are sponsors of the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation, and USA Rice manages the program.