Crowley, LA — The 89th International Rice Festival Board of Directors has selected USA Rice Director of Field Services Kane Webb as this year’s Honoree, joining the Presidential Party for the 2026 festivities.
Kane works closely with Louisiana’s rice growers’ organizations, rice mills, and rice merchants, while supporting rice industry organizations across the other U.S. rice-producing states. He also supports Dr. Steve Linscombe and The Rice Foundation’s Rice Leadership Development Program. Kane is deeply committed to USA Rice’s mission of advocating for farmers, millers, merchants, and allied businesses, as well as ensuring the strength and future vitality of the U.S. rice industry.
Kane considers it a privilege to work alongside the families and communities who have helped shape Louisiana’s rich rice farming heritage.
“I first met Kane when he came to USA Rice as Louisiana's field staff person nine years ago. You recognize immediately that he is intelligent and a go-getter,” said USA Rice Chair John Owen. “I relied on Kane for many years in various roles and he always delivered. He is always upbeat, and solution oriented. He is a worthy recipient of this honor. He is also a great friend.”
Raised on a rice and cattle farm in Southwest Louisiana, Kane developed a lifelong passion for agriculture at an early age. He graduated from Iowa High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from McNeese State University before beginning his career with Helena Chemical Company in Crowley, Louisiana.
Kane is a graduate of the LSU Ag Leadership Program and is an active member of the Acadia Rice Growers Association, the McNeese State University Agricultural Alumni Association, Crowley Town Club, and the Krewe of Town Revelers.
Kane and his wife, Ginger, have been married for nearly 29 years and live in Crowley, Louisiana. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Kana and Molly, both graduates of University of Alabama. Kana is currently completing her fourth year of medical school in Birmingham, Alabama, and Molly is beginning her master’s degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
The International Rice Festival takes place on the third weekend of October each year on downtown Crowley’s historic Main Street. For more updates and information, visit
www.ricefestival.com.