USA Rice Daily

James Rodney Richard, Jr., known as “Uncle Jimmy” to many in the rice industry, passed away on Sunday, August 5. Jimmy worked for Riviana Rice in Abbeville from 1975 until the closing of the Abbeville location in 2006, when he continued to serve the rice industry as a rice broker for Richard Independent Rice Brokers.

At USA Rice’s July Business Meeting here this week, the USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA) announced the election of Keith Gray, Vice President of Supply Chain at Riviana Foods, as chairman, and Keith Glover, President & CEO of Producers Rice Mill, as vice chairman.

New chairmen for USA Rice and The Rice Foundation were elected by their respective Boards of Directors during annual meetings here today.

At USA Rice’s July Business Meeting General Session yesterday, Hartwig Schmidt, USA Rice regional director for Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, received a special award upon his retirement from USA Rice after 22 years of service.

Carl Brothers received a standing ovation from his peers yesterday at the USA Rice Business Meeting General Session where he was recognized for his contributions to the U.S. industry on the eve of his retirement from Riceland Foods after 53 years of service.

Analysis of the 2018 Farm Bill, an in-depth look at new conservation partnerships, a report from the latest Rice Development Leadership class – you’ll find all that and more when you check your mailbox for the Summer 2018 Whole Grain.

This month our “Focus on the Farmer” shines the spotlight on Timothy Gertson, whose operation based in Wharton County, Texas, is called G5 Farms in recognition of the fact that he is the fifth generation in his family to farm rice there.

The USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA) held its 119th Annual Convention at the historic Greenbrier Resort here last week. Rice millers and allied industry participants heard from a variety of speakers on a wide range of topics.

USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of John L. Creed, Jr., of Houston, Texas, who passed away on June 9, at the age of 96. John was in the rice business for over 50 years and was the chairman of the board of the Creed Rice Co., Inc., an international rice brokerage firm.

USA Rice was saddened to learn of the passing of Grover Connell on May 17 at the age of 100. Grover served as president of The Connell Company from 1950 until his death.