Program

Conference programming for the 2026 Outlook Conference is in development.  We'll have an exciting lineup of speakers and outstanding educational sessions that will make your time spent in Nashville truly impactful to you, to your bottom line, and to your business.

Keynote Speaker

Stephen Vaden

Stephen Vaden, USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (Invited)

A lively and engaging speaker with a deep understanding of agriculture policy, law, rural development, trade, and international law, Judge Vaden will share his thoughts on the state of the ag world today and take your questions.


Select Educational Programming

This year we are offering more than 14 hours of concurrent educational programming during the conference.  Below are a few highlights.  
  • Managing Input Costs & Capital Purchase Strategies – Smart budgeting for the down farm cycle.
  • U.S. Jasmine 101 – Jasmine acres are increasing. What you need to know about growing this in-demand aromatic variety.
  • Rural Mental Health – It’s okay to not be okay. 
  • Farm Structure for Success – Practical steps for structuring debt and farm operations to be best positioned for government and private programs.
  • Rice Markets in a Tariff-Whiplash Economy – What tariffs and trade deals really mean for your bottom line and what can we expect for the rest of the Trump term?
  • Gene Editing in Rice – What’s the promise being offered by gene editing to breeders? What can it do and what can’t it do, and is the technology right for rice?
  • U.S. Rice Quality Symposium – U.S. rice breeders are making progress addressing the quality characteristics requested by Latin American rice importers. Rice breeders from public research institutions and private companies will share the results of their recent elite line testing.
  • International Market Panels – Our international market panels will feature key importers and brand representatives to share insights into their regions, customers, and market opportunities. Featured markets include:
    • Mexico – Still our top market.
    • Central America – Will new varieties seal the deal?
    • Asia – This high value market is critically important for the industry.
    • Europe/Middle East – How will improved market access change this export destination

Other session topics include:

  • U.S. Aromatic Lines and Standards
  • AI, Precision Ag, and Data
  • Rice History
  • Navigating the Attention Economy
  • USA Rice’s Consumer Research
  • State Rice Research and Outlook Reports for eight states… and much more!
A speaker addresses a crowd of conference attendees



Persons requiring special accommodations or having any dietary restrictions to attend or participate in this conference should contact Jeanette Davis at (240) 682-0059, or e-mail jdavis@usarice.com no later than November 30, 2026.

USA Rice is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  USA Rice does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital/family status or political beliefs.