#77 The Whole (Grain) Truth

Humans aren't the only creatures who love to eat rice, which is why the work of entomologists like Dr. Blake Wilson of the LSU Ag Center and Dr. Lina Bernaola of Texas A&M Agrilife Research is so important. In this episode, USA Rice's Dr. Steve Linscombe sits down with these two experts to discuss unwelcome guests in rice fields, from stink bugs to snails, and what can be done about them.

With special guests:

Lina Bernaola, Assistant Professor & Rice Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Blake Wilson, Associate Professor & Entomologist, LSU Agricultural Center

Hosted by:

Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lesley Dixon

Members of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) create high-end foods and drinks. Rice is often found as an ingredient, but why not take the spotlight? Michael went to SFA’s Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas last month to ask this question and sample fancy food. He's back to talk about his observations with Lesley and share an interview with California rice farmers (and show exhibitors) Tom and Carter Knowles of Chico Rice. He also visited with Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group about food trends and consumer desires. And SFA's Leana Salamah stops by to talk about the market and her organization.

With special guests:

Leana Salamah​​​​ SVP, Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, Laurie Demeritt, CEO, The Hartman Group, Carter Knowles, Chico Rice, and Tom Knowles, Chico Rice

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

In 2022, USDA announced Climate Smart Commodity grants, with the USA Rice - Ducks Unlimited - National Black Growers Council application receiving the highest score and $80 million. Throughout 2023, the details of the program were negotiated and sign ups are about to open. USA Rice's Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership Josh Hankins comes by to explain how the program will work and what rice growers can expect.

With special guest:

Josh Hankins, Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership, USA Rice

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. agriculture is facing a major labor shortage and increasingly relies on foreign workers to keep food on our tables. The government program designed to help is complex, confusing, and confounding in many aspects. Ag labor expert Kristi Boswell with Alston & Bird law firm conducted a session on the topic at the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference. On this episode of TRS, Arkansas rice farmers Jennifer James and Joe Mencer talk about their experiences with the program and how they think it can be improved.

With special guests:

Jennifer James, Arkansas rice farmer, Joe Mencer, Arkansas rice farmer, and Kristi Boswell, Attorney, Alston & Bird

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference took place in early December in Indian Wells, California. Rice industry members from around the world gathered to network and learn from dozens of speakers on as many important topics. Michael and Lesley talk highlights and play clips from several education sessions, though they only scratched the surface.

With special guests:

Michael Fruge, Cole Jones, Jeremy Jones, Jay Coker, Dr. Michele Reba, Dr. Michael Humber, Dr. Ben Runkle, Aled Thomas, Cameron Jacobs, and Steve Linscombe

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

With about half of the annual U.S. rice crop exported every year, maintaining & expanding overseas markets and finding new ones is a critical function for USA Rice. Reverse trade missions are an important tool for our export experts. One such expert, Ashia Grigsby, joins us to talk about a recently completed mission she led through the mid-South with several Central American importers, including El Salvador’s Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade and Guatemala’s Gerardo Pallais Montenegro both of whom sat down with Michael.

With special guests:

Asiha Grigsby, Director of International Promotion - Western Hemisphere, USA Rice, Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade, CEO Suministros e Inversiones S.A. de C.V, and Gerardo Pallais Montenegro, Supplies and Logistics Manager, Central de Alimentos

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Once again, Michael attended the International Rice Festival (IRF) in Crowley, Louisiana and lived to tell the tale. Lesley & Michael discuss the interviews he brought back with the 86th IRF Rice Queen and her sister, the 84th IRF Rice Queen (the Hardy Girls); the 2023 IRF Rice Farmers of the Year, Julie & Christian Richard; the Junior Farmer of the Year, KynLee Fruge; the Grand Parade Marshals, Christine & Dwayne Fulton of Falcon Rice Mill; and the 2023 Chef de Riz, Alex Welch. All that, grand theft auto, parade float etiquette, and more.

With special guests:

Alex Welch, 2023 Chef de Riz, KynLee Fruge, 2023 Junior Rice Farmer of the Year, Isabella Hardy, 86th International Rice Festival Queen, Caroline Hardy, 84th International Rice Festival Queen, Christian & Julie Richard, 2023 Rice Farmers of the Year, and Dwayne and Christine Fulton, 2023 Grand Parade Marshals

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference is fast approaching. The team talks about the many changes that have been made to improve the experience of attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Education sessions to improve your bottom line, speakers to tackle important issues, awards, and a golf tournament for The Rice Foundation...all against the beautiful backdrop of Indian Wells, California. www.usarice.com/outlook

With special guest:

Sarah Moran, Vice President of International, USA Rice

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

India continues to unapologetically flaunt WTO obligations, and their On-again/Off-again rice export bans are wreaking havoc on global markets, prices, and with food insecure countries in Asia & Africa. Congress has taken steps to pressure the Biden Administration to force India to shape up. Joining the podcast to talk about it is our own Peter Bachmann, Craig Thorn of DTB AgriTrade, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a cosponsor of related legislation and someone who is not shy about calling India out.

With special guests:

Craig Thorn, Partner, DTB AgriTrade, Peter Bachmann, VP Policy and Government Affairs, USA Rice, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice is a founding member of the Oldways Whole Grains Council, and in this episode, we check in with Kelly LeBlanc, VP of Nutrition for Oldways who shares results of a recent consumer survey her group conducted that looks into American understanding of nutrition, whole grains like brown rice, and the Whole Grain Stamp as a symbol of healthy eating. We also chat nutrition with Sam Schneider, rice farmer, owner of Inland Cape Rice Company, and a nutrition and wellness devotee.

With special guests:

Kelly LeBlanc, MLA, RD, LDN, Vice President of Nutrition Programming, Oldways and Sam Schneider, Owner, Inland Cape Rice Co

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon