Happy Anniversary to the US Rice Producers Association!

Rice Farmers Ready for 2021!

Today, December 18, 2020, marks the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the US Rice Producers Association. Today it’s impossible to not think of Mr. Jack Wendt, a Texas rice farmer and former President of the US Rice Council that was based in Houston, Texas, and a man who traveled the world promoting U.S. grown rice. He also made his share of trips to Washington, D.C. to remind Capitol Hill of the contribution made by rice farmers to our national food security in his genuine effort to feed the world.

While Jack grew more than 60 rice crops, he was an original member of the USRPA board of directors. Respected and known by everyone in the U.S. rice industry, Mr. Wendt played an instrumental role in the development of those original by-laws dated December 18, 1997. The same principals installed by Jack in 1997 ring true today- an organization comprised of producers, elected by producers, and representing rice producers in all rice-producing states.

The new rice association was told at the time the effort would never materialize, considered a group of “rebel farmers” who will not last. Someone forgot to tell folks like Mr. Wendt, Raymond Franz, Hal Koop, Sonny Martin, Penn Owen and Rex Morgan apparently. These gentlemen stood by their principals and always spoke as if 1,000 rice farmers were listening over their shoulders. Just like Ray Stoesser!

Over the years change became inevitable and while the USRPA developed unique relationships with the most important markets and the buyers for long-grain rice, it is satisfying to know that these men had so much to do with our current day leadership in the US rice industry.

Comments written last month by the leadership of the USA Rice Federation apparently confirm what these men knew all along.

“All of those issues are long gone and most of the people involved are not around anymore.”

“The leadership on the USA Rice board & committees has changed and the attitude and philosophy has changed.”

“That might have been the case 20 years ago and now is far from the truth.”

Looking back over the past 23 years, this has to be the biggest accomplishment of the USRPA- raising awareness and creating change for the better.

Congratulations to all of you who have been involved in this process and continue to represent rice farmers. 2021 will bring new challenges but like has been the case for the past 23 years, they will be met. After all 2020 has taught us that farmers are officially “essential.”

Pictured above are Mr. Jack Wendt (November 4, 1922 – February 22, 2013) with his wife Billie (who passed away in October 2020) and their daughters, attending an event in his honor at Texas A&M University. Jack Wendt received numerous awards for his exemplary leadership and assistance in forming a Texas Rice Research Foundation.

To accommodate the global travel restriction and adapt to rapidly developing cloud technology, USRPA held its first public virtual event via Zoom in China on Wednesday 10 am -12 pm, August 26th, 2020 (US Central time is Tuesday, August 25, 9-11pm). 

The educational seminar on US rice was the first of a series virtual events that benefit both international rice buyers as well as US companies that are particularly interested in expanding their global markets.     The seminar attracted dozens attendees in China which primarily consist of rice importers, food processors and Chinese rice industry leaders. This 2 hour event began with a presentation on the latest US rice market and different topics presented by renowned industry speakers followed by a Q&A session. USDA FAS has also accepted the invitation was one of the guest speakers.  

China is open to US rice thanks to the efforts of USRPA, the first rice organization to venture into this market. After the successful completion of trade mission in China in 2019, USRPA continues to monitor the market, communicate to trade contacts and plans to conduct promotional programs.

More Info

The US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) amplifies farmers' voices, while the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship champions the future of agriculture. The USRPA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of agriculture is commendable, ensuring the longevity of America's rice industry in both national and international markets.

Being awarded the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship stands as my proudest achievement and greatest honor thus far. To me, it was not just a scholarship but a pivotal moment that transformed my life. The shift from my previous goals and aspirations to the current ones stems from my time as a scholar with the USRPA, leading me onto a new career path and igniting a fervor for advocating for the rice industry's future.

I may be partial, but I hold firm that the U.S. rice industry comprises the most resilient, ambitious, and devoted individuals I've encountered. Despite the challenges of farming in today's economy, rice farmers persist in nourishing our nation amidst adversity. Beyond farming, many have remarkable stories of accomplishments outside the agricultural realm, from establishing seed companies to holding leadership roles in various organizations, exemplifying the inspirational spirit of USRPA farmers.

My time in Washington exceeded my expectations, transcending a mere advocacy visit to Capitol Hill. It provided invaluable insights not only into rice industry challenges but also the unwavering dedication of those safeguarding its future. As a part of the upcoming generation in agriculture, it is a privilege to be surrounded by farmers who are deeply passionate about their craft and the purpose behind it.

USRPA is extremely proud to have had Gayla on this trip and appreciates all the hard work she has dedicated to advocating for our farmers.

with Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe
Members of the Missouri Rice Council had a productive series of meetings at the State Capitol yesterday, culminating in Senator Jason Bean's exceptional Taste of the South event. The council is grateful to have such a great delegation representing southeast Missouri in the Missouri legislature, championing the interests of agriculture.
with Senator Jason Bean
with Representative Jamie Burger

USRPA is pleased to welcome Colby Branch as the new Marketing Specialist for USDA-FAS. Colby brings a wealth of experience, most recently serving as the Director for Agricultural Affairs for the Office of the US Trade Representative. We look forward to working with Colby in promoting and advocating for U.S. rice around the world.

Senators Boozman and Booker Call for Release of Food Aid

On Wednesday, Senators John Boozman (D-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) wrote a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USAID Administrator Samantha Power expressing concern over delays in the emergency purchase and shipment of in-kind global food assistance. Last fall, USDA announced it would distribute $1 billion to address global hunger; however, no additional action has been announced since then. In the letter, the Senators noted that there is no shortage of need and called on USDA and USAID to finalize their plans to administer this funding. A copy of the letter can be found here.

The market looks much like it did last week — which is great news! Exports continue to race ahead of last year, prices on the ground are firm, and expectations for a crop above 3 million acres for next year remain attainable. Despite the large increase, medium grain acres in the southern states are expected to drop because California is coming back in full force of its historical production. Reports from the West Coast indicate that without a late weather event that would initiate preventative planting, another crop over 500,000 acres is all but guaranteed. With planting decisions in the south being made at the moment, California farmers have until June 1 to plant. It would appear that long grain will be the safer play in the coming season, with the hope that growing conditions and quality will improve.
Cash prices have remained firm as rice in first hands is dwindling in some regions. Prices in Texas punctuate this point where prices are as high as $19/cwt, but largely because supply is running so low for spot market purchases. Louisiana is reporting at just over $18.50/cwt, while Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are all at $18.25/cwt.
In Asia, the price correction in Thailand continues with reports now pegging prices from the origin just below $620 pmt. Vietnam remains more competitive at prices closer to $615 pmt, but the convergence is expected and welcomed; it was strange seeing such a gap between the two countries, and even more so with India out of the market.
The futures market was active this week, with average daily volume jumping 172% to 2,348. Open interest was sideways at 12,133 for a 1.87% increase.U.S. Export Sales 2/23/2024
The Texas Rice Council event, Texas Rice Roundup, once again proved to be a popular gathering among Texas farmers for the second year in a row. Here's a big thank you to everyone who is contributing to the rice industry and showing support for our farmers. Whether you're a generous sponsor, a guest, a bidder at the auction, or a raffle ticket buyer, your support is truly valued.
The event's success highlighted robust industry partnerships and effective leadership. Guests enjoyed mingling at their tables, the bar, and the dessert station and danced to the tunes of Layne Allen Music. While the auction items were distinctive and the music was lively, Texas Rice Roundup served a significant purpose.
The core of this event was to raise funds in support of our U.S. rice farmers. Despite facing numerous challenges, the industry has remained resilient and stronger than ever. The unwavering dedication and hard work of our farmers continue to drive us toward success.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram