Last week, representatives of some 185 rice businesses from 35 countries gathered at the Rice Market & Technology Convention in Cancun, Mexico to discuss a rice market unseen by anyone in attendance. The large participation was thanks in part to the conditions of the world market situation over the past two years, which continues to be complicated due to a number of factors such as weather, war, oil prices, COVID-19, soaring production costs, labor, logistics, and related issues. 

USRPA President and CEO Marcela Garcia, who has directed the conference for the past 11 years, was pleased but unsurprised by the increased attendance, pointing out, “This is a direct result of the market itself and the industry’s need to interact and conduct business while trying to get a feel for what lies ahead both short term and long term.”

Popular economist Dennis DeLaughter set the tone for the conference with his opening presentation titled “The Law of Unintended Consequences: Embracing Change,” highlighting the impacts on the economy and agriculture caused by world events. The conference consisted of two full days of presentations that ended with “Impacts of Higher Agricultural Input Values and Competitive Crop Pricing on the Rice Sector” by Dr. Thomas Wynn and Jay Davis of Coastal Rice and Futures Inc, giving participants something to talk and think about no matter their country of origin.

Prior to the conference itself, the Central American Rice Federation (FECARROZ) held its regular board meeting while SuperBrix and Applied Milling Systems conducted a well-attended, one-day seminar for rice milling managers titled “Follow the Money: Closing the Rice Profitability Circle.” The class involved milling engineer Norris Bond, well known worldwide in rice milling design and management.

“This year’s conference was a unique one and the RMTC has become exactly what we envisioned many years ago,” according to USRPA market advisor Dwight Roberts, adding that plans to make the 2023 conference even better are underway.

On Wednesday, the US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) announced the creation of the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of former USRPA board member Ray Stoesser. Stoesser’s family, in partnership with USRPA, created the scholarship program to celebrate the late farmer’s legacy and support the agriculture leaders of tomorrow. An active US Rice Producers Association board member and a third-generation farmer of more than 50 years, Stoesser was passionate about three things: his faith, his family, and agriculture. While he loved nearly every aspect of his decades-long career as a rice producer, he was particularly passionate about expanding opportunities in agriculture for the next generation.

In addition to receiving a $5000 scholarship to support their academic pursuits, the selected recipient will serve as a student ambassador for USRPA with an expectation of participating in at least two activities during the calendar year, including Field Days, legislative activities, conferences, and more.

“USRPA is thrilled to partner with the Stoesser family to create this opportunity for the agriculture leaders of tomorrow,” Marcela Garcia, President, and CEO of USRPA, said. “These students are our industry’s future and we’re proud to support them.”

Current high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students are eligible to apply. Applicants should have the intent of pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. The application is now available online at usriceproducers.com/scholarship. Applications are due Wednesday, December 15.

The US Rice Producers Association, representing rice producers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas, is the only national rice producers’ organization comprised by producers, elected by producers, and representing producers in all six rice-producing states.

The Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council’s Annual Field Day, originally scheduled in-person for August 19, 2021, is now available virtually. Watch the videos below for a glimpse of this year’s program, including an introduction from new staff member Mollie Buckler, and a presentation on water resources from Professor Michael Aide from Southeast Missouri State University. Visit the Virtual Field Day page on missouririce.com for the complete program of research updates, market updates, and more.

Meet Mollie Buckler, Coordinator for Delta Producer Relations, US Rice Producers Association. Mollie joined the team in June.

Have you ever wondered why rice is grown in southeast Missouri? Dr. Michael Aide with Southeast Missouri State University discusses water resources in Missouri and how the fertile farmlands of the Missouri bootheel came to be.