Thanks to our Texas Rice Council members, industry members, and legislative staffers who joined us for Tuesday’s meeting

It was a busy and productive week for Texas rice producers, with a full slate of meetings held across Texas rice country. The week began on Tuesday with the Texas Rice Council Board of Directors meeting at Midway BBQ in Katy. Along with addressing regular council business, the meeting served as a valuable forum for Texas rice producers, millers, seed developers, and legislative staff to come together and discuss current market conditions and long-term strategy for the Texas rice industry. A key focus of the discussion centered on opportunities to grow Texas’s footprint in the U.S. aromatic market, particularly through expanding jasmine rice acreage and aligning production with market demand.

USRPA also maintained a strong presence at two major regional events, the Western Rice Belt Conference in El Campo and the Southeast Texas Rice Symposium in Winnie. USRPA staff hosted informational booths and engaged directly with producers. Texas Rice Council President Tommy Turner delivered presentations at both meetings, providing updates on ongoing Texas Rice Council and USRPA initiatives, policy advocacy efforts, and emerging market opportunities. These events offered an important opportunity for producers to ask questions, share concerns, and stay informed as the industry navigates a challenging economic environment while positioning itself for future growth.

A great turnout at the Western Rice Belt Conference in El Campo

Texas Rice Council President and USRPA Board Member Tommy Turner
presents at the Southeast Texas Rice Symposium in Winnie

LA Independent Rice Producers Association Holds Annual Meeting

The Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association (LIRPA) held its annual meeting on Thursday, bringing together rice growers, industry professionals, and agricultural experts from across the state to talk about the issues and opportunities shaping Louisiana’s rice industry.

The meeting took place in Welsh, Louisiana, and gave producers a chance to share insights and catch up on key industry developments. One of the main topics was the importance of the South Louisiana Rail Facility and the progress it has made, with support in part from USRPA through its trade missions and market development efforts.

After remarks from USRPA’s President and CEO Mollie Buckler, Mark Pousson gave the crowd an update on the market.

Announcing Holly Mazzola as the 2026 USRPA Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Holly pictured with TRC President Tommy Turner and Neal Stoesser

The US Rice Producers Association Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship recipient. Holly Mazzola, a PhD student in soil sciences at Texas A&M University, will receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Stoesser family to support the continuation of her education.

Raised in a goat ranching family in Sabinal, Texas, Holly developed an early passion for agriculture that grew alongside her love of learning. Her background in agriculture and firsthand experience with the challenges faced by small producers drive her commitment to advancing sustainable practices and addressing issues impacting Texas producers. She is particularly focused on developing practical and accessible solutions that help producers adopt sustainable agriculture without compromising productivity or profitability. Her current research focuses on improving nitrogen management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production under alternate wetting and drying management.

“Holly is exactly the type of student we’re proud to support: someone clearly focused on advancing the future of the rice industry,” Mollie Buckler, US Rice Producers Association President and CEO, said. “Her work reflects the practical, innovative thinking our producers need as we continue to strengthen sustainability and productivity in U.S. rice.”

In addition to the monetary award, Mazzola will serve as a student ambassador for the US Rice Producers Association in 2026 and will participate in activities such as field days, legislative events, conferences, and more. Texas Rice Council President Tommy Turner and Neal Stoesser, son of Ray Stoesser, presented Holly with her scholarship check at the Texas Rice Council Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday.