| The Embassy Suites at Jonesboro, AR was the setting for the 27th Annual Cotton & Rice Conference, hosted by the National Conservation Systems. Cotton, Inc. and the US Rice Producers Association are primary sponsors of the conference each year. Over 400 attendees were treated to a wealth of information, including cutting-edge research, firsthand farmer experiences, and successful case studies. USRPA, a leading sponsor for 25 years, was well-represented at the conference, with over 100 speakers present. Alex Clark, USRPA Board Member, kicked off the Opening General Session with an overview of the organization's current programs and priorities and was awarded the Rice Farmer of the Year award. Dennis DeLaughter, USRPA Board Member from Texas, led a Rice Market Outlook Session. Mollie Buckler, USRPA COO, introduced Dr. Justin Benavidez, Chief Economist, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture as the luncheon keynote speaker on a very well-attended overview of the Farm Bill. Fred Clark, Senior Consultant at Cornerstone Government Affairs in Washington, D.C., presented “Farm Policy still matters, even if the farm bill is late, budgets aren’t great, and trade deals wait”. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with USRPA staff at the Missouri Rice Council and USRPA booths, and the social reception sponsored by the US Rice Producers Association on Tuesday evening. Thanks to the Mid-America Farmer Grower team for another successful conference. |
 Trey Barker and Iris Figueroa at the USRPA booth. Dr. Justin Benavidez, Chief Economist, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. |  Mollie Buckler representing Missouri Rice Council and USRPA. Mollie Buckler, USRPA COO, introducing Dr. Justin Benavidez. |
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