This week the National Conservation Systems held its 26th Annual Cotton & Rice Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge, LA. US Rice Producers Association is proud to be a primary sponsor of the conference every year along with Cotton, Inc. The cutting edge of research, real life experiences and examples from successful farmers are always a highlight of this unique conference. USRPA has been the major sponsor on behalf of the U.S. rice farming industry for over 20 years.

Amongst the 100+ speakers, USRPA was well-represented. In addition to USRPA Board Member Neal Stoesser's Rice Farmer of the Year honors, USRPA Chairman Alex Clark was part of the Opening General Session, giving a great overview of the organization's current priorities and programs. USRPA Board Member Mark Pousson introduced Governor John Bel Edwards as the luncheon keynote speaker Dennis DeLaughter, USRPA Board Member from Texas, led a Rice Market Outlook Session. Finally, Vernie Hubert, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs in Washington, D.C., gave a presentation entitled "The New Congress and the 2023 Farm Bill."

Attendees visited with USRPA staff at the USRPA and Missouri Rice Council booths and were glad to have a chance to visit with their fellow producers and ag industry representatives during the social reception sponsored by the US Rice Producers Association on Tuesday evening. Mitch Landry & the Cajun Ramblers played in the background while attendees networked and watched as the door prizes were awarded. A special thanks to the Mid-America Farmer Grower team for another great conference.