| Visits from key buyers from several Latin American markets this month are a direct result of the USRPA’s market development programs and the annual Rice Market & Technology Convention. With the current U.S. rice harvest in full swing, despite an untimely Hurricane Francine, the USRPA is constantly updating buyers regarding field and milling yields, variety development, and opportunities for both milled and paddy rice. Within one month, USRPA will have hosted buyer visits from Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, and Nicaragua. National Rice Month has really kicked off the harvest season! |
 Jay Davis of East Bernard Rice Marketing discuss characteristics of Texas grown varieties to Stefano DiLanzo from GSI-Venezuela, a major importer of paddy rice.   A Labor Day visit from GSI proved very productive due to the participation of from left Tommy Turner (USRPA board & President Texas Rice Council), Jay Davis (East Bernard Rice Marketing), Stefano DiLanzo from Venezuela and Galen Franz, Texas rice farmer and seed producer who serves on various Texas boards in addition to the USRPA. Thank you to Tommy and Galen for the test cooking session! |
 Mark Pousson of the South Louisiana Rail Facility explains rice farming and marketing conditions to Stefano DiLanzo. The SLRF has loaded vessels for GSI in the Port of Lake Charles.  Stefano discusses Louisiana varieties with Don Gauthier, Chairman of the SLRF board. |
 Ryan Carwell, manager for Poinsett Rice & Grain explains barge loading and logistics on the Mississippi River to Stefano DiLanzo. |
 From left, Bill Weeks (Southern Brown Rice, Weiner, AR), Ryan Carwell (Poinsett Rice & Grain), and from Costa Rica are Ricardo Castro (Grupo Pelon), Federico Ramirez (Demasa) and Antonio Martínez (CIPA) during a tour of Southern Brown Rice.  The discussion of tempering newly harvested rice is of great importance to buyers due to the effect on milling yields as well as cooking quality. |
 Despite the hurricane rains yesterday, Missouri rice farmers and board members Mitchell Thomas, Eric Hover, and Alex Clark along with Mollie Buckler (COO for USRPA) hosted a dinner for the Costa Rican buyers that allowed for an interesting discussion on the details of rice farming, storage, variety selection, marketing, contract growing, etc. that the “Ticos” found extremely valuable. |
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