Louisiana Producer Named Rice Farmer Of The Year

By Emily Woodall

USA Rice

USA Rice had a prominent presence at the 25th Annual National Conservation Systems Rice and Cotton Conference (Con-Till) held at the Red Wolf Convention Center here January 31 through February 2.

The USA Rice booth, set up adjacent to the Arkansas Rice Federation booth in the exhibit hall, was staffed by field reps Josh Hankins, Kane Webb, and Emily Woodall who took time to catch up with folks from across the rice growing region, as well as attend numerous breakout sessions.

With more than 580 registrants and a large number of farmers in the mix, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to promote USA Rice programs designed to support rice farmers. Dr. Steve Linscombe, USA Rice director of The Rice Foundation and the Rice Leadership Development Program, gave attendees an update on USA Rice activities, including current USA Rice sustainability efforts and emerging rice breeding technologies. Linscombe also outlined the Rice Leadership Development Program and encouraged eligible candidates to apply.

A number of rice research and extension scientists and consultants also made presentations, including Drs. Justin Chlapecka, Jarrod Hardke, and Ronnie Levy, state extension rice specialists in Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana, respectively.

Rice producers also participated in breakout sessions. Jim Whitaker, a rice farmer from McGehee, Arkansas, talked about his family operation’s whole farm approach to sustainability.

“This is a great conference and I’ve had the opportunity to speak here a number of times,” said Whitaker. “I think this is a unique situation where farmers are speaking to farmers.”

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Rice Farmer of the Year award to Louisiana producer Paul Johnson who is an active volunteer leader at USA Rice including serving as vice-chair of the Domestic Promotion Committee and member of the USA Rice Farmers Board of Directors.