The Rice Stuff

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference took place in early December in Indian Wells, California. Rice industry members from around the world gathered to network and learn from dozens of speakers on as many important topics. Michael and Lesley talk highlights and play clips from several education sessions, though they only scratched the surface. With special guests: Michael Fruge, Cole Jones, Jeremy Jones, Jay Coker, Dr. Michele Reba, Dr. Michael Humber, Dr. Ben Runkle, Aled Thomas, Cameron Jacobs, and Steve Linscombe Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

With about half of the annual U.S. rice crop exported every year, maintaining & expanding overseas markets and finding new ones is a critical function for USA Rice. Reverse trade missions are an important tool for our export experts. One such expert, Ashia Grigsby, joins us to talk about a recently completed mission she led through the mid-South with several Central American importers, including El Salvador's Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade and Guatemala's Gerardo Pallais Montenegro both of whom sat down with Michael. With special guests: Asiha Grigsby, Director of International Promotion - Western Hemisphere, USA Rice, Teresa Elizabeth Zelaya de Saade, CEO Suministros e Inversiones S.A. de C.V, and Gerardo Pallais Montenegro, Supplies and Logistics Manager, Central de Alimentos Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Once again, Michael attended the International Rice Festival (IRF) in Crowley, Louisiana and lived to tell the tale. Lesley & Michael discuss the interviews he brought back with the 86th IRF Rice Queen and her sister, the 84th IRF Rice Queen (the Hardy Girls); the 2023 IRF Rice Farmers of the Year, Julie & Christian Richard; the Junior Farmer of the Year, KynLee Fruge; the Grand Parade Marshals, Christine & Dwayne Fulton of Falcon Rice Mill; and the 2023 Chef de Riz, Alex Welch. All that, grand theft auto, parade float etiquette, and more. With special guests: Alex Welch, 2023 Chef de Riz, KynLee Fruge, 2023 Junior Rice Farmer of the Year, Isabella Hardy, 86th International Rice Festival Queen, Caroline Hardy, 84th International Rice Festival Queen, Christian & Julie Richard, 2023 Rice Farmers of the Year, and Dwayne and Christine Fulton, 2023 Grand Parade Marshals Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference is fast approaching. The team talks about the many changes that have been made to improve the experience of attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Education sessions to improve your bottom line, speakers to tackle important issues, awards, and a golf tournament for The Rice Foundation...all against the beautiful backdrop of Indian Wells, California. www.usarice.com/outlook With special guest: Sarah Moran, Vice President of International, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

India continues to unapologetically flaunt WTO obligations, and their On-again/Off-again rice export bans are wreaking havoc on global markets, prices, and with food insecure countries in Asia & Africa. Congress has taken steps to pressure the Biden Administration to force India to shape up. Joining the podcast to talk about it is our own Peter Bachmann, Craig Thorn of DTB AgriTrade, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a cosponsor of related legislation and someone who is not shy about calling India out. With special guests: Craig Thorn, Partner, DTB AgriTrade, Peter Bachmann, VP Policy and Government Affairs, USA Rice, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice is a founding member of the Oldways Whole Grains Council, and in this episode, we check in with Kelly LeBlanc, VP of Nutrition for Oldways who shares results of a recent consumer survey her group conducted that looks into American understanding of nutrition, whole grains like brown rice, and the Whole Grain Stamp as a symbol of healthy eating. We also chat nutrition with Sam Schneider, rice farmer, owner of Inland Cape Rice Company, and a nutrition and wellness devotee. With special guests: Kelly LeBlanc, MLA, RD, LDN, Vice President of Nutrition Programming, Oldways and Sam Schneider, Owner, Inland Cape Rice Co Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. rice got its start more than 300 years ago in the coastal region of the Carolinas and many are once again growing the heirloom varieties that made the region the first rice capital of the U.S. First, Michael & Lesley talk with Craig Sasser, refuge manager at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge that includes the Hasty Point Plantation and their still operating rice fields. Then it's back to the Fancy Food Show in NYC where Michael visited with growers from South Carolina's White House Farms and North Carolina's Tidewater Grain Company. With special guests: Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Paul Quattlebaum and Griffith James, White House Farms Tommy Wheeler and Tommy Mitchell, Tidewater Grain Company Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon Related links: www.whitehousefarms.com www.tidewatergrain.com www.fws.gov/refuge/waccamaw

Maybe you know wild rice isn't technically rice, but do you know where and how wild rice is grown? Processed? Do you know the top market for wild rice? Or what kind of special nutrition punch wild rice packs? Elise Oliver, Director of Operations and Research for the California Wild Rice Advisory Board joins Lesley and Cameron to answer those and other questions about Oryza sativa's mighty cousin. Plus Michael and Lesley kvetch about the heat and talk wild rice recipes that can be found at www.calwildrice.org. With special guest: Elise Oliver, Director of Operations & Research, California Wild Rice Advisory Board Hosted by: Lesley Dixon, Cameron Jacobs, and Michael Klein

Rice is moved by road, rail, & water. Each mode of transport has advantages and drawbacks, but poor service is making rail a costly and frustrating option. Keith Glover, president & CEO of Producers Rice Mill, has been running point for the industry on holding Class 1 railroads accountable. He comes by to offer history and an update. Also, Michael sat down with Robert Primus, a member of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to talk about problems, accountability, and where shippers can go from here. With special guests: Keith Glover, President & CEO, Producers Rice Mill and Robert Primus, Member, U.S. Surface Transportation Board Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Michael is back from the 2023 Fancy Food Show and the Rice Millers' Association Convention where he visited with experts to talk about consumer trends. First, he attended a session with Dwight Richmond, Director of Center Store at Town & Country Markets Inc, to hear his thoughts on how and why he buys for his stores. Then Michael sat down with Emily Moquin, Food & Beverage Analyst for Morning Consult to hear her analysis of how the retail sector is changing right in front of our eyes. With special guest: Emily Moquin, Food and Beverage Analyst, Morning Consult Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Anheuser-Busch is the largest user of U.S.-grown rice and they have a special relationship with farmers – especially in Arkansas. Lesley got out of the Texas heat to go up to Jonesboro and the 2nd Annual Discovery Farm Showcase where she met and interviewed rice farmer Eric Vaught, U of AR researcher Trent Roberts, a Budweiser Clydesdale, and A-B's Bill Jones. The event highlighted regenerative agriculture, soil fertility, irrigation strategies, the importance of research and checkoff dollars and more. With special guests: Eric Vaught, Arkansas Rice Farmer, Dr. Trent Roberts, University of Arkansas, and Bill Jones, Anheuser-Busch Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

We're talking organic rice again. This time, Lesley shares interviews she conducted at a Texas rice event a few months ago. Bob Whitney with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Dr. Alvaro Durand-Murat at the University of Arkansas shared their thoughts and new exciting research they are undertaking in organic rice production. Then Michael and Lesley are joined by Dr. Steve Linscombe for his perspective on the topic. With special guests: Bob Whitney, Regents Fellow & Extension Organic Program Specialist, Texas A&M University and Dr. Alvaro Durand-Morat, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Steve Linscombe

Rice is the most manipulated commodity in the world and U.S. rice exporters and farmers are at the mercy of governments that make no secret of their WTO violations. The industry would like the U.S. government to take a case against India to the WTO – but our two recent victories against China have had little impact – so is it worth it? Craig Thorn of DTB AgriTrade and USA Rice's Peter Bachmann join Michael and Asiha to talk it all through. All that, the Peace Corp, being tear gassed, and more. With special guests: Craig Thorn, Partner, DTB AgriTrade and Peter Bachmann, VP of Government Affairs & Trade Policy, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Asiha Grigsby

All U.S. rice is GMO free. However the use of non-GMO DNA marker technologies has greatly improved the rice breeding process in recent years. Are these scientific breakthroughs making things easier for researchers? Are we on the path to The. Perfect. Variety? Leaders in the field from RiceTec and LSU join the podcast to talk about the technology and how they utilize it to look for specific traits in both pureline and hybrid varieties and what the future holds. With special guests: Brijesh Angira, Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Louisiana State University, Roberto Fritsche-Neto, Assistant Professor of Quantitative Genetics, Louisiana State University, Dr. Adam Famoso, Associate Professor, Louisiana State University, and Joshua Cobb, Director of Global Breeding Transformation, RiceTec Inc. Hosted by: Michael Klein, Steve Linscombe, and Lesley Dixon

Congress is deep into hearings for the 2023 Farm Bill and USA Rice has been providing witnesses to both the House and the Senate. Our own Jamison Cruce, who helps our witnesses prepare, stops by to talk about two recent hearings - one of conservation and one on the commodity title - and explain what the rice industry is hoping to achieve in the new Farm Bill. With special guest: Jamison Cruce, Senior Director of Government Affairs, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The Rice Leadership Development Program is extremely exclusive, and each year 5 farmers and 2 rice industry reps start their 2-year journey. Neither Michael nor Lesley would come close to qualifying – but Lesley was able to play the "media card" and join the new class on the first leg of their trip through Texas. She reports on the experience, including media training, a visit to a high-tech breeding lab, and getting to know members of the class. The program is sponsored by John Deere, American Commodity Company, and RiceTec. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.usarice.com/foundation/leadership-program. With special guests: P.J. Haynie, Christi Bland-Miller, and Charles Payne, Rice Leadership Development class members Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

School nutrition has come a long way in recent decades and U.S.-grown rice plays an important part because it's affordable, nutritious, and widely accepted. Two members of USA Rice's K-12 Chef Advisory Board, Chef Jason Hull and RDN Bettina Applewhite, join the podcast to talk about feeding kids and instilling positive dietary habits with rice. Michael and Lesley reminisce about their school days, compare notes, and discuss the merits of ketchup as a vegetable. On Wednesdays, they wear pink. With special guests: Bettina Applewhite, MS, RDN, LDN, Baltimore County Public Schools and Chef Jason Hull, Director of Culinary Services, Marin Country Day School Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The CAFTA-DR is the free trade agreement between the United States and Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. As with agreements of this type, tariffs have been heading lower and in 2023 we entered into a period of actual free trade for rice with the countries. USA Rice's Peter Bachmann and Sarah Moran join our newest co-host, Asiha Grigsby, to unpack the agreement and comment on how U.S. rice is faring in these markets. With special guests: Sarah Moran, Vice President, International, USA Rice and Peter Bachmann, Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs, USA Rice Hosted by: Asiha Grigsby, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2023 Farm Bill is expected to be a $1.7 trillion piece of legislation (that's "trillion" with a T). Less than 20 percent actually finds its way to U.S. farms so making the case why you need attention can be "do-or-die." Fresh off a Farmer Fly-in, USA Rice Senior Director Jamison Cruce joins us to talk about rice's legislative priorities for this massive bill. Also, Michael sat down with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to talk rice farmer assistance and communicating about agriculture in general. With special guests: Jamison Cruce, Senior Director of Government Affairs, USA Rice, LG Raun, Texas Rice Farmer, and Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Celebrity Chef Sara Moulton's path to TV stardom is fascinating. In this wide-ranging conversation she talks with Michael and Lesley about the journey, where home chefs go wrong, her favorite cooking utensils, meal kits, her new book "Sara Moulton's Home Cooking 101," and her current TV show, Sara's Weeknight Meals, that actually brought her to rice country to learn about farming and conservation and cook alongside rice farmers in Arkansas, California, and Louisiana. www.saramoulton.com, @saramoulton With special guest: Sara Moulton Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

In January, Lesley and Michael attended rice events in Texas and Arkansas where the industry gathered to talk about the year ahead and other important issues. They took the opportunity to visit with meeting attendees about water, the Farm Bill, the crop outlook, and on-farm alternative energy. With special guests: Debbie Hoffpauir, Texas rice farmer; Fitz Elder, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee; David Gairhan, Arkansas rice farmer; Roger Pohlner, Arkansas rice farmer; Andrew Grobmyer, Agriculture Council of Arkansas; Collin Holzhauer, Arkansas rice farmer; Jim Whitaker, Arkansas rice farmer; Wayne Wiggins, Arkansas rice farmer; Lauren Waldrip, Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Brands and industries around the world spend millions of dollars to understand what makes consumers tick. On this episode, Michael and Lesley talk to USA Rice's Cameron Jacobs about the latest consumer research he has that peels back protective layers to tell us, what consumers who eat rice are thinking about when they do. Plus there's this. With special guests: Cameron Jacobs, Senior Director of Domestic Promotion, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

At the 2022 USA Rice Outlook Conference, Dr. Steve Linscombe moderated a panel on organic rice farming with three experienced growers from different parts of the country. They then sat down and recorded a conversation about the unique challenges organic rice farming presents on an already challenging crop. From soil type to yield, and from varieties to prices, listen in as California's Michael Bosworth, Florida's Daniel Cavazos, and Texas' Ken Danklefs give you a peek inside the organic rice business. With special guests: Michael Bosworth, California Farmer, Next Generation Foods, Ken Danklefs, Texas Farmer, and Daniel Cavazos, Florida Farmer Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Steve Linscombe

The 2022 USA Rice Outlook Conference was held in Austin, Texas from December 6-9. Michael and Lesley took their field recorders along and caught up with presenters, award winners, and others to talk about the exciting event. Be sure to check out the USA Rice YouTube page to see Cole's video and all the winning entries. With special guests: Milo Hamilton, Firstgrain, John Anderson, Castor River Farms, Dr. Steve Linscombe, USA Rice, and Cole Skelley, National Rice Month Scholarship Grand Prize Winner Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Our Climate Change series continues with a look at where consumers fit in to the discussion. Michael and Lesley are joined by Jordan Marlatt from intelligence decision company Morning Consult and scientist and writer Steve Savage. Marlatt discusses his company's recently released Sustainability Survey and how the food and beverage sector scored with consumers. While Savage, who writes for Forbes and other outlets, shares his thoughts on the intersection of corporate actors and consumers on sustainability. With special guests: Steve Savage, Journalist, Forbes and Jordan Marlatt, Intelligence Team, Morning Consult Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Each October, tens of thousands of people descend on Crowley, Louisiana to celebrate rice. There's music, a carnival, a cooking contest, multiple parades, rice threshing demonstrations, and of course, the competition for the title of International Rice Festival Queen. Michael was at the festival again and comes back with this report. With special guests: Letha Vincent, International Rice Festival, Caroline Hardy, 84th International Rice Festival Queen, Kathryn Shea Duncan, 81st International Rice Festival Queen, and Sadie Zaunbrecher, 85th International Rice Festival Queen Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

About 50 percent of rice grown in the U.S. is exported to 120 countries around the globe. The vast majority goes to consumers in the western hemisphere, so very appropriate that Asiha Grigsby, who oversees rice promotions in the region joined us to talk about her recent trip to Peru and the delegation of Central Americans she hosted in the mid-South. And newly back from U.S. rice day in the UK, Peter Bachmann joins us to talk about trade agreements, the UK, Haiti, and India. With special guests: Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice, director international promotion Western Hemisphere and Peter Bachmann, USA Rice, vice president policy and government affairs Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. Senator John Boozman, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and major U.S. rice supporter, joins the podcast to talk about challenges facing rice farmers, the looming Farm Bill, bipartisanship, educating people with no farm experience, and what percentage of Americans have never seen a cow. But first, Michael and Lesley sit down with three USDA NASS officials to talk about the statistical survey work they do and why it is so important for farmers to participate. With special guests: U.S. Senator John Boozman, Arkansas, Michael Klamm, Deputy Regional Director of NASS's Delta Region – Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Lance Honig, Chief of NASS's Crops Branch and Tony Dorn, Chief of NASS's Environmental, Economics and Demographics Branch Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Feral hogs are an invasive species that cause millions of dollars in damage to agriculture every year. Wildlife experts William Futch of USDA/APHIS and Glen Gentry of the LSU AgCenter join our own Steve Linscombe and Arkansas rice farmer Jim Whitaker to talk about this growing problem and how it is being dealt with, from traps and poison, to hunting and electrified barriers. With special guests: William Futch, USDA-APHIS, Glen Gentry, LSU AgCenter, and Jim Whitaker, Arkansas rice farmer Hosted by: Steve Linscombe, Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

September is National Rice Month and Whole Grains Month, and this episode is jam packed. Louisiana's Robbie Trahan, Mississippi's Laura Jane Giaccaglia, and Arkansas' Becky Barnes Campbell and Kelly Robbins share how our mighty grain is celebrated in their states. The Whole Grains Council's Kelly LeBlanc joins to talk nutrition messaging, and our own Cameron Jacobs and Deborah Willenborg stop by to help honor the men and women of the U.S. rice industry and kick off the Annual NRM Video Scholarship Contest. More at www.ReelRiceContest.com and www.wholegrainscouncil.org. With special guests: Deborah Willenborg, USA Rice, Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice, Laura Jane Giaccaglia, Mississippi State University Extension Office, Becky Barnes Campbell, Arkansas Rice, Kelly Robbins, Arkansas Rice, Robbie Trahan, Falcon Rice Mill, and Kelly LeBlanc, Oldways Whole Grains Council Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Michael went on location to interview PJ Haynie (@PJHaynieIII), farmer and owner of the new Arkansas River Rice Mill in Pine Bluff, AR, and talked about representation, equity, and community in agriculture. Meanwhile, Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lesley discuss the ins and outs of the Rice Foundation Leadership Development Program and its role in creating future rice leaders and advocates. Applications for the program are currently open and can be submitted at usarice.com/foundation/leadership-program. With special guests: PJ Haynie, farmer and owner of Arkansas River Rice Mill and Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of the Rice Foundation and the Rice Leadership Development Program Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Today's supermarkets have come a long way from their humble beginnings as General Stores. The grocery choices facing U.S. consumers are unparalleled and the system that delivers fresh and clean food to every corner of the country is nothing short of a modern miracle. Benjamin Lorr, author of "The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket," joins the podcast for an enlightening discussion of grocery retail and where it's heading. Buy the book here. With special guest: Benjamin Lorr, Author Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Deep in the dog days of summer, Michael and Lesley have done some rice travel, taking along their trusty field recorders. First, Lesley attended the Eagle Lake, TX field day where she caught up with Kirby Brown and other Ducks Unlimited experts to talk drought, water management, and wildlife. And in windy CA, Michael sat down with former Google exec Steve Lerch to talk about trends and how influencer culture is unseating ad culture. With special guests: Kirby Brown, Dennis Neuman, Raul Villarreal, and Stephen Rockwood from Ducks Unlimited, and Steve Lerch, StoryArc Consulting

Lesley went on location for this episode to talk about koji, the official mold of Japan, with chef Jeremy Umansky (@TMGastronaut) who co-wrote "Koji Alchemy" and uses koji in his Jewish-style delicatessen in Ohio. She also went to Texas Sake Company (@txsakeco) in Austin to talk about their Lone Star State take on the popular Japanese drink. Lesley sat down with co-owner Tim Klatt, brewer Curt Christian, and resident sushi chef Michael Carranza before embarking on her sake flight. With special guests: Jeremy Umansky, Chef, Owner, and Author, Larder: A Curated Delicatessen & Bakery, Tim Klatt, Co-Owner, Texas Sake Company, Curt Christian, Head Brewer, Texas Sake Company, and Michael Carranza, Texas Sushiko Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Cuba was at one time the largest export market for U.S.-grown rice, but the Kennedy Administration's embargo of The Island brought an end to that. And 60 years later, we're still feeling the effects: a food crisis in Cuba and a reliable, close export market gone. This episode looks at the current situation with U.S.-Cuban trade. Special guests Paul Johnson, chair of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba and Rodney Gonzalez, Counselor Embassy of Cuba join Asiha Grigsby and Lesley Dixon. With special guests: Paul Johnson, Chair, U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba and Rodney A. González Maestrey, Counselor, Embassy of Cuba Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Asiha Grigsby

Agriculture is at the intersection of science, determination, and good fortune – and innovation keeps everything moving forward. Two renowned rice scientists, Dr. Eric Webster and Dr. Steve Linscombe, join this episode to talk about important rice innovations. From the way rice is planted to the environmental impact of raising a crop, and even to how new varieties are developed, the Clearfield and Provisia rice systems have revolutionized the U.S. rice industry. With special guests: Dr. Eric Webster, Director, Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station and Dr. Steve Linscombe, The Rice Foundation Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The 2018 Farm Bill is expiring and work has begun on the 2023 Farm Bill that could well spend $1 trillion. Mississippi rice farmer and chair of the USA Rice Farm Policy Task Force Kirk Satterfield joins the podcast to talk about how today's Farm Bill worked when it was written, but that it has not kept up with the times. The work has just begun, but the phrase on everyone's lips should be "input cost conditions." With special guest: Kirk Satterfield, Mississippi rice farmer Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Rice pretenders invaded supermarket shelves, establishing a beachhead with minced cauliflower. Now chickpeas, lentils, peas, and other assorted not rice things have joined in. If they didn't call themselves "rice" we would be cool. But they do, so we aren't. We taste test some rice pretenders and are joined by Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation who shares his wisdom, gained from weathering the decades long, all-out assault on real milk from nuts, plants, and other non-lactating things. With special guests: Christopher Galen, SVP, Membership Services & Strategic Initiatives, National Milk Producers Federation and Cameron Jacobs, Director Domestic Promotion, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Combined, the countries of Latin America are the second largest export market for U.S. rice. Changes in consumer preference and U.S. quality (real and perceived) has put U.S. rice behind. But many are working hard to respond to customer demands. Enter rice breeders Dr. Adam Famoso and Raul Guerra from the LSU AgCenter and Sarah Moran, vice president of international for USA Rice. Michael and Lesley also somehow bring it around to Oreos, Kraft Mac & Cheese, and Classic Coke. It's what they do. With special guests: Dr. Adam Famoso, Rice Breeder, LSU AgCenter, Raul Guerra, Rice Breeding Graduate Student, LSU AgCenter and Sarah Moran, Vice President, International, USA Rice Hosted by: Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Part 3 of our Climate Change series looks at climate policy. In this episode we're joined by Steve Dyokas, Senior Advisor in the State Department's Office of Global Change, to talk about the global AIM for Climate initiative. We talk about climate-smart commodities with Robert Bonnie, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. And Arkansas rice farmer Mark Isbell offers a grower perspective on what he thinks makes good climate ag policy. With special guests: Steven Dyokas, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of State, Office of Global Change, Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Mark Isbell, Arkansas rice farmer Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The United States and Mexico have a very special trade relationship – especially when it comes to U.S.-grown rice. In this episode, USA Rice Director of International Promotion Asiha Grigsby comes in to talk about the top export market for our rice, including consumer perceptions and what her team is doing to influence them, obstacles and opportunities, and more. And somehow Michael and Lesley bring it around to large Japanese mascots. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

War in Europe, continuing supply chain and logistics challenges, climate change, economic pressures, an absentee trade agenda from the Biden Administration, and more are making it difficult to be optimistic about anything—let alone rice—an export-dependent crop. USA Rice's Sarah Moran and Peter Bachmann, who tag-team international issues for the industry, join Michael and Lesley to share their outlook on trouble spots and opportunities. To help Ukraine, consider these charities, rated A- or higher in efficacy by CharityWatch.org: Catholic Relief Services Doctors Without Borders USA Mercy Corp Samaritan's Purse Team Rubicon Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

People who need to control their blood sugar often give up rice. But thanks to a new variety with a low glycemic index, that may no longer be necessary. It's also high in protein & delicious. Developed at the LSU AgCenter and grown in southern Illinois and southwestern Louisiana, the rice is marketed under the names Cahokia and Parish. The rice growers, Blake Gerard & Michael Fruge, join us, along with LSU's Dr. Herry Utomo and nutritionist and registered dietitian Mandy Armentor to explain the science. Hosted by: Steve Linscombe and Michael Klein

India has become the largest exporter of rice in the world and by their own admission, they are not playing by the rules of fair trade. In this episode, USA Rice Chair and CEO of Supreme Rice Mill Bobby Hanks, USA Rice VP of International Trade Peter Bachmann, and ag trade expert Ben Conner of DTB AgriTrade explain India's market-distorting schemes, what it means for the U.S. industry and other international competitors, and what they think the U.S. government should do about it. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Ag extension offices and the specialists housed in them are among the most valuable assets any farmer can have. Tracing their roots back to clubs formed shortly after the American Revolution, today they use cutting-edge technology to help farmers with crops, sustainability, and profitability. Dr. Steve Linscombe welcomes three current extension specialists, Dr. Jarrod Hardke from Arkansas, Dr. Ronnie Levy from Louisiana, and California's Dr. Bruce Linquist to explain what they do for the rice industry. Hosted by: Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein, and Lesley Dixon

Rice imports into the U.S. have been rising for years, driven primarily by jasmine from Thailand and basmati from India. Both premium varieties are grown in the U.S., but have the imports captured consumers' imaginations? CoBank Lead Economist Tanner Ehmke and First Grain's Milo Hamilton stop by to discuss their recent report, "Fragrant Rice: Opportunity or Threat for the U.S. Rice Industry?" Michael and Lesley ask them to unpack their findings and discuss the nature of optimism and pessimism. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

As if rice doesn't have enough problems, this export-dependent crop is dealing with unprecedented shipping and logistical woes. From ocean freighters gaming a system they created, to truck weights and limited working hours in port, it's a wonder the industry is surviving. Peter Friedmann, Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition and Chris Crutchfield, President & CEO of American Commodity Company and newly appointed member of the National Shipper's Advisory Committee, break it all down. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

We celebrate excellence with Josefine Sedler, the Grand Prize Winner of the National Rice Month Video Scholarship Contest, sponsored by American Commodity Company. We talk with the winners of the Rice Awards presented at the 2021 USA Rice Outlook Conference by Rice Farming Magazine, Horizon Ag, and USA Rice: Rice Farmer of the Year, Nicole Montna Van Vleck; Rice Industry Award winner Dr. Qiming Shao; and Rice Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Dr. Kent McKenzie. See Josefine's video Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

School nutrition programs rely on U.S.-grown rice for a lot of reasons – versatility, shelf stability, wholesomeness, and perhaps most important, student acceptance! Chef Brenda Wattles, RDN, programs as much rice as she can for the largest school district in Idaho where she consults and helps develop 25,000 nutritious meals every day. Chef Brenda joins Michael and Lesley and Cameron Jacobs to talk recipes, nutrition, and supply chain challenges facing the people responsible for feeding our kids. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Part 2 of our Climate Change series looks at agronomy and climate. In this episode we're joined by Arkansas rice farmer Jim Whitaker and USDA Research Agronomist Dr. Arlene Adviento-Borbe to share their vast knowledge on the subject. From experiencing severe weather to the importance of cover crops and the USDA Climate Hubs, Jim and Arlene have great insight and advice for growers. Dr. Steve Linscombe also weighs in on the very real threats climate change poses to growers. See www.climatehubs.usda.gov for more. Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Dr. Steve Linscombe