The Rice Stuff

Every October, tens of thousands of people converge on Crowley, Louisiana to celebrate rice at the International Rice Festival. Michael traveled to the 84th festival to take it all in – parades, music, the crowning of the Chef de Riz, frog jumping, the crowning of the 84th International Rice Festival Queen, and more. In this episode he reports on his experiences judging one of the cooking contests, interviews two Queen contest judges, three queens, & the 2021 Rice Farmer of the Year, Phillip Lamartiniere. Additional guests: Jimi Madison Joubert, 83rd International Rice Festival Queen Kathryn Shea Duncan, 81st International Rice Festival Queen Caroline Elizabeth Hardy, 84th International Rice Festival Queen Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

James Beard nominated chef and restaurateur Hari Cameron, a great friend to U.S.-grown rice, joins the podcast to talk about restaurants, how he got into cooking, what he considers when he's developing a recipe, what the USA Rice Foodservice Farm & Mill Tour meant to him and other chefs, food trends, and a new exciting project he's working on. He also shares his thoughts on how foodservice is portrayed in movies and on TV, and the kitchen appliances nobody should be without. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

We're doing a multi-episode deep dive into climate change. For this episode we're joined by meteorologist, journalist, and author Bob Henson who will explain the science of climate change. We'll talk about climate versus weather, how weather patterns are changing, the Texas cold wave, hurricanes, strategies of mitigation and adaptation, how climate change is impacting supply chains, and more. Bob's book is "The Thinking Person's Guide to Climate Change" and you can follow him on Twitter @bhensonweather. Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon and Dr. Steve Linscombe

Research is vitally important to the rice industry – so much so farmers, millers, & merchants pay for it themselves. Dr. Steve Linscombe, who knows rice research better than anyone, sits down with some of the most respected names in rice research: Drs. Dustin Harrell, Kent McKenzie, and Bob Scott, to talk about the impact research has had on the U.S. rice industry. California rice farmer Kim Gallagher also joins the podcast to share what research has done for her farm, her family, and her state. Hosted by: Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice's Deborah Willenborg launches the 2021 National Rice Month scholarship contest that distributes more than $10,000 to high school seniors; Kelly Toups, head of nutrition for Oldways, shares new findings about consumers, whole grains, diets, and what it all means for rice; and we check in with Jay Vroom, Senior Advisor to the Farm Journal Foundation about the Voice of the Farmer Garden in Washington, DC and the rice he's growing there. More info: Reel Rice Contest, Oldways, and Farm Journal Foundation Garden. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Ever since Ben Franklin remarked that "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes," the government has been tinkering with the tax code and taxpayers have been trying to survive. A new study found proposed changes to the U.S. tax code could have a devastating impact on U.S. farms. The author, Dr. Bart Fischer, formerly chief economist for the House Ag Committee and now co-director of the Agricultural & Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University and an assistant professor, joins us to explain. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The top destination for U.S. milled rice is Haiti, where an assassinated president and civil unrest have led to some of the worst violence in decades, including the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars of rice and other commodities. USA Rice's consultant, Christine Coupet Jacques, joins the podcast from Haiti to discuss. Sarah Moran is also back to weigh in and discuss another reliable market that has been turned upside down recently; Iraq, an oil-dependent economy hamstrung by the global pandemic. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Soil health is a critical part of a successful farm – whether you are talking crop health or farm economics, the dirt beneath your feet holds the key. Arkansas rice farmer Adam Chappell joins Lydia Holmes to talk about how a pigweed problem led him to become a cover crop convert. He shares his thoughts on, and vast experience with, organic matter, precision planting, cereal rye, revenue per acre, and finding a way to make it all work. All that plus, Marvel movies and interesting ways to eat watermelon. Hosted by: Lydia Holmes, Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain join the podcast to talk about infrastructure, counterterrorism, the Farm Bill, WOTUS, climate change, Dicamba, the problem with uncertainty in agriculture, what keeps them up at night, and more. They also talked about the movies that best represent their respective states, and Michael and Lesley talked about their favorite TV shows and movies from their states as well. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Water efficiency is vital for farmers' bottom lines, the planet, and the rice industry's social license to operate. While not available to all growers, row rice offers many advantages. Dr. Steve Linscombe welcomes Dr. Jason Bond of Mississippi State University and Louisiana farmer Jason Waller to share some of their expertise on furrow irrigation and AWD that are a part of row rice systems. Somehow Michael and Lesley tie in tomato paste efficiency and the reversal of the Chicago river. Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Anheuser-Busch is the #1 user of sustainably grown U.S. rice. They use rice in Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and even in new Bud Light Seltzers. Hellbender Brewing Co. brewmaster Ben Evans joins the podcast to talk about brewing craft beer with rice, including the Louisiana purple rice beer he made last year. USA Rice's Cameron Jacobs also stops by and the gang discuss future projects, Louisiana's Crying Eagle lager made with local rice, and in the name of science and journalism, sample them all. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The European Union has announced a complete ban on propiconazole to go into effect in September 2021. Michael and Lesley examine the decision to arbitrarily remove this tool from the farmer's toolbox. USA Rice's International Trade Vice President Peter Bachmann discusses the motivations; then University of Arkansas' Dr. Jarrod Hardke, California Rice Commission's Roberta Firoved, & USA Rice's Dr. Steve Linscombe talk the science behind crop protectants, MRLs, and the unintended consequences of regulation. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Farmers and people in rural communities operate under tremendous stress that may feel unbearable. Michael & Lesley talk with experts about stress, anxiety, depression, and preventing suicide. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Shimi Kang; the Stigma Free Society's Andrea Paquette; Dr. Archie Mason of Agri-Health Network; and Arkansas rice farmer Mike Sullivan share their expertise & experience. More help at: Agri Health Network Stigma Free Society Rural Mental Wellness Mental Wealth w/ Dr. Shimi Kang on YouTube Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Thirty-two years ago, the rice industry invested in itself by creating the Rice Leadership Development Program for young farmers and industry trailblazers. Michael and Lesley visit with program alumni Dr. Steve Linscombe, who now runs the whole program, California rice farmer Kim Gallagher, Louisiana rice farmer and merchant Scott Franklin, and Missouri rice farmer and equipment dealer Paul T. Combs to learn why they think it was one the best professional investments they've ever made. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Peek behind the curtain at the rice industry's national trade association as President & CEO Betsy Ward and Director of Strategic Initiatives Katie Maher join Michael and Lesley to talk about what went into developing the new Think Rice website, what makes USA Rice different from other agriculture trade associations, and some of the rice industry's unique assets. We'll talk free trade, sustainability, recipe photography, bluegrass music, movie trailers, rice fanatics on Reddit and more. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Restaurants love rice: versatile, inexpensive, and with a long shelf life, it is a wonderful canvas for chefs. Foodservice guru Kevin Gross and Chef Carl Schwartz join Michael and Lesley to talk about working with chefs to promote commodities like rice through recipe development, the new Rice to the Rescue program, and more. And Cameron Jacobs is back to talk rice and restaurants, and they all share stories of their time in foodservice – from pizza and hauling boxes to bussing tables for the mob and more. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The rice industry has one of the most impressive environmental stories to tell of any commodity. Not content to rest on its laurels, the industry created new sustainability goals to be achieved by 2030 and make the U.S. rice story that much more extraordinary. One of the scientists who helped establish those goals and existing benchmarks, Dr. Dustin Harrell, joins Steve and Lydia from his office at the LSU AgCenter to unpack it all. That plus Michael and Lesley share their personal 2021 goals. Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Lydia Holmes, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

A common misperception amongst Americans is that we import most of our rice from Asia. In fact, we grow more than 80% of the rice we eat and actually export rice TO Asia. USA Rice vice president of international Sarah Moran and director of Asia promotions Jim Guinn join the podcast to explain how they succeed in selling U.S. rice to Asia – a demonstrably discerning rice market. Michael and Lesley also discuss local food pride and share culinary missteps and overreaches that simply cannot be forgiven. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Rice in the United States is GMO-free and yet there are thousands of varieties and dozens of traits growers and millers want to capitalize on or avoid. How is it done? Science, of course! Join two of the most preeminent rice breeders in the world as they talk shop and give civilians a peek behind the scientific curtain. Our own Dr. Steve Linscombe, who spent three decades as a rice breeder at the LSU AgCenter, welcomes Dr. Adam Famoso, the current LSU rice breeder, to the podcast. Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

In this episode we'll meet Molly Ellis, a high school senior from McKinney, Texas who beat out 106 other students to win the Grand Prize in the 2020 National Rice Month Scholarship contest with her video about how rice impacted the town of Katy, Texas; spend time with contest sponsor Chris Crutchfield of ACC Rice; and sit down with the 2020 USA Rice Sustainability Award Winner Dr. Michele Reba of USDA-ARS to hear about her ground-breaking research into water use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon and Lydia Holmes

In a special episode, Rice Farming Magazine Editor Vicky Boyd joins the podcast to help recognize the 2020 Rice Award winners. Meet the Rice Farmer of the Year from California where he's brought in more than 50 crops; the Rice Industry Award winner joins us from Louisiana where he is advocating for rice on the local and national level, and the Lifetime Achievement Award honoree joins us from Texas to reflect on a life spent working in rice. Dr. Tim Walker of award cosponsor Horizon Ag joins us as well. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Every year, farmers put their net worth in the ground, believing they will have a crop to harvest at the end of the season. They can improve their odds with good crop protection practices. Host Steve Linscombe is joined by Arkansas rice farmer Sidney Robnett, LSU weed scientist Dr. Eric Webster, and Texas A&M etymologist Dr. Mo Way to unpack the complex and vital crop protection game. Michael and Lesley also talked with California rice farmer Matthew Sligar about his new children's book, Daddy's Got Dirt. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Rice is the most widely manipulated commodity around the world and U.S. rice is export dependent. It's the job of Peter Bachmann of USA Rice to secure access to markets for the U.S. industry and take trade cheats to task. Peter talks China, Mexico, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, WTO, and more in this deep dive into Rice Trade Policy. Michael and Lesley also talk about biased sport referees, set the record straight on Ramadan and English food, and get their first fan call! Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice's Eszter Somogyi joins the show today all the way from Hamburg, Germany to talk about the U.S. rice promotions she oversees from Accra to Zarqa and spots in between. She'll cover the varied customs of her customers, their rice preferences, and the one thing that unites them all whether they are in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or someplace else. Michael and Lesley also talk about past travels and the names for U.S. products in other countries that might have Americans scratching their heads. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Achieving sustainability goals is a group effort. The U.S. rice industry is fortunate to have a lot of great partners helping make their collective vision a reality. Representatives from Riceland Foods, Anheuser-Busch, and Indigo Ag join the podcast today to talk with Lydia about how they are working with rice industry leaders to make the world a better place. Join Adam Shea, Bill Jones, and Cody Corbell as they explain their companies' contributions to these important efforts. Hosted by: Lydia Holmes

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, shop, and eat. It's also changed the way USA Rice promotes the rice industry. Director of Domestic Promotion Cameron Jacobs joins the podcast to talk about the great pandemic promotion pivot and the role U.S.-grown rice can play as the battered restaurant industry stages a comeback. Michael and Lesley also ask listeners to let them know about local restaurants that are serving U.S. rice so they can give them a shout out and maybe send some business their way.

Rice fields are unique amongst row crops in that they sustain so much wildlife. From birds to invertebrates and now even fish – hundreds of species of critters call these working fields home. U.S. rice farmers know this and actually count on it, so they do everything they can to support it. Hosts Lydia Holmes and Dr. Steve Linscombe are joined by California rice farmer Leo LaGrande and Ducks Unlimited's Dr. Scott Manley as they explore the unique biodiversity opportunities and challenges of rice fields. Hosted by: Lydia Holmes and Steve Linscombe

At any given time upward of 50 countries are receiving vital food aid from the United States, and with experts describing today's global humanitarian crises as "biblical," now is the time to learn about food aid programs and how rice can help. USA Rice food aid consultant Rebecca Bratter joins the podcast to talk about global hotspots, COVID-19, the different types of aid, and how rice makes a big difference. Somehow Michael and Lesley get corncob pipes into the discussion. Please subscribe & rate the show!

Roughly half of U.S.-grown rice is exported to 130 countries with most of it destined for a Western Hemisphere location – Mexico, Canada, Central America, or Haiti. USA Rice's international promotion gurus, Sarah Moran & Asiha Grigsby join the podcast to talk about their work, goals, & outcomes, as well as to explore opportunities & threats on the horizon. Michael and Lesley also look at rice dishes from Europe and scratch the surface of iconic food scenes in movies and TV shows. Please subscribe & rate us!

Anyone in the U.S. rice industry will tell you they are proud of their industry's sustainability record and credentials. But for many consumers and customers, the proof is in the pudding. Meet the keepers and compilers of the proof points that guarantee when you "Think Sustainable" you should "Think U.S. rice." Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lydia Holmes join Michael and Lesley to talk about the industry's record and how they track it. For a copy of the Sustainability Report, visit usarice.com/sustainability. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Lesley visited The Voice of the Farmer Garden on the National Mall in Washington, DC to see if The Farm Journal Foundation will be able to grow rice steps away from the Capitol Building and the White House. It's not as unlikely as it might sound. Plus, Brandon Harder from Farmers' Rice Cooperative in Sacramento stopped by to talk about the importance of storytelling and why this podcast is on brand for the USA Rice's mission. Those stories, exploding birds at weddings and more on our very first episode. Hosted by: Michael Klein, USA Rice and Lesley Dixon, USA Rice

During each episode, your hosts Michael and Lesley will explore the world of U.S.-grown rice through the eyes of the people who know it best – farmers, millers, researchers, marketers, exporters and end-users. Whether it's amazing achievements in sustainability and conservation, exciting promotional strategies, or innovative technology, we'll get deep into the weeds to tell the story of U.S. Whether you're a seasoned ag industry professional or just looking to learn more about the rice in your pantry, The Rice Stuff has something for everyone.