The Rice Stuff

Michael is just back from eating his way across the 2025 National Restaurant Show in Chicago where he visited with members and investigated foodservice trends. Past show attendee Katie Maher stops by the studio to grill Michael about the show, and they listen to an interview from the show floor with Blaine Stewart of Heritage Rice Company. With special guest: Blaine Stewart, Heritage Rice Company Hosted by: Michael Klein and Katie Maher

Retired rice breeder extraordinaire Steve Linscombe talks with Randy Ouzts from Nutrien, Tim Walker of HorizonAg, and Brian Ottis of RiceTec about the challenges of seed production, breeding methods, hybrid vs. pure line development, determining seeding rates, and how weather and technology shape the seed supply. Discover the cutting-edge practices and decisions that fuel the rice industry from the ground up. https://www.horizonseed.com https://nutrienagsolutions.com https://ricetec.com With special guests: Brian Ottis, Director of U.S. Marketing and Product Management, RiceTec, Tim Walker, CEO, Horizon Ag, and Randy Ouzts, U.S. Rice Manager, Nutrien Ag Solutions Hosted by: Steve Linscombe and Michael Klein

Dr. Angelia Seyfferth, Professor of Biogeochemistry and Plant-Soil Interactions, shares her journey from humble beginnings to having a lab with her name on it at one of the most prestigious research universities in the country. She talks about her innovative study of arsenic uptake in rice, the trouble of salt water intrusion, and growing rice where it isn't typically found. Michael asks her about the challenges and rewards of academia, mentorship, gender representation in STEM, and more. https://seyfferthlab.org www.denin.udel.edu/salted-earth/ With special guest: Dr. Angelia Seyfferth, Professor & Associate Dean of Research, University of Delaware Hosted by: Michael Klein

What, how, and why does the Federal Reserve do what it does? Hosts Michael Klein and Deborah Willenborg dive into a lively, humorous, and insightful conversation with Matuschka Lindo Briggs of the Little Rock branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to get to the bottom of it all. From the Fed's ag advisory council to the Beige Book, and from consumer confidence to what's going on in Kansas City, this episode makes the decisions behind monetary policy relatable and even fun. With special guest: Matuschka Lindo Briggs, senior vice president and regional executive of the Little Rock Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Hosted by: Michael Klein and Deborah Willenborg

The check off program is at times controversial, but do growers who pay into the program (and even those who don't) receive a good value for what they contribute? In this episode, Michael talks with Dr. Lanier Nalley, professor of ag economics at the University of Arkansas about his research into the ROI of the Arkansas check-off. Growers see orders of magnitude of return for every dollar - returns that are the stuff of legend. With special guest: Dr. Lawton Lanier Nalley, Professor & Director, Fryar Price Risk Management Center of Excellence, Graduate Program Coordinator Hosted by: Michael Klein

How has the digital revolution changed the way we shop? Hosts Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon explore shifts in consumer behavior, from online grocery orders to AI-powered shopping assistants. E-commerce marketing expert Eric Martindale joins to discuss the future of retail, how brands can thrive in this space, and why digital shelf space is the new battleground. Plus, listener mail proves people are tuning in! Don't miss this deep dive into the evolving world of e-commerce. www.elitecommercegroup.com www.linkedin.com/in/eric-martindale-amazonagency/ With special guest: Eric Martindale, CEO, Elite Commerce Group Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

How is AI transforming the food industry? Hosts Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon talk with Andreas Duess, CEO of 6 Seeds Consulting, about AI-driven data, virtual consumer panels, and predicting food trends. From the impact of Ozempic on grocery shopping to the viral rise of air fryers, this conversation reveals how AI can be a powerful business tool—when used correctly. Tune in to explore the future of food, marketing, and consumer insights! https://6seedsconsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasduess With special guest: Andreas Duess, CEO and Founder, 6 Seeds Consulting Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

What's changed the most in rice farming over the past 50 years? Four life-long farmers from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and California discuss the game-changing innovations that have revolutionized everything from planting and harvesting to nitrogen use, marketing, and tractor tech. From GPS-guided combines to the rise of semi-dwarf rice varieties, hear how technology and research powered dramatic yield boosts. With special guests: Michael Rue, California rice farmer, Jackie Loewer, Louisiana rice farmer, Marvin Hare, Arkansas rice farmer, and L.G. Raun, Texas rice farmer Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lesley Dixon

Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice's vice president of domestic promotion, makes his 2025 debut on The Rice Stuff to discuss rice's role in U.S. nutrition policy, the process of updating the government's dietary guidelines every five years, and how USA Rice advocates for rice to be recognized and recommended as an important part of a balanced and healthy diet. And what does "healthy" mean, by the way? What exactly IS a grain? Tune in to find out. With special guest: Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice VP of Domestic Promotion Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Before Members of Congress could leave Washington at the end of 2024, there was a lot of business to attend to that directly impacted the rice industry (and the entire country). USA Rice's Jamison Cruce recounts the "mad dash" to the end that resulted in economic assistance for farmers, disaster aid, a Continuing Resolution, and another Farm Bill extension. That, plus how hard is yoga and how bad are Texas allergies? With special guest: Jamison Cruce, VP Government Affairs, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

A highlight of the USA Rice Outlook Conference is meeting the many award winners who are celebrated throughout the event. In this episode, Michael and Lesley chat about the 2024 USA Rice Outlook Conference and in particular, Lesley's interview with the National Rice Month Video Scholarship winner, Helen Lan. Meet a rising young star so you can say, "I've known about Helen for years!" Check out Helen's video and all the winners on the USA Rice YouTube Page.  With special guest: Helen Lan, NRM Scholarship Grand Prize Winner  Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Lesley finally made it to International Rice Festival, and she recaps her whirlwind experience at one of Louisiana's biggest and longest-running celebrations of agriculture. Hearing her interviews with participants, organizers, and competition winners is the next best thing to attending the fest yourself--but really, you should attend the fest yourself. With special guests: Robbie Trahan, Falcon Rice Mill & Festival Sponsor, Josh Spell, Festival President, Alex Theall, Chef de Riz, Troy Fruge, Farmer of the Year, Alana Abshire, 87th Rice Festival Queen, Isabella Hardy, 86th Rice Festival Queen Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Michael and Lesley explore brand creation, marketing, and loyalty with two USA Rice members who are blazing a path for their rice. Pam West of Texas Rice Milling, whose new Honestly Texas Rice brand is winning hearts and minds in Texas joins Sam Schneider whose Inland Cape Rice is celebrating two years in markets all over the midwest and elsewhere. From how to name brands to reaching consumers and telling your story, Sam and Pam don't hold back, sharing their experiences. Plus, Michael and Lesley talk nutrition supplements, video equipment, and the age old question, "Is Pepsi okay?" With special guests: Pam West, Business Manager, Honestly Texas Rice, Texas Rice Milling, Brookshire Drying Company and Sam Schneider, Owner, Inland Cape Rice Company Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

In this episode of The Rice Stuff, hosts Michael and Lesley revisit a 2022 discussion on the importance of university extension programs to the rice industry. Dr. Steve Linscombe sits down with his colleagues Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Dr. Ronnie Levy, and Dr. Bruce Linquist to talk about the contributions of researchers in improving various aspects of rice farming. With special guests: Dr. Jarrod Hardke, University of Arkansas, Dr. Ronny Levy, LSU AgCenter, and Dr. Bruce Linquist Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Lesley Dixon, and Michael Klein, USA Rice

In this landmark 100th episode of the podcast, hosts Lesley and Michael reflect on their podcasting journey, the many guests they've talked with, and gloat a little over all the world class TV shows that never made it to 100 episodes. Arkansas rice farmer and The Rice Stuff Instigator Jennifer James stops by to share her thoughts, and then the talk turns to the USA Rice Outlook Conference with a preview of some of the exciting programming that will fill the four stages for more than 20 hours! Registration prices go up on October 18, so sign up today at www.usarice.com/outlook. With special guest: Jennifer James, Arkansas Rice Farmer Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Time to talk trade. Michael and Lesley are joined by USA Rice's new(ish) Director of Trade Policy Karah Janevicius to talk global markets and trade policy. From India and the ITC to the tariffs and the WTO, Karah breaks down the complex issues that are so important to the rice industry. Plus, she shares her origin story and the gang talks about Nutella, Fluff, Mexican water, and for some reason, Australian grubs. With special guest: Karah Janevicius, Director of Trade Policy, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Lesley shares details of her recent trip to the 2024 California Rice Field Day at the Rice Experiment Station in Biggs, including exploring different rice varieties and her surprise at the current research being done into Alternate Wetting and Drying - a practice associated mostly with the mid-South. She and Michael discuss her interviews with researcher Telha Rehman and farmer Matt Dedmond, and then talk about their colleague Karah Janevicius who also attended field day and met with representatives from the International Trade Commission while there. All that, plus barnyard grass and In-N-Out Burger. With special guests: Dr. Telha Rehman, University of California - Davis and Matt Dedmond, California Rice Farmer Hosted by: Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Cooking classes, popular for many years, have seen a renaissance of late, likely a result of the pandemic lockdowns making people realize a) how much they enjoy cooking, and b) how much they don't know about cooking. USA Rice's celebrated celebrity chef and consultant Hari Cameron, fresh off his appearance on “Beat Bobby Flay,” hosted a Rice Cooking Class at his demonstration kitchen in Rehoboth Beach, DE. He sat down with Michael after the class to talk about it all. That plus Michael and Lesley on gourmet hot dogs, rice wine vinegar, and nachos. @Hari_Cameron on X @HariCam on Instagram www.thechefstablede.com With special guest: Hari Cameron, Chef, The Chef's Table Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USA Rice's Asiha Grigsby is just back from three weeks on the road for the industry, home for a few days, and then off again to talk U.S.-grown rice. We were able to snag a few minutes between trips with Rice's Western Hemisphere Road Warrior to hear about her work promoting U.S. rice and how she fosters vital relationships with importers. With special guest: Ashia "Rice Lord" Grigsby, Senior Director of International Promotion, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The U.S. rice industry keeps leadership fresh with regular rotations. At the 2024 USA Rice summer business meetings, Chair and Mississippi rice farmer Kirk Satterfield passed the gavel to Arkansas miller Keith Glover. And on the milling side of the house, Louisiana's Meryl Kennedy passed the Rice Millers' Association leadership to California's Rick Rhody. We did exit interviews with Meryl and Kirk as they put their two-year terms behind them. With special guests: Meryl Kennedy Farr, Kennedy Rice Mill and Kirk Satterfield, Mississippi rice farmer Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Summer means field days and food shows. Lesley talks briefly about the Eagle Lake, TX Field Day, while Michael brought back interviews and samples from the Specialty Food Association's 68th Annual Fancy Food Show that featured lots of U.S.-grown rice. He talked rice with people from Fancypants Baking Company, Olivia's Croutons, Hillside Lane Farms, the Dutch Waffle Company, and some innovators whose products only fault is that they weren't using U.S.-grown rice. Michael also shares information from education sessions he attended. All this, plus Bloody Marys, a new game, and ASMR! You're going to get hungry. https://fancypantsbakery.com https://dutchwafflecompany.us https://oliviascroutons.com https://hillsidelanefarm.com www.captaindanny.com/en With special guests: Maura Duggan, Founder & CEO, FancyPants Baking Company, Francie Caccovo, Founder & Owner, Olivia's Croutons, Bianca Letens, Dutch Waffle Company, Cathy Bacon, Hillside Lane Farms, Christine Chang, Captain Danny Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Dr. Steve Linscombe reports on the 2024 International Temperate Rice Conference he organized that brought researchers from around the world to New Orleans. Then Michael and Lesley talk with Jamison Cruce about the status of the 2024 Farm Bill, and round out the show with an exit interview of USA Rice intern Caroline Hardy, heading back to LSU to finish law school. Plus Michael unveils the new pod studio complete with a sound board that is going to be trouble and Lesley invites the ire of Louisianans with a possible southernism or a word her father made up. With special guests: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Director, The Rice Foundation, Jamison Cruce, VP of Government Affairs, USA Rice, and Caroline Hardy, USA Rice Intern Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Michael and Lesley explore some non-table uses of rice from pet food to panko and from snacks to sake. They are joined by Rick Rhody and Rodrigo Batista from Farmers' Rice Cooperative and Exceedient Foods; farmer and marketing expert Ali Cox of Noble West; and Dallas Anthony and Robert Smith from Stabil Nutrition. They talk about the bright future for rice, the dark secret of what's in the trunk of Michael's car, Lesley's upcycling, robotic dogs, and Olympic rowing. That's right. www.stabilnutrition.com www.exceedientfoods.com www.farmersrice.com www.planetricefoods.com www.wearenoblewest.com With special guests: Dallas Anthony, CEO, Stabil Nutrition, Robert Smith, VP R&D, Stabil Nutrition, Rick Rhody, President & CEO, Farmers' Rice Cooperative, Rodrigo Batista, Director of R&D, Farmers' Rice Cooperative, and Ali Cox, Founder, Noble West Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

USDA's MyPlate program is a vital public health program designed to help Americans eat healthy, balanced diets. Strategic Partners, like USA Rice, amplify important nutrition messages. USDA's Dr. Caree Cartwright and Yetunde Akingbemi join Michael, Lesley, and Cameron to talk new nutrition education. Also, does anyone remember Time for Timer? With special guests: Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security & Health Equity, USDA-Food & Nutrition Service and Yetunde Akingbemi, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, USDA-Food & Nutrition Service, Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice

In this episode, hosts Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Dr. Steve Linscombe delve into rice farming in South Carolina, from the 1700s to today. They cover rice's role in shaping the character of the American South, the unique requirements of farming rice in an east coast tidal region, and the recent resurgence of Carolina Gold. Guests from White House Farms, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina provide insights into both historical and modern-day farming techniques in the Low Country. With special guests: Brian Ward, President, Carolina Gold Rice Foundation; Assistant Professor, Clemson University, David Shields, Chairman, Carolina Gold Rice Foundation; Professor, University of South Carolina; Author, and Don Quattlebaum, South Carolina rice farmer and owner of White House Farms Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Dr. Steve Linscombe

High performing people & organizations often don't celebrate their victories before tackling the next project. We take a breath for this episode to focus on important successes in the industry that benefit us all. First, Adam Shea of Riceland Foods is back, and he's brought Austin Brown to talk about their Carbon Ready Program that is saving water, reducing GHGs, and putting money in farmers' pockets. Then Louisiana farmer Fred Zaunbrecher stops by to talk about his shift from diesel power to electricity for water pumping on his family farm. Yay us! With special guests: Adam Shea, Riceland Foods, Austin Brown, Riceland Foods, and Fred Zaunbrecher Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Steve Linscombe

Latin America is an important destination for U.S.-grown rice, but consumers there have different expectations for their rice than U.S. consumers. In this episode, Michael & Lesley talk about this with Sarah Moran, Chief Operating Officer at USA Rice. Meanwhile, Asiha Grigsby sat down with Kamal Dieck, President of FECARROZ, the Central American Rice Federation. Then LSU rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso stops by to talk about the successes he has had establishing new varieties for this market. With special guests: Sarah Moran, Chief Operating Officer, USA Rice, Kamal Dieck, President, FECARROZ, and Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Aisha Grigsby

The Rice Stuff's most prolific recurring guest, Cameron Jacobs, tells Michael and Lesley all about his adventures at the American Craft Sake Fest in Hot Springs, AR. Turns out, sake brewed with U.S.-grown rice pairs well with almost everything. Plus: sumo wrestlers! With special guests: Weston Konishi, President, Sake Brewers Association of North America and Ben Bell, VP, Origami Sake Hosted by: Michael Klein, Lesley Dixon, and Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice

Humans aren't the only creatures who love to eat rice, which is why the work of entomologists like Dr. Blake Wilson of the LSU Ag Center and Dr. Lina Bernaola of Texas A&M Agrilife Research is so important. In this episode, USA Rice's Dr. Steve Linscombe sits down with these two experts to discuss unwelcome guests in rice fields, from stink bugs to snails, and what can be done about them. With special guests: Lina Bernaola, Assistant Professor & Rice Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Blake Wilson, Associate Professor & Entomologist, LSU Agricultural Center Hosted by: Dr. Steve Linscombe and Lesley Dixon

Members of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) create high-end foods and drinks. Rice is often found as an ingredient, but why not take the spotlight? Michael went to SFA's Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas last month to ask this question and sample fancy food. He's back to talk about his observations with Lesley and share an interview with California rice farmers (and show exhibitors) Tom and Carter Knowles of Chico Rice. He also visited with Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group about food trends and consumer desires. And SFA's Leana Salamah stops by to talk about the market and her organization. With special guests: Leana Salamah​​​​ SVP, Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, Laurie Demeritt, CEO, The Hartman Group, Carter Knowles, Chico Rice, and Tom Knowles, Chico Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

In 2022, USDA announced Climate Smart Commodity grants, with the USA Rice - Ducks Unlimited - National Black Growers Council application receiving the highest score and $80 million. Throughout 2023, the details of the program were negotiated and sign ups are about to open. USA Rice's Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership Josh Hankins comes by to explain how the program will work and what rice growers can expect. With special guest: Josh Hankins, Director of Grower Relations and the Rice Stewardship Partnership, USA Rice Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

U.S. agriculture is facing a major labor shortage and increasingly relies on foreign workers to keep food on our tables. The government program designed to help is complex, confusing, and confounding in many aspects. Ag labor expert Kristi Boswell with Alston & Bird law firm conducted a session on the topic at the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference. On this episode of TRS, Arkansas rice farmers Jennifer James and Joe Mencer talk about their experiences with the program and how they think it can be improved. With special guests: Jennifer James, Arkansas rice farmer, Joe Mencer, Arkansas rice farmer, and Kristi Boswell, Attorney, Alston & Bird Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

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