The Rice Stuff USA Rice

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