#18 Behind the Scenes at USA Rice

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

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

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

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