Keith Glover (left) and John Owen (right). Photo: Collected
More than 100 USA Rice volunteer leaders gathered last week for the organization's annual membership meetings, where they reviewed budgets and programs, discussed policy priorities and elected new leadership for the coming two years.
Representatives from 10 committees, seven boards of directors, one working group and delegations from all six major rice producing states met to discuss the direction of the U.S. rice industry.
The meetings came as U.S. rice producers continue to face economic challenges, including high production costs, low commodity prices and global trade distortions. Those factors have contributed to the lowest U.S. rice acreage since the 1970s.
Discussions focused on issues affecting producers across the industry, including rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, higher labor expenses, elevated interest rates and continued market uncertainty.
Grain quality also received significant attention following the first Aromatic Rice Quality Symposium, which was held before the business meetings. Organizers highlighted the expansion of aromatic rice production and showcased newly released varieties and experimental breeding lines.
According to USA Rice, the 2026 U.S. crop is expected to include nearly 50,000 acres of aromatic rice, the largest acreage ever devoted to those specialty rice types.
The organization also elected new officers to serve two-year terms. Louisiana rice farmer John Owen of Arkansas was elected USA Rice chair. Arkansas merchant Collin Holzhauer was elected chair of the USA Rice Merchants' Association. Todd Burich of ADM was elected chair of the USA Rice Millers' Association, and Louisiana farmer John Frederick Denison was elected chair of The Rice Foundation.
The newly elected board members will take office Aug. 1, 2026.
Source: USA Rice, Leadership Changes and More at USA Rice Summer Meetings.
Comment Now