Second in a series of three articles this week highlighting  

upcoming USA Rice NRM promotions

Getting our message out

ARLINGTON, VA -- Consumers across the country have another reason to be excited about September National Rice Month (NRM) - they can "Reach for Rice" from the convenience of their computer or mobile device.  Throughout the month, the USA Rice Federation will share the many benefits of U.S.-grown rice via Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

USA Rice will have daily social media postings on Twitter and Facebook covering themes such as sustainability and conservation, health and nutrition,
farming, rice recipes, rice in foodservice, and Fun Facts.

"Social media is a very important source of information for so many people, we stepped up our game in this area," said Fred Zaunbrecher, chairman of the Domestic Promotion Committee.  "Pinterest is another valuable outlet because recipes and food related items are the most popular posts, so it is a great place to share rice recipes and encourage consumers to 'Reach for Rice.'"

On Wednesday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. EST, USA Rice is hosting its second Twitter party with partner #Foodiechats.  The theme of the discussion will be NRM and will cover the culinary versatility, nutritional, and environmental benefits of U.S.-grown rice.

"Our first Twitter party with Foodiechats reached over 600,000 unique Twitter followers with messages about U.S.-grown rice," said Zaunbrecher.  "This valuable partnership helps to extend our outreach and connect with people having an interest in food and culinary trends."

During September, consumers will also be challenged to "Reach for Rice" and enter the NRM Rice Bowl Recipe contest for a chance to win a $300 American Express gift card and an Aroma rice cooker.  USA Rice will publicize the contest through social media and a consumer e-newsletter.  Winners will be announced in mid-October.

"Rice bowls are the perfect solution for today's busy consumers in need of quick, nutritious, one-dish meals, and NRM is the perfect time to remind them and bring rice top of mind," said Zaunbrecher.

NRM is an important promotional platform in educating consumers about rice grown in the U.S. and social media provides a direct line of communication to consumers.

Contact:  Katie Maher (703) 236-1453

Joe Mencer

 ARLINGTON, VA -- Yesterday, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) released

 
 For rice, SCO will be available for purchase on approximately 97 percent of rice planted and insured acres.  Counties where SCO may not be available for 2015 are expected to have availability starting in 2016.

"We are extremely appreciative of the tremendous efforts by RMA officials and staff to implement SCO for rice in a comprehensive fashion," said Joe Mencer, Arkansas producer and chairman of the USA Rice Federation Crop Insurance Task Force.  "RMA is to be commended for their responsiveness to industry input on this important new policy."

RMA has also provided a Crop Insurance Decision Tool on its website help illustrate SCO coverage levels, interaction with underlying policies, and estimated premium costs.

Contact:  Reece Langley (703) 236-1471

ARLINGTON, VA -- During the month of September, teens across the U.S. will be conducting rice promotional programs for entry in the annual National Rice Month (NRM) scholarship contest, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.  Be on the lookout for promotions going on in your state to support scholarship applicants.  Encourage high school seniors to review the contest application and plan a promotion.  There is still time to compete!

Three scholarship prizes totaling $8,500 will be awarded.  The grand prize is a $4,000 scholarship and a trip to the scholarship presentation in December at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Little Rock, AR.  The second-place winner will receive $3,000 and the third-place winner will receive $1,500.   

Entries will be judged on their creativity and impact in promoting U.S.-grown rice, NRM, and the importance of rice in their state.  For more details and the official contest entry form, visit the scholarship web page.

High school seniors from rice-growing counties in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas are eligible.  Entry forms are due October 13.

Contact:  Amy Doane (703) 236-1454

Around Washington

Farmers May Apply to Terminate Acreage Contracts Under Farm Bill Times News

Farmers with acreage under contract through the Conservation Reserve Program can apply for early contract termination under the 2014 Farm Bill.

Around the Country

Crop Donations Can Bring Big Tax Savings Southeast Farm Press

With self-employment taxes now at 15.3 percent, the overall tax savings from donated crops can be substantially higher than the tax savings that results from the ordinary cash-or-check type of donation, which generally does not provide a self-employment tax savings.

Farm Bill Has Become a Midterm Flash Point Wall Street Journal

Because it was a compromise, the measure remains a target for critics, including conservatives who contend it is too expensive and liberals who say it curbs food-stamp funding too much.

How is U.S. Rice Faring in Current Trade Agreement Negotiations? Delta Farm Press

U.S. trade officials are in the thick of negotiating two major trade agreements, the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Investment and Trade Partnership (TTIP). There are major challenges with both.

U.S. 2014 Farm Income Seen Falling 14% from Record 2013 Bloomberg

Lower prices for corn and soybeans will drive the profits of U.S. farmers down to an estimated $113.2 billion in 2014, a decline of 14 percent from last year's record, according to the Department of Agriculture.