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Last year's ribbon cutting
in St. Louis
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ARLINGTON, VA -- This weekend the 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference takes over the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The annual conference is the largest rice convention held in the United States featuring a trade show, speakers, and interactive learning sessions on many aspects of the rice industry.
The conference kicks off on Sunday, December 7, with the grand opening of the exhibit hall and a reception. Monday morning's program includes a host state welcome from Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson and USA Rice Federation Chairman Dow Brantley, an Arkansas rice farmer.
The speaker lineup includes Jim Wiesemeyer of Informa Economics, USDA Rice Market Analyst Nathan Childs, and Vernon Crowder of Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Group. The new farm bill is a featured topic on the agenda with presentations on implementation, data reporting, conservation opportunities, and a decision aid tool. The conference also will screen Academy Award winner James Moll's Farmland documentary on Monday at 4:45p.m.
USA Rice's social media platforms will keep the industry informed throughout the conference, including during the Rice Awards luncheon on Monday. Those attending the conference are encouraged to tweet using the hashtag #USARiceOutlook.
"We are excited to host this year's USA Rice Outlook Conference in Arkansas," said Brantley. "This meeting is a great place to network and get the latest information about issues that affect our industry. We also hope it encourages more farmers and industry partners to learn about their national rice organization and get involved."
USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward said, "This year's conference has the largest trade show in conference history, with all the latest technology and services. We are anticipating a big turnout and are very excited to show our members what USA Rice has accomplished for the rice industry this past year."
Contact: Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446
