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Up-to-the-Minute News on Issues and Activities
Friday, May 1, 2015

Arkansas Rice Specialty License Plates Now Available            

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- A special Arkansas license plate highlighting the state's rice industry is now available. The Arkansas Rice Council worked with the Department of Finance and Administration to develop the specialty license plate to promote rice, Arkansas's second highest value commodity and top agricultural export.

 

Specialty fees from the plates will help fund scholarships and education programs for students pursuing careers in agriculture or the food industry.

 

"These plates are an easy way for any Arkansan to help promote rice throughout the state," Arkansas Rice Council President Steve Orlicek said. "It's a simple way to advocate for agriculture while helping sustain farming for future generations in Arkansas."

 

"My husband, Greg, had the idea to do the specialty rice plate after seeing the many different state plates promoting all manner of organizations and schools," said Newport rice farmer Jennifer James. "What we hadn't thought about initially was the amount of work it would take to make this a reality, and it did take a lot, but, now that it's done, it's a great visual and a constant reminder to our fellow Arkansans about the big impact our rice industry has on the state's economy."

 

Any motor vehicle owner may obtain the Arkansas Rice license plate for the specialty registration fee of $35. To learn more, please call (501) 682-4692.

 

Contact:  Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 1

Month
Price
Net Change
May 2015
$9.950
- $0.080
July 2015
$10.205
- $0.090
September 2015
$10.475
  -  $0.090    
November 2015
$10.725
  - $0.090   
January 2016
$10.975
- $0.090
March 2016
$11.025
- $0.090
May 2016
$11.025
- $0.090

In the News 

Around Washington

Senators Introduce Bill to Repeal Controversial WOTUS Rule Agri-Pulse

The bill would require the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised WOTUS rule that excludes "things such as isolated ponds, ditches, agriculture water, storm water, groundwater, floodwater, municipal water supply systems, wastewater management systems, and streams without enough flow to carry pollutants to navigable waters," according to a release from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

 

 

Around the Country

Farmers Rush to Plant During Dry Weather THV11-CBS

A wet spring is slowing down planting season. In Prairie County, rice farmer Rich Hillman says he's taking advantage of every dry day to hit the fields.

 

 

Around the World

Earthquake-Hit Nepalese Farmers Race to Plant Crops Farmers Weekly

Nepalese farmers now face a battle to recover lost agricultural inputs and resume preparations for the imminent rice sowing season, said the UN FAO.

 

 

Tariffs and Trade

Brazil Takes Aim at U.S. Farm Subsidies as Rousseff Readies Visit Today Online

Brasilia is gathering evidence to show that the United States is increasing subsidies for soy and corn farmers, which threatens to further push down prices for the key crops grown in the South American country and hurt its already sputtering economy.

 

 

Science and Technology

Why We Can't Take Chipotle's GMO Announcement All That Seriously NPR

Five reasons why the claim non-GMO does not apply to the menu at Chipotle.

USA Rice Daily Index of Articles, April 27-30

Thursday, April 30   

Budget Conference Report Reveals No Farm Bill Cuts

USA Rice Promotions:  A Hit in Haiti 

 

Wednesday, April 29
USA Rice Partners with Celiac Awareness Group on Video

Tuesday, April 28
Partnership with Big Y Dietitians Help Boost Awareness and Sales of U.S. Rice

Monday, April 27
U.S. Rice Takes Center Stage at Worlds of Flavor Conference
Crop Progress:  2015 Crop 39 Percent Planted
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