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USA Rice Daily
Up-to-the-Minute News on Issues and Activities
Tuesday, May 19, 2015

USA Rice Cooks Up Contacts at Restaurant Convention    

Katie Maher talks with a
specialty food manufacturer.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- USA Rice staff were among the more than 65,000 foodservice professionals at the National Restaurant Association 2015 Show here this year. More than 2,000 exhibitors showed off all manner of foods, drinks, equipment, and gadgets for the restaurant industry.

USA Rice members Riceland and Riviana exhibited, performed cooking demonstrations, and handed out samples to the crowds. In addition to these members, USA Rice staff visited with representatives of several major rice customers and potential customers including Sysco, Taco Bell, Kellogg's, and several rice flour end users. Staff also attended learning sessions on topics including food trends, consumer perceptions of authentic cuisines, and using social media effectively to communicate with "foodies."

With the touch of a button

One of the technical highlights of the show were automated sushi machines that produced and packaged individual pieces of sushi. When asked if the machine was using California rice the exhibitor replied, "of course we are."

"As we look to expand our foodservice programs, attending this show was invaluable," said Katie Maher, manager of domestic promotion for USA Rice who attended the conference. "We were able to get a good handle on the foodservice universe, to see what's possible, what we should pursue, and what we can skip given the resources available to us."

Maher said the gluten free section of the trade show continues to expand, with most of the exhibitors using some sort of rice flour. Many had food safety questions and were happy to make connections with USA Rice to serve as a resource for good, scientific information.

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for May 19

Month
Price
Net Change
July 2015$9.650
- $0.145
September 2015$9.915
- $0.145
November 2015$10.165
- $0.145
January 2016$10.425
- $0.135
March 2016$10.490
- $0.135
May 2016
$10.490
- $0.135
July 2016
$10.490
- $0.135

In the News 

Around the Country

California's Water Paradox: Why Enough Will Never Be Enough The Conversation

A good rule of thumb to go by when it comes to California drought solutions is "If it were simple, it would already have been done."

 

Cuts in California Rice Opens Doors for Competitors AgAlert

More medium-grain rice will be planted in the South again this year, as water restrictions force California farmers to decrease their plantings even further. Initial estimates from USDA indicate Southern growers intend to plant 311,000 acres of medium grain, while California farmers will grow 375,000 acres of medium grain and 408,000 acres of all rice varieties, a 6 percent reduction from 2014.

 

USDA to Expand Water Conservation in Drought-Stricken States AGProfessional

NRCS will provide an additional $21 million in technical and financial assistance through EQIP to target areas that are experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought conditions as of the May 5, 2015 U.S. Drought Monitor, which includes parts of California, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.

 

Wet, Cool Start Results in Issues for 2015 Arkansas Rice Delta Farm Press

This season is turning out kind of erratic. After the most recent rains, it turns out there was still viable seed planted. It just hadn't come up yet. So, we're seeing a number of fields with three- and four-leaf rice with new rice emerging right beside it. That will make things interesting going forward in terms of in-season management. The rice that's furthest along is what you have to make your primary management decisions on - that's your main crop.

 

 

Science and Technology

Why 2015 is the Year Agriculture Drones Take Off Fortune

A shift in regulatory policy will now allow certified firms-many of which are in the startup phase-to assist both large and small farming operations with water and disease management, and charge for the services.

 

 

Tariffs and Trade

Canada Plans Retaliation Against U.S. After WTO Meat Ruling Reuters

Canada will be seeking authority from the WTO to use retaliatory measures on U.S. agricultural and non-agricultural products.
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USA Rice Federation is the global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses.
About Us
Editor:  Michael Klein
(703) 236-1458
mklein@usarice.com

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This report is time-sensitive, based on information available at press time. Content is derived from facts and sources believed to be reliable. Reprinting and/or distribution may be done with permission of the USA Rice Federation

Copyright © 2015. Please direct comments or questions to the editor or contact name listed for each story.