Grainiacs

Rising input costs, stubborn pest and weed pressure, and tighter margins are forcing tougher decisions across the farm. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

In this episode, we sit down with industry experts Dr. Ronnie Helms and Dr. Ford Baldwin to unpack what growers are up against this season. From evolving weed resistance and crop protection strategies to balancing costs without sacrificing yield, we dig into the key factors shaping decision-making right now. Tune in as we discuss practical insights and real-world approaches to managing weeds in today’s environment.

Low commodity prices and elevated input costs are putting pressure on operations across the board, and that’s just part of the story.

In this episode, we sit down with Riceland’s government affairs team and ag economist Dr. Hunter Biram to break down the biggest factors shaping this season’s outlook. From persistent input costs and global market influences to policy conversations happening in Washington, we cover what’s driving risk right now and how farmers can think about managing it.

You’ve done the hard work in the field, but what happens after your rice leaves the farm?  This episode pulls back the curtain on everything that happens behind the scenes, from quality standards to the steps that turn your crop into a consumer-ready product.

Spring planting is underway, and there’s a lot to unpack.

In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Jarrod Hardke from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service to talk through how planting season is shaping up across the Mid-South. From weather conditions and early progress to input decisions and field conditions, Jarrod shares what he’s seeing on the ground right now.

We also dig into one of the biggest topics of the year: a smaller rice crop. What’s driving the shift in acreage, and what could it mean for the months ahead?

We’re kicking off the 2026 growing season with a special conversation featuring Riceland President and CEO, Kevin McGilton.

Fresh off district membership meetings, Kevin shares a candid update on market conditions, including signs of improvement in rice and bean futures, and the realities we’re still navigating. 

A key focus of the discussion: medium grain. 

With the Annual Membership Meeting just around the corner, we’re taking you behind the scenes for a conversation about connection, communication, and advocacy in today’s farm economy.

CEO Kevin McGilton, Director of Marketing and Communications Kylie Dewberry, and EVP/COO Ben Noble join us to discuss what members can expect in Jonesboro and how their teams collaborate year-round to keep Riceland members informed, engaged, and represented.

From navigating tough market conditions to finding new ways to tell the cooperative story, this episode digs into what it means to lead, listen, and find common ground across the Riceland community.

Harvest season brings change, both in the fields and in leadership.

In this episode, Bill Free sits down with Freddie Gahr, Vice President, Drier Division, and Nick Kelley, Senior Director, Drier Division, to talk about this year’s harvest and the road ahead for Riceland’s drier operations.

With Freddie’s retirement coming in December, the conversation reflects on his years of leadership and experience while looking toward the strategic priorities that will guide the drier network under Nick’s direction, from operational efficiency to member service and the future of harvest at Riceland.