The Rice Stuff

Ever since Ben Franklin remarked that "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes," the government has been tinkering with the tax code and taxpayers have been trying to survive. A new study found proposed changes to the U.S. tax code could have a devastating impact on U.S. farms. The author, Dr. Bart Fischer, formerly chief economist for the House Ag Committee and now co-director of the Agricultural & Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University and an assistant professor, joins us to explain.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The top destination for U.S. milled rice is Haiti, where an assassinated president and civil unrest have led to some of the worst violence in decades, including the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars of rice and other commodities. USA Rice's consultant, Christine Coupet Jacques, joins the podcast from Haiti to discuss. Sarah Moran is also back to weigh in and discuss another reliable market that has been turned upside down recently; Iraq, an oil-dependent economy hamstrung by the global pandemic.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Soil health is a critical part of a successful farm – whether you are talking crop health or farm economics, the dirt beneath your feet holds the key. Arkansas rice farmer Adam Chappell joins Lydia Holmes to talk about how a pigweed problem led him to become a cover crop convert. He shares his thoughts on, and vast experience with, organic matter, precision planting, cereal rye, revenue per acre, and finding a way to make it all work. All that plus, Marvel movies and interesting ways to eat watermelon.

Hosted by:

Lydia Holmes, Lesley Dixon and Michael Klein

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain join the podcast to talk about infrastructure, counterterrorism, the Farm Bill, WOTUS, climate change, Dicamba, the problem with uncertainty in agriculture, what keeps them up at night, and more. They also talked about the movies that best represent their respective states, and Michael and Lesley talked about their favorite TV shows and movies from their states as well.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Water efficiency is vital for farmers' bottom lines, the planet, and the rice industry's social license to operate. While not available to all growers, row rice offers many advantages. Dr. Steve Linscombe welcomes Dr. Jason Bond of Mississippi State University and Louisiana farmer Jason Waller to share some of their expertise on furrow irrigation and AWD that are a part of row rice systems. Somehow Michael and Lesley tie in tomato paste efficiency and the reversal of the Chicago river.

Hosted by:

Dr. Steve Linscombe, Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Anheuser-Busch is the #1 user of sustainably grown U.S. rice. They use rice in Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and even in new Bud Light Seltzers. Hellbender Brewing Co. brewmaster Ben Evans joins the podcast to talk about brewing craft beer with rice, including the Louisiana purple rice beer he made last year. USA Rice's Cameron Jacobs also stops by and the gang discuss future projects, Louisiana's Crying Eagle lager made with local rice, and in the name of science and journalism, sample them all.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

The European Union has announced a complete ban on propiconazole to go into effect in September 2021. Michael and Lesley examine the decision to arbitrarily remove this tool from the farmer's toolbox. USA Rice's International Trade Vice President Peter Bachmann discusses the motivations; then University of Arkansas' Dr. Jarrod Hardke, California Rice Commission's Roberta Firoved, & USA Rice's Dr. Steve Linscombe talk the science behind crop protectants, MRLs, and the unintended consequences of regulation.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Farmers and people in rural communities operate under tremendous stress that may feel unbearable. Michael & Lesley talk with experts about stress, anxiety, depression, and preventing suicide. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Shimi Kang; the Stigma Free Society's Andrea Paquette; Dr. Archie Mason of Agri-Health Network; and Arkansas rice farmer Mike Sullivan share their expertise & experience.

More help at: Agri Health Network Stigma Free Society Rural Mental Wellness Mental Wealth w/ Dr. Shimi Kang on YouTube

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Thirty-two years ago, the rice industry invested in itself by creating the Rice Leadership Development Program for young farmers and industry trailblazers. Michael and Lesley visit with program alumni Dr. Steve Linscombe, who now runs the whole program, California rice farmer Kim Gallagher, Louisiana rice farmer and merchant Scott Franklin, and Missouri rice farmer and equipment dealer Paul T. Combs to learn why they think it was one the best professional investments they've ever made.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon

Peek behind the curtain at the rice industry's national trade association as President & CEO Betsy Ward and Director of Strategic Initiatives Katie Maher join Michael and Lesley to talk about what went into developing the new Think Rice website, what makes USA Rice different from other agriculture trade associations, and some of the rice industry's unique assets. We'll talk free trade, sustainability, recipe photography, bluegrass music, movie trailers, rice fanatics on Reddit and more.

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon