USRPA Hosts Inaugural Farmer Exchange Program Trip To Louisiana

MOLLIE LANDERS BUCKLER

POPLAR BLUFF, MISSOURI

   Last week, US Rice Producers Association hosted the inaugural trip of its new Farmer Exchange Program. Created by the USRPA Board of Directors, the Farmer Exchange Program brings together up-and-coming rice producers to network with fellow producers and industry members while learning best practices across the country. The first trip welcomed twelve farmers from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas to south Louisiana, hosted by USRPA Board Members Mark Pousson and Dustin Watkins.

   Trip highlights included a tour of the South Louisiana Rail Facility and the construction of the South Louisiana Rice Mill in Lacassine, LA, as well as education on crawfish production in the area. The trip ended with a Fat Tuesday crawfish boil with Louisiana farmers.

   “This first trip was a great success and allowed USRPA to connect with producers in a new way,” Marcela Garcia, President and CEO of US Rice Producers Association, said. “We’ve had positive feedback from participants and look forward to hosting future events like this in other rice producing states.”

   If you are a producer interested in participating in future Farmer Exchange Program activities, please contact Mollie Buckler at mollie@usriceproducers.com  ∆

   MOLLIE LANDERS BUCKLER: Coordinator for Delta Producer Relations, US Rice Producers Association