Missouri Rice Council

America’s rice farmers are facing one of their toughest seasons yet, squeezed by low prices, rising costs, and intense global competition. Imports are climbing, exports are slipping, and heavy market speculation is driving prices even lower. Where do we go from here? Read more in today’s special edition of The Rice Advocate: https://conta.cc/48OgmWD

It's been a busy few weeks promoting Missouri Rice, with buyers from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Taiwan all visiting Missouri rice country in October. Each visit helps strengthen relationships and expand export opportunities for Missouri-grown rice!

🌾 Ray Stoesser’s life was defined by three things—his faith, his family, and his love for agriculture. A third-generation rice farmer and longtime USRPA board member, Ray poured over 50 years into growing not only rice, but opportunities for others. His passion for supporting the next generation of agriculture lives on through the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to his enduring legacy and the values he held dear.🌾
🔗 Application link: https://tinyurl.com/USRPAscholarship26

It's National Rice Month, and here's a fun fact:

Over half of the world population consider rice a staple in their diet!

From Southeast Missouri fields to tables across the globe, rice plays a vital role in feeding communities!

The Missouri Rice Council was well represented at home, in Jefferson City, and in Washington, D.C. last week:
- Three agency meetings and 16 meetings on Capitol Hill advocating for rice producers
- Talking to hundreds of southeast MO high schoolers and about careers in agriculture at the Mizzou Fisher Delta REEC Ag Career Expo
- Meeting at the Governor's Mansion with Missouri Farmers Care and the leaders of Missouri's ag industry

Wherever the conversation is happening — on the farm, in the classroom, or in the halls of government — Missouri Rice is proud to be at the table. 💪🌾

This week's issue of The Rice Advocate is now available:
https://conta.cc/3KwuLMM

In This Issue:
🌾Market Update: Market Conditions Raise Big Questions for 2026
🌾Washington, D.C. Update: USRPA Advocates for Rice Producers in Washington, D.C.
🌾Announcing the Fifth Annual Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship
🌾Support Texas Rice Farmers: Sponsor the Texas Rice Roundup Today!
🌾RMTC 2026: Registration is Open for Past Exhibitors and Sponsors
🌾Photo from Rice Country

🌾🌾Applications are now open for the Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship! ✨🌾

Created to honor the legacy of longtime rice farmer and advocate Ray Stoesser, this scholarship supports the next generation of agricultural leaders. If you’re passionate about agriculture and making an impact, we want to hear from you!

📅 Deadline to apply: Friday, December 5th by 11:59 p.m. CT
🔗 Application link: https://tinyurl.com/USRPAscholarship26

September is National Rice Month! Read more about this annual celebration: https://tinyurl.com/MONRM2025

September is also National Rice Month!

Farmers in Southeast Missouri work hard from planting to harvest to provide this nutritious staple that ends up on tables everywhere. Thank you, farmers!

Another beautiful week for harvesting rice! Rice harvest began in earnest yesterday at the MO Rice Research Farm. Thanks to our Research Farm team for all their hard work this season.

is officially underway in MO! Thanks to MRRMC member Chris Berry for sharing these photos. DM us your harvest photos to be featured on our page and in the US Rice Producers Association's Rice Advocate newsletter!