08/01/16   Rice Expo To Be Held In Stuttgart

In 2025, where in the world will Arkansas rice be found? That's a question experts and speakers will ponder Wednesday, August 10 at the 2016 Arkansas Rice Expo.

The Expo returns to Stuttgart's Grand Prairie Center on highway 165 south. Doors will open at 8am and will finish up with a complimentary lunch. The annual half-day event celebrates a crop that in 2013 was valued at one point three billion dollars.

There are lots of questions about the future of Arkansas rice. Where will Arkansas rice be competitive? What new markets may open up such as Cuba? How might more rice be utilized in food and beverage products?

This year's general session will feature a panel of industry experts answering,  “Where will we sell Arkansas rice in 2025?” Panel members include Keith Glover, President and CEO of Producers Rice Mill. Eric Wailes, Distinguished professor, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at U-A. Representive from Anheuser-Busch. Senator John Boozman, Rep Rick Crawford and Congressman Bruce Westerman will also be featured.