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What can Arkansas soybean growers learn from this season, and what can they expect from Riceland's upcoming Annual Meeting? On this episode of the Grainiacs Podcast, Dr. Terry Spurlock, Extension Plant Pathologist at the University of Arkansas, joins Chandler Holcomb, Sustainability Manager, and Ashten Adamson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Riceland Foods, for a discussion on two timely topics. Dr. Spurlock reflects on the disease pressures that challenged soybean growers this year, including frogeye leaf spot, Cercospora leaf blight, and green stem issues, and shares research-backed strategies for managing disease risk in future seasons. Ashten offers a preview of Riceland's Annual Meeting on November 12 in Stuttgart, featuring expanded breakout sessions and discussions on soybean disease, rice and soybean basis, farm safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health in agriculture. Tune in for practical agronomic insights and a look at the educational opportunities available to Riceland members this fall.

What makes the agricultural cooperative model different, and why does it still work today? In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with agricultural economists Dr. Bert Greenwalt and Dr. Keri Jacobs to explore the history, purpose and future of agricultural cooperatives. We discuss what it really means to be a member-owner, how farmers benefit from working together, and why collective strength remains an important part of the cooperative model. From the challenges that led to the creation of agricultural cooperatives to the ways co-ops are adapting to a changing industry, this conversation takes a closer look at what makes the cooperative model unique and why it continues to have a place in agriculture today. In recognition of National Cooperative Month, we're shining a light on the cooperative model and the farmers who are at the center of it.

For more than 25 years, the Riceland Foods Foundation has worked to create opportunities and strengthen communities across Riceland’s footprint. In this episode of Grainiacs, Foundation Board Chair Shannon Davis and Executive Director Austin Brown discuss the Foundation’s work, from supporting food banks and community projects to its growing scholarship program. This year, the Foundation awarded 12 scholarships to families of Riceland members and employees. Listen in to learn more about the Foundation’s work and its focus for the years ahead.

After 39 years at Riceland Foods, Bill Free is getting ready to retire. In this special episode of Grainiacs, Bill looks back on his career, from starting at the Dumas facility in 1988 to the many changes, challenges, and experiences that have shaped his time with Riceland. Bill shares stories from his years across six Riceland locations, the people who helped shape his career, and the changes he's seen throughout the rice industry. Most of all, he reflects on what hasn't changed: Riceland's farmer members and the importance of serving them. Join Ben Noble, Chandler Holcomb, and Bill for a conversation spanning nearly four decades of Riceland history.

Grainiacs sat down with Peter Bachmann, President & CEO of USA Rice, to discuss the work going on at the nation’s capital and beyond for the rice industry. This conversation provides an inside look at the organization’s efforts surrounding trade, conservation, domestic promotion, and grassroots advocacy.

In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Dr. Nick Bateman, entomologist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, to discuss an emerging concern for Mid-South rice producers: the arrival and spread of rice delphacids.   Dr. Bateman breaks down what rice delphacids are, why they’re becoming more prevalent in the region, and what that means for growers moving forward. Listeners will gain practical, research-based insights on how to identify early signs of infestation, the environmental conditions that favor these pests, and the potential impacts on yield and crop health.   Most importantly, Dr. Bateman shares actionable strategies for prevention, monitoring, and management—equipping producers and ag professionals with the tools they need to stay ahead of this invasive threat. From scouting tips to integrated pest management approaches, this episode delivers timely information to help protect one of Arkansas’s most important crops.   Whether you’re in the field or advising from the office, this is a must-listen conversation on staying proactive in the face of changing pest pressures.

In this episode of Grainiacs, we go inside Riceland’s operations with two leaders helping drive efficiency and innovation across the cooperative—Charles Brown, Vice President of Milling & Manufacturing, and Jeff Madden, Senior Director of Engineering & Energy Resources.   Together, they break down key projects and recent improvements across Riceland’s milling and soy operations, as well as the cooperative’s drier network. From infrastructure upgrades to engineering-driven efficiencies, this conversation highlights how strategic investments are strengthening performance from harvest through processing.   Gain insight into the scope and scale of Riceland’s system, the challenges of modernizing critical operations, and how these advancements ultimately support growers and the long-term success of the cooperative.   Whether you’re interested in grain handling, processing innovation, or the systems that keep agriculture moving, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations powering Riceland.

In this episode, we sit down with two leading voices in weed science—Dr. Ford Baldwin and Dr. Jason Norsworthy—to explore the rapidly evolving world of herbicide technology. From combating herbicide-resistant weeds to evaluating the promise and practicality of new chemistries and application strategies, Ford and Jason break down what’s coming next for modern agriculture.   They share insights from the field, discuss how innovation is changing weed management, and address the real-world challenges growers face as new solutions hit the market. Whether it’s emerging active ingredients, precision application tools, or integrated weed management approaches, this conversation offers a grounded look at how science is shaping the future of crop protection.   If you’re a farmer, agronomist, or ag enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

What happens after a soybean leaves the farm?   In this episode of Grainiacs, Amy Smith, Soy Division Manager, and Chris Cline, VP of Oil Sales, take us inside Riceland’s soy division to follow the journey from crushing and refining all the way to the marketplace.   Amy shares how precision and operational efficiency drive quality, while Chris explains how those products are positioned and sold across diverse customer channels.   It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and processes powering Riceland’s soy success.

Crop insurance is more than a safety net—it’s a strategic tool that can make or break a season. In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Morgan Mayer, owner and agent of Delta Risk Management, and Kyle Stovesand, VP of Lending & Branch Manager at AgHeritage Farm Credit Service in Stuttgart, to unpack the real-world impact of crop insurance decisions.  From understanding policy options to optimizing coverage for today’s volatile markets, Morgan and Kyle break down the complexities into practical, actionable insights. They share what growers need to know about risk management, coverage levels, and common mistakes that could cost you when it matters most.  Whether you’re reevaluating your current plan or building a long-term risk strategy, this conversation delivers clarity, confidence, and a smarter approach to protecting your farm.

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?