Grainiacs

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, resea...

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&rsq...

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 ...

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.

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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...

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 fa...

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 w...

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.

W...

With the Annual Membership Meeting just around the corner, we’re taking you behind the scenes for a conversation about connection, communication, and advocacy in today’s farm economy.

CEO Kevin McGilton, Director of Marketing and Communications Kylie Dewberry, and EVP/COO Ben Noble join us to discuss what members can expect in Jonesboro and how their teams collaborate year-round to keep Riceland members informed, engaged...

Harvest season brings change, both in the fields and in leadership.

In this episode, Bill Free sits down with Freddie Gahr, Vice President, Drier Division, and Nick Kelley, Senior Director, Drier Division, to talk about this year’s harvest and the road ahead for Riceland’s drier operations.

With Freddie’s retirement coming in December, the conversation reflects on his years of leadership and experience while looking...

We’re celebrating National Rice Month with a special Grainiacs episode! Host Bill Free is joined by Riceland’s own Ashten Adamson Denman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, as they welcome Cameron Jacobs, Vice President of Domestic Promotion at USA Rice. Together, they dive into how rice is promoted across the U.S., why Rice Month matters, and the creative ways the industry is connecting consumers to U.S.-g...

In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Greg Cole, President & CEO of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, to discuss the role of cooperatives in today’s challenging ag economy. Greg shares insights on rising costs, financing the next generation of farmers, and how co-ops like AgHeritage and Riceland help producers stay resilient. With 40+ years in the Farm Credit System, Greg brings a unique perspective on balancing r...

Welcome back to Grainiacs! In this episode, host Bill Free sits down with two guests who are on the front lines of Arkansas policy affecting agriculture: Robert Moery, Principal at Broadview Strategies and former advisor to Governor Asa Hutchinson, and Adam Shea, Riceland’s VP of Sustainability and Government Affairs.

Together, they dive into the state-level conversations that matter to Riceland members, from rural infrastruct...