#130 The 45th Natural Products Expo West

#130 The 45th Natural Products Expo West

Author: USA Rice March 24, 2026 Duration: 48:32

Michael went to Anaheim, California for one of the largest and most influential food shows in the country. He stalked the aisles finding new products and old friends, caught up with several USA Rice members who were there to rep U.S.-grown rice, and walked more than 45,000 steps for the pod. Listen in to learn about new rice uses, new companies, rice innovation, and more.

With special guests:

  • Bryce Lundberg, VP of Agriculture, Lundberg Family Farms
  • Brita Lundberg, Communications Manager, Lundberg Family Farms
  • Meryl Kennedy, CEO, 4Sisters Rice
  • Steve Choi, Director of R&D, Chef Bobo Brand
  • Michael Bosworth, CEO, Next Generation Foods
  • Rick Rhody, CEO, Expedient Foods and Farmers' Rice Cooperative
  • Charley Mathews, Jr., Chair, Farmers' Rice Cooperative
  • Aidan Anvaripour, Founder, Batch Foods
  • Chiedu Okeke, Director of Procurement, Kevin's Natural Foods
  • Eric Martindale, Founder, Elite Commerce Group
  • Jeff Clarke, VP of Sales, Specialty Rice, Inc.
  • James Maitland, CEO, Dainty Foods and Dainty Foods US

Hosted by:
Michael Klein


Digging into the complex and surprisingly fascinating world of a single grain, The Rice Stuff is a conversation about more than just agriculture. Hosts Michael and Lesley serve as guides, pulling back the curtain on the entire journey of U.S.-grown rice, from the soil in the fields to its place on global tables. They achieve this by stepping aside to let the real experts speak: the farmers making daily decisions under the sun, the scientists in labs developing resilient varieties, the millers ensuring quality, and the marketers navigating international trade. Each episode of this podcast feels like a field visit or a behind-the-scenes meeting, uncovering narratives that intersect science, business, and environmental stewardship. You’ll hear about tangible conservation efforts that protect water and land, the economic strategies that connect American farms to overseas markets, and the technological innovations quietly transforming a traditional industry. It’s a detailed portrait of a staple food, revealing the dedication and ingenuity embedded in every bag. While those within the agriculture sector will find deep, relevant insights, the stories are told with a clarity that welcomes anyone curious about where their food comes from and the intricate systems that produce it. Tune in for genuine conversations that go beyond the surface, offering a new appreciation for the people and processes behind U.S. rice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 130

The Rice Stuff
Podcast Episodes
#129 Understanding Rice Grain Quality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:46
Steve Linscombe has assembled rice breeding experts to talk about U.S. grain quality and what they are doing to improve it. From fissuring and milling yields to farm gate value and consumer preferences, join us for this…
#128 The 2026 Farm Policy Fly-in & Nathan Childs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:23
Michael Klein reports from a packed USA Rice Farm Policy Fly-In in D.C., where growers discussed rising input costs, trade pressures, emergency assistance, world rice stocks, planting intentions, and more. USA Rice membe…
#127 Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina with Rice Leadership Alumni [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:58
Join Steve Linscombe and the members of 2025 Rice Leadership Development Alumni Program's trip to South America as they share the insights they gained on this valuable trip. Louisiana's Christian Richard and Eric Unkel,…
#126 Live from Outlook 2025: Rice Innovation in Food and Drink [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
The 2025 USA Rice Outlook Conference was a record-setting success. One widely-attended session on the FMC Stage was "Brewing and Beyond." Michael Klein was joined by food scientist Dr. Scott Lafontaine, Exceedient Foods'…
#125 Charting Global Rice Strategy With Get Back Here Dog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:30
Crafting a global marketing strategy for U.S.-grown rice is a heavy lift. Hosts Michael Klein and first-time co-host Cameron Jacobs dive into international marketing with Corey Hayes and Liz Deets, co-founders of Get Bac…
#124 Rice Reigns at the 88th International Rice Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:08
Michael Klein was back in Crowley, Louisiana for the 88th International Rice Festival and has returned with interviews with the Chef De Riz, the Rice Farmer of the Year, the 87th and 88th International Rice Festival Quee…
#123 On the Road in Rice Country with The Salad Collective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:15
USA Rice's Chain Engagement Program brings U.S.-grown rice concepts and information to restaurant operators of all sizes. It also brings culinary and marketing teams to farms and mills to make deeper connections. In Octo…
#122 2025 NASDA Comes to Arkansas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
The 2025 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture held their annual meeting in Northwest Arkansas. The event brought ag commissioners and secretaries from all 50 states and several territories, as well as…
#121 Rice Delphacid Threatening [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:34
How are Texas rice farmers battling an insect that's devastating their crops? In this urgent episode, experts detail the impact of the invasive rice delphacid and its link to a major plant virus. Get insights from farmer…
#120 The National Rice Month 35th Anniversary Special! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:54
It's the most wonderful time of year: National Rice Month! This year is the 35th Anniversary and co-hosts Michael Klein and Asiha Grigsby are joined by USA Rice's Cameron Jacobs and Deborah Willenborg to talk all things…