#85 Can Rice Be Fancy?

#85 Can Rice Be Fancy?

Author: USA Rice February 27, 2024 Duration: 50:52

Members of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) create high-end foods and drinks. Rice is often found as an ingredient, but why not take the spotlight? Michael went to SFA's Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas last month to ask this question and sample fancy food. He's back to talk about his observations with Lesley and share an interview with California rice farmers (and show exhibitors) Tom and Carter Knowles of Chico Rice. He also visited with Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group about food trends and consumer desires. And SFA's Leana Salamah stops by to talk about the market and her organization.

With special guests:

Leana Salamah​​​​ SVP, Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, Laurie Demeritt, CEO, The Hartman Group, Carter Knowles, Chico Rice, and Tom Knowles, Chico Rice

Hosted by:

Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon


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: 100

The Rice Stuff
Podcast Episodes
#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…
#119 USA Rice Chair Keith Glover in the Hot Seat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
Host Michael Klein sits down with USA Rice Chair and Producers Rice Mill CEO Keith Glover to discuss trade, tariffs, export trends, market disruption, sustainability, and more. From reciprocal tariff policies to freight…
#118 Checking in on the Western Hemisphere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:09
Aisha Grigsby takes Michael on a tour of the rice export markets she manages for USA Rice. It's a deep dive into dynamic marketing strategies in Mexico, Central America, South America, Haiti, and Canada. She talks about…
#117 A Big Beautiful Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:41
Michael welcomes USA Rice's Jake Westlin back to explain why agriculture is excited about H.R. 1, aka Budget Reconciliation aka The Big Beautiful Bill. From more realistic reference prices and increased support for trade…
#116 On the Road: Louisiana Field Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
Michael Klein and Sarah Moran talk about their recent trip to rice field days in Louisiana. This episode features interviews with Drs. Ronnie Levy and Adam Famoso from the LSU AgCenter; Dr. Tim Walker from Horizon Ag; an…
#115 USA Rice's New Man on The Hill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
Michael Klein invites Shelby Young to ride shotgun and talk a bit about the 125th RMA Convention and their wild return trip. Then, meet new USA Rice VP Jake Westlin as he shares insights from the Senate, wheat world, and…
#114 The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:56
Michael is just back from eating his way across the 2025 National Restaurant Show in Chicago where he visited with members and investigated foodservice trends. Past show attendee Katie Maher stops by the studio to grill…