The Missouri Rice Council hosted their annual Rice Field Day August 24, at the Rice Research Farm in Campbell, Missouri. Research personnel from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and the University of Missouri Fisher Delta Research Center were on hand to provide area farmers a chance to see and learn about recent developments in rice research and other agricultural related topics. Nearly 250 growers and rice industry leaders took part in the field day.

I caught up with Eric Hover, Missouri rice producer and chairman of the Missouri Rice Council, to learn more about how they serve producer-members and ways research dollars are spent. “There are 10 counties in the bootheel of Missouri that grow rice. We [Missouri Rice Council] administer the checkoff funds and TRQ funds that are made through the sale of rice. We conduct research and promotion of rice throughout the state and country. We take trade missions and develop new lines of rice with our breeder at SEMO that are best fit for our Northern growing area.”

Listen to my complete interview with Eric here: Interview with Eric Hover, Missouri Rice Council, Chairman

View and download photos from the event here: Missouri Rice Field Day Photo Album