ARLINGTON, Va. — Peter Bachmann, President and CEO of USA Rice®, says that when the farm economy is under pressure, like it is right now, one of the first places companies look to cut costs is trade show participation.
But for those in the rice industry — farmers, millers, merchants, agri-businesses, government agencies, end-users and suppliers among them — that’s a mistake, according to Bachmann.
The USA Rice Outlook Conference, being held Dec. 7-9 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, is on track for 750 attendees and sponsorship is up, but exhibitors are down. “We plan for 50-70 unique exhibitors and need to make up some ground two-and-a-half months out,” Bachmann said.
Bachmann also emphasized the value of exhibiting in times of economic uncertainty.
“Exhibiting signals to customers that your company is committed to the industry for the long haul. It shows resilience, reliability and a willingness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and stakeholders navigating tough conditions,” Bachmann said. “That credibility pays dividends when buyers are deciding which partners to trust.”
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The challenge is the state of the agriculture economy.
“High input costs, low commodity prices, foreign trade cheats and tariffs are putting massive pressure on farmers — especially rice farmers and marketers. Our event addresses these issues with educational programming and speakers who talk about strategies for these issues and more,” Bachmann said.
Sessions cover issues like rural mental health and there are service providers and consultants on hand to help members with their businesses and plans. Among the show highlights is an awards luncheon, with honors including Rice Farmer of the Year Award, the Rice Industry Award and a Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.
There is also ample networking time in the schedule.
“We know our attendees find that incredibly valuable,” Bachmann said. “Our industry isn’t as large as many commodities and attendees use the time to reconnect with old friends and make new connections to lean on each other and help each other out during the coming year.”
This year will mark the 30th USA Rice Outlook Conference. When the USA Rice Federation was formed in 1994, it took responsibility for the conference, which was being managed by the USA Rice Council, the Extension Services and The Rice Foundation.
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