Members of the 2015 Rice Leadership Development Program class were announced during the annual Rice Awards Luncheon at the 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference. The class is comprised of five rice producers and two industry-related professionals selected by a committee of agribusiness leaders.

“The rice industry enjoys strong leadership, and has a bright future. This program plays a critical role thanks to the intensive training and the high caliber participants,” said Rice Foundation Chairman Todd Burich.

The new rice-producer class members are Nicole Creason, Jonesboro, Ark.; Hudgens Jeter, Stuttgart, Ark.; Paul Johnson, Welsh, La.; Nat McKnight, Cleveland, Miss.; and Greg Van Dyke, Pleasant Grove, Calif. The new industry-related class members are Dustin Harrell of the LSU AgCenter, and Collin Holzhauer with Southern Rice & Cotton.

The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.

John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc., and American Commodity Company are sponsors of the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation. The USA Rice Federation manages the program.