The Arkansas Rice Council and Arkansas Rice Producers’ Group will host a joint annual membership meeting on Friday, Jan. 27, beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s meeting will be held in a new location and will feature exhibits displaying products, services and information for the rice industry.

Miss Arkansas, Kristen Glover, will provide a video welcome to attendees. In addition to the state rice-organization reports, participants will receive updates on key issues that affect Arkansas rice farmers, and a report on USA Rice Federation activities presented by USA Rice Federation President and CEO Betsy Ward.

Ed Swaim, Arkansas Natural Resources Water Resources division manager, will be the featured speaker and will address the state’s planning for the management, conservation and development of water resources now and into the future.

“This meeting provides a great opportunity for rice farmers to learn about the vital programs funded by the Arkansas rice checkoff and offers new information on issues that will affect all industry members,” said Robert Petter, Arkansas Rice Council President and Tollville rice farmer. “I encourage all rice industry stakeholders to attend.”

The meeting and tradeshow will be held at the Grand Prairie Center, 2807 Highway 165 South in Stuttgart, Ark. To register online, visit www.arkansasricefarmers.org/registration. Lunch will be served immediately following the meeting.