Rice producers and industry-related professionals who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to complete the application process for the 2018 Rice Leadership Development program soon. Deadline for applying is Oct. 7.

Members of the next class of rice producers and industry members will be announced during an awards luncheon at the 2017 USA Rice Outlook Conference, which will be held in San Antonio in December. 

“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 skills training,” says Chuck Wilson, who has directed the program for the USA Rice Federation.

During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.

“Board rooms across the country, as well as leadership positions all around the rice industry are populated with alumni of the program,” says Wilson. “Every graduate agrees, time spent in this program is well worth it, resulting in a better, more complete understanding of the industry, and it opens participants’ eyes to practices and customs going on beyond their farm gate or company, but that are supremely relevant to their development as an industry leader.”

The class is comprised of five rice producers and two industry-related professionals chosen by a committee of agribusiness leaders evaluating their applications, reviewing letters of recommendation and conducting personal interviews with the finalists.

Candidates must be 25-45 at the time of application and derive their primary livelihood from some aspect of the rice industry.

The program is sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec, Inc., and American Commodity Company through The Rice Foundation and managed by the USA Rice Federation. For more information on the program and an application form, visit usarice.com and click on the Leadership Program icon.