From the Regional Managers

NEA & SEMO

Hello from NEA and SEMO. This is the time of year that we are working on Capital projects, repairs, and getting your facilities in top shape for the upcoming Harvest season. As I am writing this, you all are busy getting your next crops in the ground. Most are probably already in the ground since this has been a very dry planting season. Our initial rice estimates are down 15% to 20% in our area. Not as much as many other areas in the state.  

Our Soybean estimate is around the same or even slightly higher than previous years. We will have more precise numbers after the June sign-up.

We are typically shipping to your mills during this time of year. It has been very challenging this year. But I assure you, we are doing everything we can to get your facilities ready for your 2026 crop.

During these trying economic times, we are doing everything we can to minimize spending and make sure that your facilities are running as efficiently as possible. That will be our primary goal for this projected historic small rice crop. While, of course, bringing you the service that you have come to expect.

Our prayers are with you all as you finish your planting season. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to help.

Jack Morris
Regional Manager, NEA/SEMO

South Arkansas

As our team looks ahead with excitement toward the 2026 harvest, we have been working diligently to ensure the season runs as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to maximize value by keeping harvest operations efficient while continuing to support growth that benefits both our patrons and Riceland for years to come.

We recognize that this year may present challenges, but please know that Riceland is prepared to support you every step of the way. The Drier Division has your best interests in mind, and if you have any questions or concerns at any time, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to help ensure a safe, efficient, and successful season.

Recently, we have welcomed several new members to our Stuttgart Grain Division leadership team who have already proven to be tremendous assets to Riceland through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to employee growth. I would like to introduce a few of them below.

Dustin Hammett – Stuttgart Terminal
Dustin joined Riceland in 2019 and is known for his strong work ethic and leadership by example. He leads his team with knowledge, dedication, and a handson approach, never hesitating to step in wherever help is needed.

Will Ruthven – Stuttgart Driers 4, 5, & 6
Will became part of the Riceland team during the 2022 harvest and has since worked his way into managing Dryers 4, 5, and 6. He leads with passion and consistently strives for excellence in everything he does. His leadership has played a key role in the continued success of these dryers.

Noah Noble – Stuttgart Terminal
Noah joined Riceland in May 2025 after gaining valuable experience through our college internship program. During that time, he learned from multiple departments and managers across Riceland, allowing him to hit the ground running upon hire. After starting at Stuttgart Parboil SRD, Noah transferred to the Stuttgart Terminal, where he has continued to excel. He consistently goes above and beyond and has quickly emerged as a bright young leader.

Riceland is truly fortunate to have these new additions to our team. With their contributions, you can be confident that Riceland and your grain are in capable hands for years to come. Our employees work hard every day to ensure Riceland continues to grow and provide the highest level of service possible.

Jesse Tosh
Regional Manager, South Arkansas

Jonesboro

At the Jonesboro Grain Drier, the 2025 dry rice crop has almost been completely received.  We are currently shipping the 2025 rice crop and preparing for the 2026 Green rice crop.  Flat storage buildings are empty, and we are in the process of getting those buildings ready to store carry over of the 2025 crop from several of Riceland's facilities to help ensure we all have the space we will need for harvest.  We plan to receive the Green rice crop with minimal breakdowns due to the ongoing efforts of the grain dryer crew.

Maintenance and servicing of the equipment is our utmost priority as we prepare for the delivery of the 2026 crop.  In the upcoming months, we hope great weather provides an excellent growing season for this year's crop, while we equip our facility for harvest. 

As always, please feel free to contact Matt or me with any questions or concerns.

Jon Murry
Regional Manager, Jonesboro

North Central Arkansas

Hello North Central District! I hope this update finds you in good spirits! I would imagine that by the time you are reading this, you will have finished planting for some time. With the dry conditions we all encountered this spring, I can’t imagine better planting conditions. Everywhere I go, all throughout the North Central, I see signs of all your hard work. I see the levees that have been pulled, I see the rice that has emerged, I see those early beans that you all have in the ground. On the flip side, I see not only yours, but our RFI trucks under loadout augers by some of your grain bins. When I stop to think about it, I like what that image represents. You, the farmer member, and we, the co-op, working hand in hand to get the job done, to get your product to the mill so we can get milled and sent somewhere in this big ole world of ours.

As a second-generation RFI employee, I have always felt that this is a really unique place that we all have been blessed to be a part of. We all understand that right now, as you are reading this, those blessings feel few and far between, and we certainly don’t take that lightly. That’s why we here in the North Central, and all over Riceland Foods, are working tirelessly to find ways to cut costs and save the co-op money. As I have said before, we are in this together. We understand that none of us would be here if it weren’t for you. I know my team has been reaching out to all of you, trying to gauge your plans for the upcoming harvest. We appreciate all the time you have given us. We hope that you understand that the information we get from you is so very important to our operations and plans for this upcoming harvest season.  

So, like always, we are here if you need us. Never hesitate to reach out to any one of us for anything you may need. In the meantime, however, you can rest assured that we are not only monitoring, caring for, and shipping last year’s crop, but we are also readying ourselves for the upcoming 2026 crop. If you happen to be close by, stop in and say hi. We don’t get to see enough of you these days! Thank you for everything you do!  

Rob Wilson
Regional Manager, North Central Arkansas

I-40 Corridor

As spring planting progresses across the I-40 corridor, Riceland facilities are shifting from offseason work into operational readiness for the 2026 crop. While field activity is increasing, elevator teams have spent the winter months focused on cleaning facilities, shipping grain, and preparing for a changing crop mix.

Early indications point to a reduction in rice acres across parts of the corridor, with soybeans and corn expected to make up a larger share of total volume. Facilities are evaluating storage and handling strategies to remain efficient and responsive to these shifts.

At Wheatley, construction is underway on a new sample house designed to improve the grading and routing process as trucks enter and exit the facility. The project is progressing well, with steel currently being set, and is expected to be completed ahead of harvest. In addition to enhancing grain flow, the new structure will also provide an updated workspace for employees.

Across the corridor, teams are chipping away at maintenance and preparing equipment to support efficient grain movement. Riceland remains focused on providing reliable, timely service to our members throughout the upcoming crop year.

Drew Widener
Regional Manager, I-40 Corridor