Memphis, Tennessee, USA
June 12, 2012

Horizon Ag personnel recently returned from the 2012 America's Rice Convention in Miami, Fla. Attendance at the meeting was overwhelming with more than 500 people representing over a dozen countries, all having interest in U.S.-grown rice. Growers, buyers, exporters, millers, equipment manufacturers, and other related industry personnel attended various sessions with a broad range of subjects discussed. One key item of interest was a breakout session sponsored by Horizon Ag and LSU regarding U.S. rice quality.

Dr. Steve Linscombe, Director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, and Horizon General Manager, Randy Ouzts, gave a well-received joint presentation on current factors affecting U.S. rice quality. Participants from numerous countries were very interested in the explanation of current problems and feedback was given addressing quality perceptions. Special emphasis by Dr. Linscombe focused on chalk issues and the various factors that have contributed to this problem in recent U.S. long grain rice production. Issues surrounding commingling were also a major focus and were identified as the overriding component contributing to the current quality issues. Work done by the Market Competiveness and Quality Task Force established by the USA Rice Federation was also mentioned, with Dr. Linscombe being a key contributor to the group.

"The quality debate between pure line varieties and hybrids continues as a major discussion point in the U.S. long grain rice industry, and further efforts to reduce commingling will be required to assure expectations are met in the future for all customers," said Dr. Linscombe in his presentation to attendees.

Differential pricing for various levels of quality is becoming more prevalent with many buyers, and Horizon Ag Clearfield® varieties continue to set the standard for quality in the U.S. market. Through identity preservation starting on the farm and buyers becoming more educated about current high quality varieties available, problems at delivery can be solved. Traditional U.S. long grain quality is still available in the market; it is just a matter of buyers being more specific about what is acceptable and what is not. Commingling with pure lines and hybrids should be avoided at all costs, as quality suffers when this is done. Buyers continue to speak about this and future U.S. exports will be forced to comply in order to regain a key component of the trade.
 

Website: http://www.horizonseed.com

Published: June 12, 2012