Episodes
44
Latest episode
Aug 2026
Language
EN-US
Some call us nerds. Others call us crazy. We call ourselves Grainiacs. We've got grain on the brain, and we're getting inside our experts' heads. In our podcast, we will topics from every inch of the rice industry and our cooperative. Whether we are exploring new farming techniques, agribusiness and trade topics, or stories and trends around food, cooking, and culture, Riceland is doing the "rice" thing. We're all about growing for good and feeding the world. Join our community as we explore the field of issues in growing, marketing, cooking, and eating (but mostly growing) the most popular grain on earth.
Grainiacs sat down with Peter Bachmann, President & CEO of USA Rice, to discuss the work going on at the nation’s capital and beyond for the rice industry. This conversation provides an inside look at the organization’s efforts surrounding trade, conservation, domestic promotion, and grassroots advocacy.
In this episode of Grainiacs , we sit down with Dr. Nick Bateman, entomologist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, to discuss an emerging concern for Mid-South rice producers: the arrival and spread of rice delphacids. Dr. Bateman breaks down what rice delphacids are, why they’re becoming more prevalent in the region, and what that means for growers moving forward. Listeners will gain practical, research-based insights on how to identify early signs of infestation, the environmental conditions that favor these pests, and the potential impacts on yield and crop health. Most importantly, Dr. Bateman shares actionable strategies for prevention, monitoring, and management—equipping producers and ag professionals with the tools they need to stay ahead of this invasive threat. From scouting tips to integrated pest management approaches, this episode delivers timely information to help protect one of Arkansas’s most important crops. Whether you’re in the field or advising from the office, this is a must-listen conversation on staying proactive in the face of changing pest pressures.
In this episode of Grainiacs , we go inside Riceland’s operations with two leaders helping drive efficiency and innovation across the cooperative—Charles Brown, Vice President of Milling & Manufacturing, and Jeff Madden, Senior Director of Engineering & Energy Resources. Together, they break down key projects and recent improvements across Riceland’s milling and soy operations, as well as the cooperative’s drier network. From infrastructure upgrades to engineering-driven efficiencies, this conversation highlights how strategic investments are strengthening performance from harvest through processing. Gain insight into the scope and scale of Riceland’s system, the challenges of modernizing critical operations, and how these advancements ultimately support growers and the long-term success of the cooperative. Whether you’re interested in grain handling, processing innovation, or the systems that keep agriculture moving, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations powering Riceland.
In this episode, we sit down with two leading voices in weed science—Dr. Ford Baldwin and Dr. Jason Norsworthy—to explore the rapidly evolving world of herbicide technology. From combating herbicide-resistant weeds to evaluating the promise and practicality of new chemistries and application strategies, Ford and Jason break down what’s coming next for modern agriculture. They share insights from the field, discuss how innovation is changing weed management, and address the real-world challenges growers face as new solutions hit the market. Whether it’s emerging active ingredients, precision application tools, or integrated weed management approaches, this conversation offers a grounded look at how science is shaping the future of crop protection. If you’re a farmer, agronomist, or ag enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
What happens after a soybean leaves the farm? In this episode of Grainiacs , Amy Smith, Soy Division Manager, and Chris Cline, VP of Oil Sales, take us inside Riceland’s soy division to follow the journey from crushing and refining all the way to the marketplace. Amy shares how precision and operational efficiency drive quality, while Chris explains how those products are positioned and sold across diverse customer channels. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and processes powering Riceland’s soy success.
Crop insurance is more than a safety net—it’s a strategic tool that can make or break a season. In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Morgan Mayer, owner and agent of Delta Risk Management, and Kyle Stovesand, VP of Lending & Branch Manager at AgHeritage Farm Credit Service in Stuttgart, to unpack the real-world impact of crop insurance decisions. From understanding policy options to optimizing coverage for today’s volatile markets, Morgan and Kyle break down the complexities into practical, actionable insights. They share what growers need to know about risk management, coverage levels, and common mistakes that could cost you when it matters most. Whether you’re reevaluating your current plan or building a long-term risk strategy, this conversation delivers clarity, confidence, and a smarter approach to protecting your farm.
Rising input costs, stubborn pest and weed pressure, and tighter margins are forcing tougher decisions across the farm. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, we sit down with industry experts Dr. Ronnie Helms and Dr. Ford Baldwin to unpack what growers are up against this season. From evolving weed resistance and crop protection strategies to balancing costs without sacrificing yield, we dig into the key factors shaping decision-making right now. Tune in as we discuss practical insights and real-world approaches to managing weeds in today’s environment.
Low commodity prices and elevated input costs are putting pressure on operations across the board, and that’s just part of the story. In this episode, we sit down with Riceland’s government affairs team and ag economist Dr. Hunter Biram to break down the biggest factors shaping this season’s outlook. From persistent input costs and global market influences to policy conversations happening in Washington, we cover what’s driving risk right now and how farmers can think about managing it.
You’ve done the hard work in the field, but what happens after your rice leaves the farm? This episode pulls back the curtain on everything that happens behind the scenes, from quality standards to the steps that turn your crop into a consumer-ready product.
Spring planting is underway, and there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode of Grainiacs, we sit down with Jarrod Hardke from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service to talk through how planting season is shaping up across the Mid-South. From weather conditions and early progress to input decisions and field conditions, Jarrod shares what he’s seeing on the ground right now. We also dig into one of the biggest topics of the year: a smaller rice crop. What’s driving the shift in acreage, and what could it mean for the months ahead?
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