Grainiacs

Hosted by Riceland Foods, Inc.

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

48 recent

October 22, 202627 min

Preparing for 2027: Soybean Insights & Annual Meeting Updates

What can Arkansas soybean growers learn from this season, and what can they expect from Riceland's upcoming Annual Meeting? On this episode of the Grainiacs Podcast, Dr. Terry Spurlock, Extension Plant Pathologist at the University of Arkansas, joins Chandler Holcomb, Sustainability Manager, and Ashten Adamson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Riceland Foods, for a discussion on two timely topics. Dr. Spurlock reflects on the disease pressures that challenged soybean growers this year, including frogeye leaf spot, Cercospora leaf blight, and green stem issues, and shares research-backed strategies for managing disease risk in future seasons. Ashten offers a preview of Riceland's Annual Meeting on November 12 in Stuttgart, featuring expanded breakout sessions and discussions on soybean disease, rice and soybean basis, farm safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health in agriculture. Tune in for practical agronomic insights and a look at the educational opportunities available to Riceland members this fall.

October 7, 202648 min

Why Cooperatives Still Matter: The Power of Working Together in Agriculture

What makes the agricultural cooperative model different, and why does it still work today? In this episode of Grainiacs , we sit down with agricultural economists Dr. Bert Greenwalt and Dr. Keri Jacobs to explore the history, purpose and future of agricultural cooperatives. We discuss what it really means to be a member-owner, how farmers benefit from working together, and why collective strength remains an important part of the cooperative model. From the challenges that led to the creation of agricultural cooperatives to the ways co-ops are adapting to a changing industry, this conversation takes a closer look at what makes the cooperative model unique and why it continues to have a place in agriculture today. In recognition of National Cooperative Month , we're shining a light on the cooperative model and the farmers who are at the center of it.

September 17, 202622 min

Growing Opportunities: The Riceland Foods Foundation

For more than 25 years, the Riceland Foods Foundation has worked to create opportunities and strengthen communities across Riceland’s footprint. In this episode of Grainiacs, Foundation Board Chair Shannon Davis and Executive Director Austin Brown discuss the Foundation’s work, from supporting food banks and community projects to its growing scholarship program. This year, the Foundation awarded 12 scholarships to families of Riceland members and employees. Listen in to learn more about the Foundation’s work and its focus for the years ahead.

September 3, 202622 min

39 Years of Rice: A Conversation with Bill Free

After 39 years at Riceland Foods, Bill Free is getting ready to retire. In this special episode of Grainiacs, Bill looks back on his career, from starting at the Dumas facility in 1988 to the many changes, challenges, and experiences that have shaped his time with Riceland. Bill shares stories from his years across six Riceland locations, the people who helped shape his career, and the changes he's seen throughout the rice industry. Most of all, he reflects on what hasn't changed: Riceland's farmer members and the importance of serving them. Join Ben Noble, Chandler Holcomb, and Bill for a conversation spanning nearly four decades of Riceland history.

August 19, 202625 min

The Rice Market at Home with Peter Bachmann, USA Rice

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.

August 5, 202628 min

Managing Rice Delphacids with Dr. Nick Bateman

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.

July 27, 202635 min

Inside Operations: Powering Milling, Soy & Storage with Charles Brown & Jeff Madden

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.

July 9, 202621 min

Inside Herbicide Innovation with Dr. Ford Baldwin & Dr. Jason Norsworthy

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.

June 17, 202625 min

Soybeans Unpacked: Inside Crushing, Refining and Sales with Amy Smith and Chris Cline

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.

June 2, 202630 min

Coverage That Counts: Navigating Crop Insurance with Confidence

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.