Riceland Foods COO Highlights Agricultural Crisis During Senate Hearing
In a crucial testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Riceland Foods' Executive Vice President and COO Ben Noble articulated significant concerns regarding the welfare of rice farmers in the mid-South. Noble's address, delivered on March 11, 2025, spotlighted the pressing issues affecting the agricultural economy, particularly for those dependent on rice and soybeans.
The current state of the agricultural sector has left many farmers grappling with distress, attributed to low commodity prices, escalating input costs, and years of diminishing profitability. During his testimony, Noble highlighted the urgent need for reforms that involve updating reference prices to assure a robust safety net for affected farmers. "Kicking the can down the road on the farm bill reauthorization has gone on too long," he asserted, stressing that although temporary assistance has been appreciated, it is insufficient for ensuring long-term stability for farmers.
The backdrop of Riceland Foods is compelling. Founded in 1921, it operates as a farmer-owned cooperative that provides marketing strategies for its farmer-members' rice and soybeans, processes the grains, and distributes the finished products both domestically and internationally. With 5,500 farmer-members predominantly based in Arkansas and Missouri, Riceland stands as the largest miller of rice in the U.S. and the leading marketer of soybeans in the Mid-South.
Riceland Foods operates in several small rural communities, with regions including Stuttgart, Hazen, Poplar Bluff, and New Madrid hosting its four milling facilities and 24 drying and receiving locations. These operations are not merely business centers; they serve as vital economic pillars for these towns, providing employment and sustaining local livelihoods. Noble emphasized, "When our farmers suffer, we suffer. Ultimately, this impacts the entire region. It's not overstating to say that if Riceland Foods doesn't operate in many of these small towns, the towns no longer exist."
He further elaborated on the consequences that inaction from Congress could have on the agricultural community and beyond. "Without the overdue action of Congress by way of a new farm bill, a way of life is at risk – for the farmer, employees at companies like mine, and not only rural Americans but all Americans who have long enjoyed one of the lowest percentages of income spent on food in the world."
Noble's testimony serves as a wake-up call for policymakers regarding the plight of U.S. agriculture. The need for a strategic and supportive farm bill is more pressing than ever. Riceland Foods, with its commitment to quality, diversity, and sustainability, reflects the broader agricultural narrative where farmers are seeking not just survival but a thriving future in the face of challenging economic realities.
For those interested in delving deeper into Noble's full testimony and insights on risk management and rural business perspectives, it is available online on the Senate Agriculture Committee's website. The insights shared underscore the essential role that farmers play in America’s food system and the urgent need for legislative support to secure their futures and, in turn, the economy of small-town America.
For more details on Riceland Foods and its initiatives, visit www.riceland.com.
The current state of the agricultural sector has left many farmers grappling with distress, attributed to low commodity prices, escalating input costs, and years of diminishing profitability. During his testimony, Noble highlighted the urgent need for reforms that involve updating reference prices to assure a robust safety net for affected farmers. "Kicking the can down the road on the farm bill reauthorization has gone on too long," he asserted, stressing that although temporary assistance has been appreciated, it is insufficient for ensuring long-term stability for farmers.
The backdrop of Riceland Foods is compelling. Founded in 1921, it operates as a farmer-owned cooperative that provides marketing strategies for its farmer-members' rice and soybeans, processes the grains, and distributes the finished products both domestically and internationally. With 5,500 farmer-members predominantly based in Arkansas and Missouri, Riceland stands as the largest miller of rice in the U.S. and the leading marketer of soybeans in the Mid-South.
Riceland Foods operates in several small rural communities, with regions including Stuttgart, Hazen, Poplar Bluff, and New Madrid hosting its four milling facilities and 24 drying and receiving locations. These operations are not merely business centers; they serve as vital economic pillars for these towns, providing employment and sustaining local livelihoods. Noble emphasized, "When our farmers suffer, we suffer. Ultimately, this impacts the entire region. It's not overstating to say that if Riceland Foods doesn't operate in many of these small towns, the towns no longer exist."
He further elaborated on the consequences that inaction from Congress could have on the agricultural community and beyond. "Without the overdue action of Congress by way of a new farm bill, a way of life is at risk – for the farmer, employees at companies like mine, and not only rural Americans but all Americans who have long enjoyed one of the lowest percentages of income spent on food in the world."
Noble's testimony serves as a wake-up call for policymakers regarding the plight of U.S. agriculture. The need for a strategic and supportive farm bill is more pressing than ever. Riceland Foods, with its commitment to quality, diversity, and sustainability, reflects the broader agricultural narrative where farmers are seeking not just survival but a thriving future in the face of challenging economic realities.
For those interested in delving deeper into Noble's full testimony and insights on risk management and rural business perspectives, it is available online on the Senate Agriculture Committee's website. The insights shared underscore the essential role that farmers play in America’s food system and the urgent need for legislative support to secure their futures and, in turn, the economy of small-town America.
For more details on Riceland Foods and its initiatives, visit www.riceland.com.
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