2024 Arkansas Rice Representative Kaitlyn Spencer (middle) with Arkansas Rice industry leaders.

From flooded fields at sunrise, to combines cutting through many rows at harvest, rice is woven into everyday life across Arkansas. It appears on dinner plates across the nation, but its story begins in family-owned fields passed down through generations.

What is one crop that most Americans can’t live without? Some might first think of corn, wheat or even cotton. Although these crops play an essential role in feeding and clothing the world’s population, they are not often found in a typical takeout meal. Rice, however, is a staple in the takeout industry, and is widely consumed across the globe. In Arkansas, rice is more than a quick and easy dinner; it is a way of life that supports communities, drives the economy and shapes the next generation of agricultural leaders across the state.

For more than 50 years, Arkansas has led the nation in rice production, accounting for nearly 50% of the total United States rice. Rice farmers across the state primarily grow long grain rice, though some also produce short and medium grain varieties. Additionally, 96% of rice farms in the Natural State remain family-owned, highlighting the deep generational roots and strong traditions that define Arkansas agriculture. In many rural Arkansas towns, rice farming supports not only farmers, but also truck drivers, mill workers, researchers and local businesses that depend on a strong agricultural economy. Most importantly, it supports the youth across the Natural State with numerous year-round opportunities.

The Arkansas Rice Federation, the umbrella organization representing the state’s entire rice industry, is committed to more than just supporting today’s farmers. It also invests in the future by empowering youth through scholarship opportunities, such as the Arkansas Rice Representative Program.

“The rice industry has an incredible impact on youth in Arkansas,” says Kaitlyn Spencer. “It opens doors many of us never knew existed. The program allows students to experience agriculture in hands-on ways, and reminds us that you don’t have to grow up on a farm to belong in this industry — you just have to be willing to learn.

Kaitlyn Spencer (left) after her interview on radio station KWCK 99.9.

“During my time as a 2024 Arkansas Rice Representative, I toured farms and facilities, rode in combines, learned the milling process, attended openings, spoke on the radio and so much more. Even though I don’t come from a traditional agriculture background, the program gave me knowledge, confidence and a deep appreciation for the rice industry, far beyond what any scholarship alone could provide.”

Programs like the Arkansas Rice Representative Program don’t just educate students for a season; they spark lifelong interests and career paths in agriculture, leadership, communications and advocacy that continue long after the year ends. Arkansas rice supports countless jobs and opportunities for generations devoted to agriculture, contributing billions of dollars annually to the state’s economy. Rice is more than a simple takeout dinner; it is a livelihood, a legacy and a cornerstone of Arkansas communities.

Whether you are a rice producer, researcher, transporter or simply someone enjoying it in a meal, the impact of Arkansas rice reaches far greater than the field. As Arkansas continues to lead the nation in rice production, its greatest harvest may be the young people inspired to continue to carry the industry forward — ensuring that rice remains not only a staple on America’s table, but a foundation for communities and the future of youth.