Session I - Texas & Louisiana Gulf Coast Rice Areas
Late March or early April – Year 1
- Orientation to industry and organizational structures
- River logistics and mid-stream loading facilities in the Mississippi River and the Port of Lake Charles
- Rice production, milling, research, promotion, and marketing in the Gulf Coast rice-growing areas
Session II - Arkansas, Mississippi & Midwest
Late June – Year 1
- Observe and discuss area rice production, milling, marketing and research
- Improve communication skills - business etiquette, public speaking, media training
- Visit John Deere World Headquarters
Session III – California
September – Year 2
- Discuss agricultural and environmental issues in California
- Rice production, harvesting, milling, marketing and research
- Observe various water systems in rice producing areas of California
Session IV - Washington, DC
February – Year 3
- Discuss industry issues with regulatory and governmental agencies (USDA, FAS, EPA, etc.)
- Bipartisan discussions with key legislative contacts
- Graduation