6Seeds Founder Andres Duess on stage at last week's RMA Convention
Jun 24, 2024
MAUI, HI – The USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA), one of the oldest agribusiness organizations in the U.S., gathered here last week for their 124th convention for strategic planning, a Board of Directors meeting, networking events, and enlightening and provocative presentations on important topics.
As in recent years, shortcomings with Class 1 railroad service and needed ocean shipping reform was a burning topic; as was export competitiveness, hampered by bad actors and trade cheats such as India and others. U.S. grain quality and supporting research dominated many conversations, and of course, the status of the 2024 Farm Bill and food safety and labeling regulations also factored heavily in meetings.
“I was heartened by how we can come to this event, from different parts of the country and industry, neighbors and competitors, put our differences aside, and work for the common good of our industry as a whole,” said Meryl Kennedy Farr, president & CEO of Kennedy Rice and chair of RMA who presided over the strategy session, board meeting, and general sessions. “Our world is complicated and constantly changing, but I’m confident the RMA is united in addressing our industry’s issues, up and down the supply chain for the long-term viability of the industry and rural economies.”
USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann started the General Session with an overview of recent achievements and his outlook on challenges that lay ahead, noting that he is optimistic for the industry. Then, Andreas Duess, co-founder and general manager of business intelligence company 6Seeds, explained how his firm is able to use AI, machine learning, and human experts to analyze more than 30 billion food and beverage data points every day to spot trends, differentiate them from fads, and help their clients succeed.
“Andreas was a captivating speaker with many real-world examples of how together humans and AI can get ahead and stay there in the food space,” said Mississippi farmer and USA Rice Chair Kirk Satterfield who attended and provided his own update on the state of the farm economy and rice crop during the General Session. “We’ve actually invited Andreas to speak at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in December, and I know it’s going to be a hot ticket!”
Finally, David Wasserman, senior editor and election analyst for The Cook Report with Amy Walter, took the stage to break down the 2024 elections and share his legendary insights into key House and Senate races, and of course, the race for the White House.
“David’s mix of data science, observation, experience, and humor was really enlightening,” said Farr. “There’s a reason he’s one of the most respected and sought after election analysts in the world and we were so fortunate to have him.”
The convention concluded with several traditions for the 125-year-old organization including recognizing industry leaders who passed away during the previous 12 months, words of greeting and encouragement from the 86th International Rice Festival Queen Isabella Hardy of Lacassine, Louisiana, the presentation of the RMA Chair Elect, Rick Rhody, president and CEO of Farmers’ Rice Cooperative in Sacramento, California, whose two-year term begins later this year, and reflections from outgoing chair Meryl Kennedy Farr.
“I am honored to have been entrusted by my colleagues to lead this organization for the past two years,” she said. “The organization and the industry mean so much to me, I can’t wait to see where we go from here, but I know it will be up!”
Farr thanked the many sponsors and exhibitors and invited everyone to attend next year’s 125th RMA Convention in Colorado Springs, Colorado next summer.