THE ARKANSAS Rice Council and Arkansas Rice Producers' Group joint annual membership meeting will be held Jan. 24 at the Brinkley Convention Center in Brinkley, Ark. Arkansas rice producers, millers and others with a stake in the state's rice industry are invited to attend.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and a discussion with the USA Rice Federation's domestic promotion staff. Attendees will have the opportunity to view and taste new rice products.

The business program will begin at 10 a.m. Ellen Terpstra, USA Rice president and CEO, and other USA Rice staff will provide updates on rice promotion programs in the United States and around the world.

Bruce Scherr, president and CEO for Sparks Companies Inc., is the featured speaker. His presentation will include a look at the status of new farm legislation and the outlook for agriculture.

The meeting includes a luncheon sponsored by Ricestar and Icon.