Celebrate the Individuals Building the Future of Rice
Nominate a Leader for the 2026 RICE Awards
The RICE Awards recognize individuals who embrace the values of Resilience, Innovation, Contribution and Excellence (RICE) in their work throughout the rice industry. If you know someone who exemplifies these characteristics, help us honor their incredible achievements by nominating them for a 2026 RICE Award.
Presented by Horizon Ag and USA Rice, these prestigious annual awards honor high-achieving individuals who solve challenges, give back to their communities and drive progress throughout the rice industry. Please take time to consider who you know that deserves to be a recipient of one of these honors, so we can elevate their story.
The award recipients will be honored at the USA Rice Outlook Conference, December 13-15, 2026 in Nashville, where an official presentation will be made at the awards luncheon.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO NOMINATE
OPTION 1
Fill out the online nomination form below with supporting attachments.
OPTION 2
Print form and mail or scan/email nomination to:
MAIL:
LuElla Sprout
Horizon Ag
8275 Tournament Dr., Suite 255, Memphis, TN 38125
EMAIL:
lsprout@horizonseed.com
NOMINATION DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2026
CATEGORIES
RICE Farmer of the Year
Honors a farmer managing at least 200 acres who exemplifies determination, innovation and leadership in rice production. This individual demonstrates excellence in farming operations, community development, environmental stewardship and the advancement of industry practices.
RICE Industry Advancement Award
Recognizes a professional with more than five years in the rice industry — such as a researcher, extension leader, government official or association representative — whose innovative practices and commitment have significantly advanced the industry and strengthened community leadership.
RICE Legacy Award
Celebrates an individual with over ten years of service whose lifetime of contributions has left a lasting impact on the rice industry. Through innovation, leadership and dedication to associations and community development, this honoree has shaped the future of U.S. rice for generations to come.
HOW TO NOMINATE
STEP 1: Choose a Category and complete the nomination form.
STEP 2: Tell Their Story
Describe the nominee’s:
- Dedication to farming and/or agriculture and the rice industry, local community and/or education.
- Determination to succeed and overcome hurdles while reaching their goals.
- Innovation to identify new and better ways to improve the rice industry and rice production.
- Outstanding commitment to rice farming, stewardship, promotion, research and/or other issues critical to the advancement of rice in the United States.
STEP 3: Include Supporting Letters
Attach recommendations from colleagues and friends who are familiar with the nominee’s accomplishments and contributions.
A panel of judges from across the rice industry will select the recipients of the 2026 Rice Awards.
NOMINATION FORM
 |
|
Copyright ©2025 Horizon Ag, LLC