Riceland Foods Reports Record $333 Million in Member Equity

STUTTGART, Ark. — Riceland Foods reported record member equity of $333 million and lower debt at its 105th annual membership meeting Nov. 12. The farmer-owned cooperative also reported that its seasonal payment for long-grain rice fell by $2.18 per bushel from a year earlier.

At the Grand Prairie Center, President and CEO Kevin McGilton highlighted an expansion of grain storage at Riceland’s Waldenburg facility in Poinsett County and upgrades to its grain sampling facility in Wheatley. He said the cooperative continues to invest in soybean crushing.

“Our responsibility is to position the cooperative for the future based on what our members are producing and what the market demands,” McGilton said.

Rice Payments Fall, Soybean Payments Rise

Chief Financial Officer Craig Parr said Riceland generated $904 million in net revenue in fiscal 2026 and improved its liquidity despite difficult market conditions. The seasonal pools paid $4.41 per bushel for long-grain rice and $11.02 for soybeans.

Soybean payments rose 68 cents per bushel. Riceland reported payments of $6.59 per bushel for long-grain rice and $10.34 for soybeans at last year’s annual meeting in Jonesboro.

Board Chairman Rich Hillman described the economic pressures facing rice farmers and rural communities. He said Riceland is working with lawmakers, agricultural organizations and industry partners on trade and public policy.

“We’ll continue fighting for better trade policy, looking for new markets and creating value for our farmer-owners,” Hillman said.

Riceland Honors Retiring Director and Employees

Riceland unveiled a portrait of retiring director Roger Pohlner of Fisher and added it to its collection of past chairmen’s portraits. Pohlner served on the board from 1987 through 2026, including 12 years as chairman.

Riceland presented its annual Grow Good Employee Recognition Awards.

• Carl Brothers Service Award — Geraldine Johnson, Stuttgart Rice Division.
• Heart of the Co-op Award — Jeremy Anderson, Stuttgart Soy Division.
• Pride of the Plant Award — Mike VanGennip, New Madrid, Missouri.
• The Sprout Award — Jake Phillips, New Madrid.
• Teamwork Makes the Yield Award — Soy Terminal team.

The cooperative also recognized 12 Riceland Foods Foundation scholarship recipients. The program supports higher education for children and other family members of employees and farmer-members.

Riceland dates to 1921 and says it is owned by 5,500 farmer-members.