WASHINGTON– In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the dedication of Riceland Foods, Inc. executive Bill Reed to Arkansas agriculture. Reed retired Monday after 34-years of service to Riceland.
“Bill is constantly looking out for the rice farmers and businesses by promoting policies to grow the industry and pushing for expanded markets. His advocacy extended beyond the boundaries of agriculture. He was always ready to lend a hand to myself or my staff on any issue important to Arkansas,” Boozman said on the Senate floor.
Reed served as senior vice president of corporate communications and public service for the Stuttgart-based company. His last day with the company was Monday.
The following are Boozman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bill Reed, an Arkansan who is retiring after more than 34 years of dedicated service at Riceland Foods, the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice.
Bill is a member of the company’s senior management team whose responsibilities include government affairs, public relations, and the Riceland Sustainability Initiative.
His interest in agriculture at a young age led him to pursue degrees in this field. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in plant and soil science from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in agriculture journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
In 1976 he moved to the Natural State to work as a state specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
And he has continued his commitment to Arkansas agriculture for more than 40 years.
Bill is recognized as one of the most passionate advocates on behalf of the Arkansas rice industry.
Bill is constantly looking out for the rice farmers and businesses by promoting policies to grow the industry and pushing for expanded markets.
His advocacy extended beyond the boundaries of agriculture. He was always ready to lend a hand to me or my staff on any issue important to Arkansas.
He shares his passion for agriculture throughout the state, country, and world as a representative of Riceland on numerous boards and trade associations including USA Rice Federation and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
In addition, Bill serves as chairman of the Associated Industries of Arkansas, vice president for agriculture of the Arkansas State Council on Economic Education, and vice chairman of the board of visitors of Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
He is a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and is leading his life as Christ calls us to. In recent years, Bill began seminary school and his retirement from Riceland will allow him to purse the ministry full-time and help people in need.
I appreciate Bill’s friendship and I am confident that he will excel in this role just as he had done as an advocate for Arkansas rice.
I wish him well in all of his future endeavors and look forward to the great work he will continue to do.
