The Rice Leadership Development Program is extremely exclusive, and each year 5 farmers and 2 rice industry reps start their 2-year journey. Neither Michael nor Lesley would come close to qualifying – but Lesley was able to play the “media card” and join the new class on the first leg of their trip through Texas. She reports on the experience, including media training, a visit to a high-tech breeding lab, and getting to know members of the class. The program is sponsored by John Deere, American Commodity Company, and RiceTec. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.usarice.com/foundation/leadership-program. With special guests: P.J. Haynie, Christi Bland-Miller, and Charles Payne, Rice Leadership Development class members Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon