Randy Jemison, retired Louisiana field representative for USA Rice, was honored recently by the Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association with a distinguished service award.
The award was presented at the annual joint meeting of the two organizations Feb. 21 by rice grower Kevin Berken of Lake Arthur, according to a news release.
He says Jemison, from Kinder, Louisiana, became a vital part of the rice industry with his keen organizational skills and his knowledge of farm policy after he retired from rice farming.
“He knew what we were thinking before we asked the questions,” Berken says. “He was simply very good at his job.”
Jemison, who was surprised by the award, says he enjoyed his work because of the people.
“The greatest people to work for in the world are the people in the rice industry of Louisiana,” he says.
Jemison retired last year after working for USA Rice since 2001. He was replaced by Cane Webb of Lake Charles.
Berken also received an award for his work as chairman of the Louisiana Rice Political Action Committee. It was presented by the current chair, farmer Jeffrey Sylvester of Whiteville.