Transitions in the Drier Network

Starting in January 2025, I stepped into a brand-new season of life, the season of “lasts.” This was my last planning meeting, my last harvest, and my last chance to walk into the office I have called home for 40 years. Since the beginning of this year, I have carried a mix of emotions with me— some anxiety, some excitement, and sometimes even sadness as I prepare to close one chapter and begin another.

For four decades, I have given my time, energy, and dedication to two things: my family and this cooperative. I began working full-time at Riceland in 1985. Six years later, in 1991, I married my wife. She placed a ring on my left hand that symbolized love and a lifelong commitment. Just a year later, in 1992, I was promoted to manager of the Fair Oaks Grain Drier. With the support of our membership and a dedicated team, I was able to help increase receipts by 67 percent and even set an alltime record in 1998.

That same year, at the annual  meeting, Mr. Bell, our CEO at the time, presented me with the Exceptional Service Award and what he jokingly called the “Riceland Super Bowl Ring.” I have always thought of it this way: in 1991, I received a ring on my left hand as a sign of my devotion to my wife, and in 1998, I received a ring on my right hand as a sign of my dedication to Riceland and its membership. Both rings, in their own way, represent a lifetime of loyalty.

Now, as I stand on the other side of my final harvest, I can only say that time truly flies. I want to personally thank the membership and staff of this cooperative for allowing me to learn, grow, and lead over these past forty years. I have seen many changes, worked  alongside some remarkable people, and learned more than I ever could have imagined. The only way someone like me could have started as an hourly employee and worked my way up to Vice President was because of the support, encouragement, and trust of so many along the way.

Looking ahead, I believe this cooperative is in very good hands. With strong leadership from the Board of Directors and a management team that is as dedicated as any I have ever worked with, I know Riceland’s future is     bright.

In closing, let me simply say thank you. Thank you for every opportunity, challenge, and moment that shaped my journey here. My only goal has ever been to leave this cooperative a little better than I found it, and I hope, in some small way, I have done just that.

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Freddie Gahr

Vice President, Drier Division

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I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve this cooperative and its members. Riceland is more than a company; it is a community built on hard work, shared values, and a commitment to feeding the world that stretches across generations. Being a part of this legacy has been one of the greatest honors of my career.

Every day, I get to wake up and work alongside some of the most dedicated people I have ever known, and that’s an opportunity most will never experience. Our employees are the heart of Riceland — the ones who show up early, stay late, and make sure our members are served with excellence. We truly have an amazingly talented team that cares about what they do and what Riceland stands for. Our mission would be impossible without the hard-working men and women, and we are so fortunate to have this team of winners!

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and work with many of you, our farmer members. I’ve witnessed the determination and pride you bring to your farms, and that alone continues to inspire me daily. This co-op has a strong history, and I want to help carry that forward while finding new ways to add value back to your family farms for another 100 years.

My commitment to you is simple: I will keep communication open and straightforward, stay focused on results that add value to your family farm, and always put people first. The relation between employees and members is what makes our cooperative strong.

I’m looking forward to meeting more of you, hearing your thoughts, and working together to ensure this co-op continues growing and serves its members well.  Thank you for letting me be a part of it. I’m excited about what’s ahead and confident that Riceland’s best days are still to come.

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Nick Kelley

Senior DIrector, Drier Division