Dr. Justin Chlapecka has been named Rice Extension Specialist and Assistant Research Professor with the University of Missouri, effective August 1.

In this new partnership between the University of Missouri and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, Chlapecka will lead rice agronomy research efforts, conducting research at both the Fisher Delta Research Center in Portageville, as well as the Missouri Rice Research and Demonstration Farm near Malden.

“The MRRMC has partnered with the Fisher Delta Research Center for many years, and we’re excited to continue this collaboration in a new capacity,” David Martin, Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, said. “Justin’s expertise will undoubtedly strengthen the Missouri rice market.”

Chlapecka holds a doctorate in Crop Soil and Environmental Science from the University of Arkansas, where his research focused on rice agronomy.

“I feel very blessed to be led into the opportunity of serving the Missouri rice industry in what will undoubtedly be a mutually beneficial relationship,” Chlapecka said. “Through the partnership of the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council and MU, I am very excited to take my experience with the University of Arkansas and build on that here in Missouri for years to come.”

For more information on the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, visit www.missouririce.com.

The US Rice Producers Association, representing rice producers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas, is the only national rice producers’ organization comprised by producers, elected by producers and representing producers in all six rice-producing states.