Anheuser-Busch grant supports Arkansas rice research
Sept. 14, 2026
By John Lovett
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Projects include rice quality, brewing applications, long-term crop management research
- Arkansas is the nation’s leading rice producer
- Anheuser-Busch sources nearly all ingredients for its American beers from U.S. farmers
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Download PHOTOS of the researchers and rice
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station were recently awarded $130,000 from Anheuser-Busch, donated through the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, to support ongoing projects ranging from rice quality and brewing applications to water stewardship and crop management.
The funding to the research arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is part of more than $200,000 in grants from Anheuser-Busch to support rice research, grower education and industry partnerships as part of its celebration of National Rice Month. Other grants were awarded to the Arkansas State University Rice Program, Ducks Unlimited and USA Rice.
Arkansas is the nation's leading rice-producing state, and Anheuser-Busch is the largest end user of rice in the United States, purchasing approximately 20 million bushels annually for its brewing operations. The company spends $700 million annually sourcing ingredients — like rice, barley and corn — from American farmers.
Anheuser-Busch states it maintains longstanding, intergenerational partnerships with 700 farmers across the country, including more than 80 rice farmers in Arkansas. One of the company’s rice mills is in Jonesboro near the Division of Agriculture’s Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center.
"Great beer starts with great ingredients, and great ingredients start with farmers,” said Damola Oshin, chief procurement officer for Anheuser-Busch. “We're proud to support organizations that are advancing research and innovation across the rice industry. These investments help strengthen American agriculture and support the farmers and communities that make our beers possible.”
“Anheuser-Busch has a significant connection to Arkansas rice, and this investment in research is a great example of how industry partnerships can create value for both producers and consumers,” said Jean-François Meullenet, senior associate vice president for agriculture-research and director of the experiment station. “By supporting innovative research in rice quality, production efficiency and value-added applications, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation is helping us identify new opportunities for Arkansas-grown rice while giving our producers the knowledge and tools they need to remain competitive.”
The funded projects focus on factors affecting rice quality and performance in brewing applications, as well as aromatic rice market research and the shelf stability of rice products used in lager production.
Additional funding will support water-saving recirculation systems that improve irrigation, along with research focused on farming conservation initiatives.
The experiment station researchers are also affiliated with the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Researchers and projects
- Griffiths Atungulu, professor and agricultural engineer in the department of food science — Rice Processing Program.
- Kaushik Luthra, assistant professor of post-harvest grain processing in the department of biological and agricultural engineering — Impact of nutrient applications on sugar extraction and grain quality. Collaborators include Scott Lafontaine, an assistant professor of food chemistry in the department of food science, and Justin Chlapecka, assistant professor of agronomy in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences.
- Chlapecka — Evaluating a water recirculation pump that reduces overall irrigation use and its effects on nutrient management.
- Chlapecka — Best management practices for rice residue management when options are limited. His collaborator is Ana Morales-Ona Smith, an assistant professor and extension soil fertility specialist in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences.
- Lafontaine — Shelf stability of different rice formats and their effects on lager beer quality.
- Lafontaine — How agricultural practices shape rice quality for value-added uses, including brewing and aromatic rice.
- Mike Daniels, Distinguished Professor and extension soil and water conservation specialist in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences — Support for the Arkansas Discovery Farms Program.
Anheuser-Busch achieved U.S. Farmed™ certification for several of its American beers and encourages consumers to “Choose Beer Grown Here” in support of American farmers.
Mention of product names does not imply endorsement by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About Anheuser-Busch
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.
We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
About the Anheuser-Busch Foundation
Established in 1975, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that help individuals and communities thrive. The Foundation contributes to countless community organizations every year, including numerous agriculture-focused groups. In 2025, Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation contributed more than $1 million to agricultural organizations, which is just part of the more than $600 million total to charitable organizations across the country in the last 30 years.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers
all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without
regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or
veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally
protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Lovett
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 763-5929
jlovett@uada.edu