Rice Farming February 2023

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Mid-South Farm & Gin Show has something for everyone

As farming operations have become more diverse over the years, the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show has evolved beyond just cotton to meet the needs of producers who grow multiple crops.

Tim Price, executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, which sponsors the event, said, “We also are invested in rice because I view it as one of the five key crops. We’ve had a real increase in the number of new and returning exhibits with connections to the rice industry. They represent the procurement of varietal seed and the production process all the way through to international rice market issues to the major marketers who will be there.”

In 2023, the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is celebrating its 71st anniversary. I don’t remember the beginning of the show, but I recall walking the aisles for many years at different stages of my life. As a kid from rural Louisiana, the idea of going to a big city was overwhelming at best. The only thing that looked familiar to me was the Mississippi River that I grew up next to my entire life. While Dad talked to the people at the booths, I marveled at the big machinery and filled my sack with souvenirs to take home.

Later on, my husband and I farmed in the Delta near Greenwood, Mississippi. The Gin Show was still a big deal, and Memphis was a great adventure. We walked the aisles, talked to exhibitors and took in whatever other opportunities were available from year to year. This timing was before the Internet, so if you wanted to know what was going on in the Mid-South ag world, you better show up at the Gin Show. In the evening, we took in the local cuisine, including Charlie Vergos’ Rendevous, a renown rib joint located in an intriguing brick alleyway catty-cornered to the Peabody Hotel. If you have never been there, it’s definitely worth a visit.

During my years as an ag journalist covering the show, the Ag Updates have been a “must attend.” As more educational opportunities have been added, they are front and center as well. On Saturday, be sure to check out a special rice marketing educational seminar that features Milo Hamilton, co-founder and senior agricultural economist of Firstgrain Inc.

A couple of light-hearted memories from the event include the year the guys from Duck Dynasty showed up at an exhibitor’s booth to sign autographs and talk about their upcoming reality TV show. Another year, football legend Terry Bradshaw was hired by an exhibitor to sign autographs and be available for photo ops.

The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show has a history all its own. It means different things to different people, but everyone holds the memories close to their hearts. Come take a walk through the Renasant Center in Memphis next to the Mighty Mississip’ this February 24-25. You’ll be glad you did.

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Carroll Smith Editor

By Betsy Ward President and CEO USA Rice

Tap into the minds of rice eaters

In 2019, USA Rice partnered with The Hartman Group to conduct multi-year research on rice consumption and consumer attitudes. We’ve just published the second report in our series looking at consumer trends in 2020 and 2021, and the data so far is truly fascinating, helping us answer the who, what, where, when and why of rice consumption. Much of this information includes things that many of you in the rice industry have intuitively known for a long time, and now we have solid data to back up these hunches and help guide us as we adapt alongside consumers.

The data from this research is extensive and thorough and available for free to all USA Rice members. These are just a few of the insights I found the most interesting.

The bottom line is that U.S. consumers are eating more rice, and increasingly recognizing it as a food that fulfills a wide variety of their needs. Millennials (27-to 41-year-olds) are leading the way in rice consumption, and Generation Z (26 and younger) is increasing their rice consumption as they grow up.

Consumers’ emotions

Another piece of this research that really struck me was how consumers’ emotions factor into their rice consumption. There’s more good news on this front: according to the data, consumers associate rice with feelings of social connection, health, delight and enjoyment. Consumers are turning to rice when they want to feel good, both mentally and physically, and when they want to socialize and impress others with their cooking. Anecdotally, this makes perfect sense — we all feel good when we eat rice — but this data really gets at the reason why. Whether it’s a simple comfort meal or a special celebratory dish shared with loved ones, rice is bringing out positive emotions in eaters. Perhaps most exciting is the new data on rice consumption among children. Millennial and Gen Z parents are eating more rice themselves, but they’re also feeding it to their kids. These parents see rice as a versatile canvas that can be cooked many different ways, paired with all kinds of foods, and satisfies both picky and adventurous eaters. It’s also seen as a practical and cost-effective way to eat healthy, with research showing that young parents are using rice for leftovers and meal prepping. Interestingly, the data suggests that parents are using rice as both a familiar food and a way to introduce kids to new flavors and textures. And since rice is a staple in so many international and regional cuisines, many parents are also utilizing rice to connect children to their family heritage and emotionally bond during mealtimes.

These younger consumers value health and nutrition, sustainability and the environment and exploring new and exciting cuisines. Encouragingly, the data shows that Millennials and Gen Z are choosing rice to cater to all three of these priorities. With one fell swoop, they’re improving their health, caring for the environment and eating adventurously, just by choosing rice. The data shows that word is getting out about our industry’s commitment to sustainability, and it is resonating with consumers; we absolutely need to keep up that momentum.

Much of this we have either known or suspected in the rice industry for a long time, but this data shows that the message is truly resonating with consumers as well. These cutting-edge insights into consumer habits and preferences can help guide decision making, strengthen sales and marketing materials, influence engagement tactics and inform programming and messaging, keeping our industry agile and relevant in a rapidly changing world. We’ve already gotten so much value out of this research, and I look forward to discovering what additional insights our continuing work with The Hartman Group will yield.

Millennials lead the way in rice consumption.

It’s showtime!

Plan to attend the 71st Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show.

The 2023 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is scheduled for Feb. 24-25, at the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N. Main St. in Memphis, Tennessee. This venue is the former Cook Convention Center.

The 71st annual show features exhibitors from 35 states across the United States and five international countries, displaying new equipment and machinery, cutting-edge technology and a myriad of products and services, representing all major Mid-South crops. The exhibits open at 9 a.m. both Friday and Saturday.

Everyone is invited to attend the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation Annual Meetings, which begin Thursday, Feb. 23, 1:30 p.m., at the Peabody Hotel.

Dr. Susan Yvonne “Evy” Jaconis, Director of Agricultural and Environmental Research, Cotton Incorporated, and Hank Reichle, President and CEO, Staplcotn, will discuss U.S. cotton’s challenges and new opportunities.

Tim Price, show manager and executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, said the event gives attendees an opportunity to take in everything on display on the trade show floor and attend educational seminars on key issues. “Each year, there are opportunities to hear industry expert perspectives,” he said. “There will be Ag Update seminars featuring market outlooks for cotton and grains, as well as an outlook on issues impacting agriculture.”

Price noted agriculture has often had to adapt to a changing landscape, due to weather, regulation, trade issues or geo-political events.

“Regardless of how often we have adapted, we are faced with navigating the change for the best outcomes for our operations,” he said. “This year’s Mid-South Farm and Gin Show will bring it all together in terms of helping attendees understand the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 as well

as outlooks for the coming year.

“We also are invested in rice because I view it as one of the five key crops. It is amazing when you look at everything that goes into rice production. We have had a real increase in the number of new and returning exhibits with connections to the rice industry. In particular, they represent the procurement of varietal seed and the production process all the way through to international rice market issues to the major rice marketers who will be there.”

Ag Update Seminars

An Ag Update Seminar on Friday, Feb. 24, features Joe Nicosia, Louis-Dreyfus Co., who will provide an outlook on cotton.

“Joe’s insights are critical for cotton producers who look to Nicosia for direction on planting and marketing their crop,” Price said.

The Saturday, Feb. 25, Ag Update Seminar features Richard Brock, Brock Associates, who offers an outlook for grains as well as economic policies that may impact agriculture over the next year. Both seminars start at 8:30 a.m. in the Cannon Center.

Educational Opportunities

Additional educational opportunities are planned, including an international

trade forum with Agricenter International. More details will be released as they become available. AgLaunch, which uses a farm-centric innovation platform to bring new ideas into agriculture, is expected to conduct its “Shark Tank”-like workshop where individuals and businesses present their ideas to the AgLaunch panel.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, a special rice marketing educational seminar will be held. The event features Milo Hamilton, co-founder and senior agricultural economist of Firstgrain Inc.

“Is the price of rice shaking your world?” Hamilton asked. “Is the cost of growing it shaking your world? This workshop looks at the rice price as trapped between uncertain input costs and other factors you may never have thought about before. We will be in Memphis to help you sort through your new crop rice price outlook.”

Show closing times are 5 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, respectively. At 9 p.m., Saturday, the popular Jamboree will kick off at the Peabody Hotel Grand Ballroom with music by The Krackerjacks.

See you in Memphis!

For more information, please visit farmandgin show.com or southerncottonginners.org.

Follow Weed Control Rule Of Thumb

Ross Wood, C.C.A.

Stratton Seed Co. Stuttgart, Arkansas

I grew up in Waldenburg, Arkansas, where my grandfather farmed rice, soybeans and wheat, and my parents owned and operated an agricultural flying service. Aviation was my passion with the goal of becoming a crop duster like my father. He eventually convinced me to go to college and get a degree, so I would have options in life. In 2017, after a stint with a basic manufacturer selling propanil across the Mid-South, I had an opportunity to assume the retail responsibilities for Stratton Seed Co. in Stuttgart, Arkansas. I balanced my time between running the business and walking crops.

Timely Scouting Is Important

With susceptible crops being planted adjacent to rice, the first thing I do when I pull up to a field is look at all four sides and make note of what’s there. Then I check the wind direction and speed for the next seven days and make recommendations with that in mind. Due to these circumstances, we may have to use ground application for pre-emerge herbicides and problem fields where it’s challenging to make aerial applications.

In a few days, I look for escapes or newly emerged weeds. Timely scouting is key in finding and controlling small weeds. My rule of thumb is to target thumbnail size grass — 3/8-inch to ½-inch tall. This past year, I applied Clincher® SF herbicide and Prowl early post.

After that application, I picked up broadleaves and nutsedge before flood or before neighboring beans emerged. I always make my first post application early to control the small flush of weeds and add a residual to avoid trying to control large weeds going into flood. As for row rice, I seem to treat it like any other system early on and then come back with Loyant® herbicide or Grandstand® herbicide for pigweeds. Grandstand is always a good option when the rice field is next to $14 beans.

In 2022, the going to flood application was tough because it was windy and dry, and we had corn and soybeans on all sides of the rice. RebelEX® herbicide was a fit for most fields because of its wide weed spectrum. On fields where corn was on two sides, Grasp® SC herbicide or Grasp® Xtra herbicide got those acres.

This year, remember to use effective, multiple modes of action (MOAs) to combat weed resistance and don’t let grass get bigger than your thumbnail. Spray small!

• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Science, University of Arkansas.

• Retail Operations Manager, Stratton Seed Co.

• Has consulted on rice, soybeans, corn and wheat for 24 years.

• Certified Crop Advisor – Arkansas board member.

• Arkansas Plant Food Association – President-Elect.

• Member of the Arkansas Crop Protection Association.

• Wife Sarah. Daughter Savannah, 7.

• Wood’s passion is flying. He uses his planes to aid in scouting from the air and to travel with the family.

Recap: Weed Control Rule Of Thumb

1. With susceptible crops being planted adjacent to rice, we may have to use ground application for pre-emerge herbicides and problem fields where it’s challenging to make aerial applications.

2. My rule of thumb is to target thumbnail size grass — 3/8-inch to ½-inch tall. I applied Clincher® SF herbicide and Prowl early post last year.

3. I apply Loyant® herbicide or Grandstand® herbicide for pigweeds in row rice.

4. Where corn is on two sides, Grasp® SC herbicide or Grasp® Xtra herbicide is applied on those fields.

5. Remember to use effective, multiple modes of action (MOAs) to combat weed resistance and don’t let grass get bigger than your thumbnail.

Sponsored

Mitigating rice disease in Arkansas

Managing rice diseases with seed treatments and foliar fungicides.

By Yeshi Wamishe University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

There are compelling reasons why an integrated approach should be employed to reduce the damage due to diseases in rice or any other crop. As some think, fungicides are not the only options to suppress rice diseases. For a plant disease to occur, three aspects or factors (namely, susceptible host, virulent pathogen and favorable environment) should perfectly align. In a given time, a susceptible host and the pathogen’s infective propagules need to be in contact under a favorable environment to start and proceed the infection process.

Therefore, when we talk about disease management options, the most important concept is to be able to disrupt the alignment of a pathogen from its host and the favorable environment. If the host is relatively resistant to the disease in question, that disease will be either mild or may be absent regardless of the presence of the virulent pathogen or the environment.

Similarly, if the environment is disrupted to not favor disease development, there will be mild or no disease regardless of the pathogen’s presence and the susceptibility level of the host plant. Although weather plays a big role in controlling environment, more goes to field management practices you employ.

To disrupt the favorable environment, you need to do what you can starting from land preparation for planting, weed and insect suppression to applications of adequate seeding and fertilization rates. Instead of choosing a susceptible variety, you need to go for a relatively resistant one. It may not be practical to look for a variety that is resistant to multiple disease pathogens. However, a history of your field helps you identify the economically important diseases in your respective rice fields so you can match the variety of your choice with a field history.

Fungicides are needed to disrupt the activities of fungal pathogens only when required. Often, well-managed rice fields, planted with some levels of disease resistant varieties, may not require fungicide application. However, when fungicide application is required, it can be profitable in effectively managed fields.

Tips why you should use fungicides on rice

• The disease requires preventative treatment due to a variety’s susceptibility level and field history.

• The field has, or potentially will have, significant disease pressure due to favorable weather, and field management is not sufficiently adequate.

• The specific disease in question definitively and adversely affects milling quality.

• Pathogen’s propagule accumulated in soil or residue could

potentially affect future farming due to poor residue management and land preparation practice employed.

• There is a potential to ratoon, and the disease may significantly affect the yield potential of the ratooned crop.

Tips why you should not use fungicides on rice

• There is no fungal disease; hence, no need for fungicide application.

• The variety is resistant or moderately resistant. There will be no significant yield loss from the disease.

• It is already late or too late. No need to apply fungicides because it is past the recommended timing to benefit from the fungicide application.

Figure 1: There are some conditions such as low spots that aggravate seed rotting and rice seedling diseases. It can be as serious as shown here.

• The field is bad with low yield potential (i.e., poor stand and damaged with weeds, insects, etc.); hence, it is not a good candidate for fungicide treatment to make a profit.

• A peace of mind or “just in case” is not a good reason for one to justify a fungicide application.

Why should you use seed dressing fungicides?

One big reason often given for seed treatment is lower cost compared to foliar application. However, seed treatment with fungicides does not warrant protection from diseases beyond the seedling stage.

It is often said that rice is forgiving, and a significant proportion of rice seedlings are likely to survive the harsh conditions of the spring season. Modern rice varieties have a better ability to tiller and fill in available space, compensating for early stand loss later when they get sunshine and warmer weather.

However, there are some conditions that aggravate seed rotting and rice seedling diseases together with insect damages (Figure 1). Therefore, rice seeds for planting often are treated with fungicides combined with the appropriate insecticides. Nevertheless, seed treatment may last only for two or three weeks in very wet soil conditions. Moreover, fungicide seed treatment is not recommended in water-seeded rice.

It is more likely the main purpose of seed treatment in rice is for stand establishment. As long as the purpose of seed treatment is to have adequate seedling stand, the following tips are helpful:

• Seed rotting will be reduced, and seedling emergence will improve when treated with appropriate fungicides and insecticides — using higher rates of seed treatment containing mefenoxam, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, Sedaxane (Vibrance) or any other improved and new seed dressing product — either individually or in combinations of two or more of the fungicides and insecticides is desired.

• Seedling emergence and seedling vigor improve with gibberellic acid seed treatment, particularly when germination capacities of the seeds are weak or seeding rates are low.

• Seeds need to be uniformly covered with the seed treatment products.

There is more to do beyond seed treatment to have an adequate seedling stand

• Low areas that puddle in your field need to be corrected for uniform seedling emergence.

• A germination test before planting is advised to determine the potential seedling emergence.

• Seeds stored under high moisture and temperature have a greater possibility of losing their viability. Using poor quality seed, particularly seeds stored inadequately for lengthy periods, often germinate poorly.

• Timely correction of soil nutrient deficiencies can maximize crop tolerance to diseases.

Rice diseases that warrant foliar fungicide treatment

Sometimes, foliar fungicide application is inevitable in some scenarios. However, all rice diseases are not warranted fungicide treatment options.

• Sheath blight is the most prevalent rice disease in Arkansas (Figure 2). Sheath blight epidemics can begin over a period of weeks during the growing season. Therefore, the growth stage

when the disease is initiated has significant effects on crop damage and the need for fungicide application.

Scouting for sheath blight should begin about green ring to ½-inch internode elongation in highly susceptible (VS), susceptible (S) and moderately susceptible (MS) varieties. Fungicide application decisions should not be based on the disease severity at the edge or bottom of a rice field. A disease threshold needs to be determined scouting further into the field in a zigzag pattern.

The recommended threshold for varieties rated “VS or S” is 35% positive stops and 50% for those at “MS” rating. Visit MP192 chapter 11 for detailed information. Application of fungicides more than once for sheath blight alone is not economical. Time it right or to reduce cost, pair it with other rice diseases. You may mix or use pre-mixed fungicides in such situations.

• Blast is the most devastating and yield-robbing disease in rice with no timely actions through field management or adequate

Figure 2: A disease threshold needs to be determined before fungicides are applied to manage sheath blight.

Figure 3: Neck and panicle blast late in the rice developmental stages can cause nearly 100% yield loss.

rate and frequency of fungicides. The pathogen can infect rice throughout a cropping season. It infects leaves, nodes, collars and panicles of rice, and the disease is more threatening to late-planted, susceptible rice.

Neck and panicle blast are of great concern (Figure 3). The disease is more severe in a field with sandier soil, at river-bottom, surrounded by trees, low in potash and with inadequate irrigation water resources. In such fields, we need to match the right variety in the right field—meaning relatively resistant varieties need to be sought.

The disease is aggravated by frequent, light rains or conditions that allow long dew periods such as being overcast. Unless too severe, leaf-blast can be suppressed by increasing the flood level, and fungicide application may not be needed at this stage. The flood needs to be held until it is time to drain the field.

However, in furrow-irrigated rice, fungicide application may be needed to suppress leaf blast (Figure 4) at seedling stages. Often, two protective applications are recommended to suppress the late-season blast in flooded rice — the first at late boot to bootsplit to protect the primary tillers and the second when heads are about two-thirds out in main tillers. The second application is to protect secondary tillers. The time interval between the first and the second application is often between 7-10 days.

The benefit from fungicide application once the heads/panicles are fully out of boots is minimal and hence, no gain. For fungicide application decisions, a field history, susceptibility of the variety and field management need to be considered.

• Kernel smut and false smut are frequently blamed for quality loss in fields with a history of either or both diseases. Excessive nitrogen fertilization and a field history are considered to be the main culprits for severe incidence of these smuts.

The smuts are unpredictable diseases. They may occur in hot, dry years or warm, wet years. False smut can be more severe on late-planted rice since it is favored more by cooler temperatures than needed for kernel smut. Under favorable conditions, most of the cultivars, including hybrid rice in Arkansas, are susceptible to these smuts.

False smut appears to be less sensitive to propiconazole fungicides than kernel smut. For this reason, the fungicide rate has

been increased to at least a six fluid ounces rate of tilt equivalent. Timing is also very important to obtain adequate suppression of these smuts. Often, fungicide applications at early-to-mid boot show better suppression than late applications. Preliminary field tests and observations have shown secondary infection — resulting in high incidences of false smut in secondary tillers in plots that received fungicides that have a greening effect in rice. Both kernel smut (Figure 5) and false smut (Figure 6) cause adverse effects on grain quality.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Although fungicides are best to suppress rice diseases, choosing the right varieties and matching them to your respective fields and field management practices, such as seeding and fertilization rates (particularly N), play crucial roles in rice disease suppression.

Dr. Yeshi Wamishe is an Extension plant/rice pathologist, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Figure 6: False smut galls harvested with rice is a grain quality killer.

Figure 5: Kernel smut affects both quality and grain yield. Black pathogen’s spores fill up the endosperm to cause the damage.

Figure 4: Isolated lesions of leaf blast can coalesce and totally burn the leaves in susceptible rice under favorable conditions to the extent of killing seedlings early in a cropping season.

Keith Shelton

n the heat of the season, you are racing the sun all day — leave before the sun comes up and get home after the sun goes down. It’s rigorous,” said Arkansas rice consultant Keith Shelton. “I head out between 5:30 and 6 every morning and get started after buying my gas and ice. I have a Can-Am Defender side-by-side, and, depending on the farm, stay on it for eight or nine hours before I get back to the truck. I have a regular schedule every week. I tell everyone that once I get into that pattern, you better set your clock by me.”

Shelton, owner of Shelton Consulting Service Inc., Lonoke, Arkansas, started scouting rice for the local Extension service after graduating from high school.

“Quinton Hornsby, who was the staff chairman at the Lonoke County office at the time, hired me,” he said. “They had a cotton scouting program that a lot of guys went through, but they didn’t have one for rice. I was the first person hired to do that. Although I didn’t come from a farming background — my father was a welder, and my mom sold real estate — I grew up in western Lonoke County, so I was around agriculture all my life.

“Quinton taught me everything about scouting rice or even being on a farm. The farmers paid for the service, but they weren’t charged that much. The first year, I scouted by myself twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays. I turned in everything I found to Quinton, and, at that time, he would make the recommendations. We went back to the farmers Thursday and Friday to deliver everything. It was the summer of 1991, so this was in the ‘pre cell phone’ days. The second year I worked for Extension, Quinton also hired his son, Chad Hornsby, so we worked together for the remaining three years. In total, I worked for the Extension service for four years.”

Shelton attended Arkansas State University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in plant science. The last summer he was in Jonesboro, Shelton completed an internship at Farm Service Co-op in Hoxie, Arkansas. At the time, it was part of the Southern Farmers (SF) Services co-op group. Jim Bachelor, who was head of Southern Farmers tech services, had a network of consultants in all the co-ops around Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, some in Texas and some in Alabama. Shelton interned there in the summer of 1995, and after graduating in the spring of 1996, Bachelor hired him to work at the co-op in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

“A lot of the growers who did business at the co-op were the same ones I scouted for when I was with the Extension service,” Shelton said. “I worked there for four years with another guy named Jack Land. He scouted mostly cotton, and I did all the rice. In 2000, I decided to go to work for myself. That’s when I started Shelton Consulting Service Inc.”

Hurdles To Overcome

Shelton has worked for many of his farmers for long enough that they are much like family.

“Most everybody I work for is either first or second genera-

Keith Shelton pictured with his family that includes, from left, his daughters, Kennedi and Reagan, and his wife, Misti.

REINHARDT MARITZ

tion,” he said. “Since we are like family, I am not a ‘yes’ man. I tell them what they need to know, but it’s not always what they want to hear. But I have their bottom line and best interest at heart at all times.”

As far as rice production challenges in his area, Shelton said the biggest one is trying to keep continuous rice sustainable and clean enough that his farmers can keep growing rice if they want to.

“We are trying to be better stewards and get ahead of the weedy rice problem,” he said.

Surprisingly, Shelton said they didn’t have many supply chain issues last year. Most of his farmers had everything bought up beforehand, although they did have to ration Roundup for the beans when it came to burndown, which got kind of tricky.

“The input prices are what they are,” he said. “That’s something we can’t control. Luckily, we have high commodity prices to offset it right now. However, one of the biggest drivers is that equipment prices are high, so many of the growers have to farm a lot of acres to cover those costs. Another issue farmers have to deal with is finding and keeping enough labor to sustain their operations. With all the challenges out there, I know they struggle. That’s why I have their best interest at heart every week I am out there making a recommendation.”

Accolades From The Field

Shelton’s efforts are not lost on his farmer clients.

Lynn Marshall of Bearskin Farm in Scott, Arkansas, said, “Keith has been a key contributor to the success of Bearskin Farm over the past 25 years. He has displayed great talent and knowledge of evolving technology in his trade. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with Keith, but during the time we have worked together, his service and understanding of Bearskin Farm’s needs has continued to grow.

“Keith brings concern, knowledge and dedication to servicing our crops. He has worked closely with Bearskin Farm and has always brought a much-appreciated, proactive approach to his craft. Through his expertise in crop consulting, we have seen increased yields and cleaner fields year after year. It’s not just his technical skills that impress me, however. Keith is a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude, integrity and values.”

Dow Brantley III of Brantley Farms in England, Arkansas, said, “Keith has worked with my family for more than 25 years

Proactive Approach To Doing Business

Today, Arkansas rice consultant Keith Shelton provides a host of services for his farmer clients. This includes both composite and grid soil sampling that begins after harvest and, if needed, starts back up in the spring. If one of his farmers picks up some new ground, he will soil sample it as well. In the fall, Shelton and his farmers begin discussing the next year’s rice seed needs.

“When we get close to the crop year, I make the rounds and provide burndown recommendations,” he said. “Then I sit down with my farmers, and we go over fertility recommendations, including any preplant needs.

“Once a field is planted, I am there checking it once a week until we get ready to harvest the crop. I also scout beans and corn, so I am diverse in that respect. But rice is my largest acreage.”

consulting on our rice acres and has helped us grow to where we are today. Consulting is not just about controlling weeds or dealing with diseases and insects. To me, consulting is about building budgets, implementing a soil fertility program, seed selection, reducing cost, saving water and, frankly, learning how to win. Consulting is also about being a mentor and coach. Keith does all those things alongside us day in and day out — not just for our family, but for many others in our community.”

Establishing Professional Networks

Shelton said it is also important to maintain strong relationships with other crop consultants and industry personnel.

“In our area of Central Arkansas, all of the consultants are good friends,” he said. “We work together. A lot of us butt up to each other, so we will call one another to find out what technology is planted next to the acres we are checking.”

Arkansas crop consultant Wes Long said, “Keith’s dedication to his craft is second to none. He is committed to providing his customers with honest, fair and detailed advice. Keith works closely with his customers, starting after harvest in preparing for the next year with soil fertility, seed planning and helping secure crop protection products at the most profitable price point. Besides all he does for his customers, his biggest and most proud accomplishment is his wife and two daughters. He

Keith Shelton believes it is important to maintain a good rapport with fellow crop consultants, such as Wes Long, who resides in Tichnor, Arkansas.

always finds time to spend with his family and dedicates his life to giving them a great foundation.

“I left my corporate job seven years ago to become a private consultant, and there is no way I could do this job without Keith. He always answers my calls and helps me provide a higher level of service to my customers. Keith has been a tremendous asset to me, his customers and the rice industry.”

Shelton said he has a good rapport with university and industry personnel as well.

“I started out with the university in the Extension program, so I still have a good relationship with them,” he said.

Dr. Rick Cartwright, rice pathologist and retired director of the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, concurs.

“Keith and I walked numerous fields in my day and figured out various problems in rice — some of them unusual, too,” he said. “As a consultant, Keith strived to always be objective while putting his farmers’ needs first and was always unerringly truthful, regardless of the circumstances. He is a man of honor, for sure, and a devoted family person who always thinks of others. He is genuine.”

On the industry side, Shelton gets along well with all of these people, too.

“As new herbicides come out, I put in side-by-side demonstration plots, such as ones I have done with Derek Clarkson, the territory manager in Central Arkansas for Corteva Agriscience,” he said. “At the end of the season, I generate a report that includes recommendations that were made and yield data, so they can see how the products performed.”

At The End Of The Day

“What I enjoy most about being a rice consultant is the relationships I’ve made with the farmers I work for,” Shelton said. “I also like the freedom it gives me, being outside and

Rice Consultant of the Year Award Recipients, 2017-2022

Career

 Completed a Bachelor of Science in plant science, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, 1996.

 Established Shelton Consulting Service Inc. in 2000.

 Consults on rice, soybeans and corn mostly in the Lonoke, Scott, England and Carlisle, Arkansas, area.

 Certified Crop Adviser.

 Serves on the CCA board representing independent crop consultants.

 Serves on the Arkansas Crop Protection Association board.

 Active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Family Life

Shelton was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, but grew up in Lonoke County — the first Arkansas county to reportedly grow rice in 1904. Today, he and his wife, Misti M. Shelton, reside in Lonoke, Arkansas, with their two daughters, Kennedi (17) and Reagan (13) and their pet cockapoo, Lulu. When time permits, Shelton enjoys turkey hunting and bow hunting deer. He is also an avid snow skier and hones his skills on the black/di icult slopes in Utah every winter.

having some time off in the winter. I owe a lot to my profession and rice in general.

“When I learned I had been selected as the Rice Consultant of the Year, I was shocked and honored. Rice in general is a small industry, and when you break it down to independent rice consultants, that’s an even smaller field. To be nominated and receive this award is an honor and a privilege.”

SPONSORED BY

Keith Shelton is a voracious snow skier. During the o season, he makes a trip out West to Utah and Jackson Hole valley in Wyoming to enjoy this winter sport.

Keith Shelton At A Glance

2017 Robb Dedman, Rison, Arkansas 2018 Richard Costello, Oak Grove, Louisiana 2019 Cliff Mock, Alvin, Texas 2020 Amy Beth Dowdy, Dexter, Missouri 2021 BD Fontenot, Eunice, Louisiana 2022 Keith Shelton, Lonoke, Arkansas

Top-Performing Horizon Ag Varieties for 2023

From two of the top three rice lines planted in Louisiana in 2022 to the growing popularity of elite Clearfield® and Provisia® varieties in the southern rice region, Horizon Ag varieties are the “go-to” seed for farmers looking for higher yield potential, desirable quality, preferred agronomics and overall consistent performance.

Provisia variety PVL03 was the most planted rice seed line in 2022 in Louisiana, going on 19% of the state’s rice acreage. Clearfield variety CLL17 was a close third, with 10 percent of the state’s rice acreage.

At the same time, CLL16, an Arkansas-bred variety with excellent yield potential and vigor, is expected to be planted on more acreage in the coming season, and a limited launch of new CLL18, another Arkansas-bred line with extremely high yield potential, is attracting a lot of interest.

“We’ve heard from farmers who said that PVL03 did what it needed to do, in terms of high yields, and it exceeded expectations by providing good milling quality in a year where millings were erratic,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “PVL03 is the Provisia variety many in the industry were waiting for, and it was planted on a lot of acres this past year. The proof of its value is in the results farmers saw in their fields.”

PVL03: A long grain variety with excellent yield potential, milling and grain appearance. The grain length is greater than 7 millimeters. It is the highest yielding of the Provisia lines and is very competitive with Clearfield and conventional varieties. PVL03 contains the Pita gene that confers resistance to the blast races common in the region. It also contains the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot but is susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem, especially in later plantings.

CLL16: A long grain Clearfield rice variety that has earned its reputation as “the complete package for yield potential, quality and consistent performance. CLL16 contains the Pita blast resistance gene and is rated moderately resistant to blast. It also contains the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot and moderately susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem.

CLL17: An early, long grain Clearfield rice variety with excellent yield potential and vigor. CLL17 should be planted early, as yields can decrease when planted outside of the recommended planting window. It is susceptible to lodging, especially with higher nitrogen levels — Horizon Ag recommends 90-130 units of nitrogen. CLL17 contains the Pita blast resistance gene and is rated moderately resistant to blast.

In addition, proven performers like CL111, CL151, CL153, CLM04 and CLJ01 are available for farmers who have years of experience successfully managing these mature lines in their fields.

Although there is another ACCase inhibitor herbicide system available for rice, it is important to understand it is not the same as the Provisia Rice System.

“PVL03 has good tolerance of Provisia herbicide, and the herbicide doesn’t need a safener,” says Dr. Walker. “ It’s the best system available today for weedy rice. Farmers have heard all the stories out there about performance issues with other technologies. The bottom line is we can’t afford to be safe on weeds.”

“We’re excited to bring our strongest seed portfolio to date in 2023,” says Dr. Walker. “More than ever, farmers need varieties they can count on for consistent performance while providing the weed control they need for outstanding yields and a better return on investment.”

More information about Horizon Ag Clearfield and Provisia varieties is available at HorizonSeed.com.

PVL03 was the most planted rice seed line in 2022 in Louisiana.

Louisiana Master Farmer Program

Initiative promotes greater productivity and sustainability.

By Olivia McClure LSU AgCenter

The Louisiana Master Farmer Program recognized three new graduates, two people who have completed recertification and the winner of the Outstanding Master Farmer Award at a Jan. 12 ceremony.

The event was held in Baton Rouge in conjunction with the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting.

The Master Farmer Program, administered by the LSU AgCenter, teaches those involved in agriculture about management practices that promote both greater productivity and sustainability. Since 2006, more than 360 people have been certified or recertified. About 3,800 have taken part in at least one phase of the program.

“Producers who are awarded this certification have gone through rigorous and lengthy requirements in order to meet state soil and water quality standards,” said Donna Gentry, coordinator of the program. “It takes a commitment of time, financial investment and long-term sustainability goals to complete the requirements of certification.”

“Louisiana is really stepping out ahead of other states in terms of helping farmers learn to voluntarily comply with environmental standards, and it’s because of the Master Farmer Program,” Matt Lee, interim LSU vice president for agriculture, said at the ceremony. “This has been a way for farmers to learn up-to-date, research-based conservation practices in a comprehensive manner. That’s consistent with the mission of the AgCenter, which is a large-scale scientific innovation platform that also has a cooperative extension service that translates those innovations out to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural enterprise.”

Congratulations are in order

To be certified as a Master Farmer, participants must attend classes on environmental stewardship and develop plans to improve conservation on their farms. In addition to experts from the AgCenter, sessions are taught by representatives of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

One of the newest graduates of the program is rice farmer Trent Broussard of D&B Farms Partnership in Acadia Parish. Rex Calhoun, of West Carroll Parish; and Roland Crymes, of Morehouse Parish, are also new graduates.

Participants must accrue continuing education credits and complete a recertification process every five years to maintain the Master Farmer designation. Recertified Master Farmers recognized at the ceremony include rice and soybean farmer Damian Bollich, of Morehouse Parish, and Raymond Fontenot, of Vermilion Parish.

Wesley Coffman, a Vernon Parish cattle producer, was named the Outstanding Master Farmer for 2022. Coffman has raised polled Herefords for 44 years and has held roles on boards for his soil and water conservation district, a local cattlemen’s group and parish Farm Bureau.

Gentry described Coffman as a “strong, outspoken advocate for land and water improvement for many years.”

Olivia McClure is an associate communications specialist with LSU AgCenter.

Rice farmer Trent Broussard, of Acadia Parish, was designated a Louisiana Master Farmer at a Jan. 12 ceremony. Pictured from left are Michael Salassi, director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station; Matt Lee, interim LSU vice president for agriculture; Broussard; Mike Strain, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry; and Chad Kacir, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

IN RICE, IT’S ALL ABOUT ROTATION, ROTATION, ROTATION. OPTIMAL 3-YEAR ROTATION

Boost yield potential with the right field rotation.* The three-year rotation of the Provisia® Rice System, the Clearfield® Production System for rice, and herbicide-tolerant soybeans gives you the best chance of keeping weed-resistance under control—while growing more rice over multiple seasons. That means more flexibility, more control and more sustainable rice-planting years on more acres. Get your rotation in order and get cleaner fields that drive yields.

Contact your BASF rep or Authorized Retailer for more information.

Yield potential and fertilizer N management in rice

DR. BRUCE LINQUIST CALIFORNIA UCCE Rice Specialist

balinquist@ucdavis.edu

If we have a “normal” planting year in terms of acreage, about half of the elds being planted to rice will have been fallowed the previous year. We have been studying yield potential and nitrogen (N) management in fallowed vs. continuous rice for the past couple of years. Here is some of what we have found.

First, yields are typically higher for rice following a fallow year. In the two years that we have been looking at this at the experiment station, rice a er a fallow was two to ve cwt per acre higher than rice a er rice. In one of those years, we found that adding more N fertilizer to continuous rice increased yields but still not to the level of the rice a er fallow. Plant-available N typically comes from fertilizer N applied and from the soil. Typically, about half of the plant N comes from each of these sources.

Using labeled N fertilizer, we found that the fertilizer N was used similarly between the two systems. However, in rice a er fallow, there was more N available from the soil from PI to harvest than for continuous rice. us, comparing these two systems, continuous rice may need more N to reach its yield potential relative to rice a er fallow. Also, fallow elds are less likely to require top-dress N because more N is available during the last half of the season.

Second, as was previously mentioned, the yield potential was less in both years for continuous rice. While this may be in part due to N as mentioned above, disease was also a factor. Despite applying a fungicide, in fallow elds there was signi cantly less stem rot (severity score averaged 2.1) than in the continuous rice elds (severity score averaged 2.7). Such a di erence in severity rating could lower the yield potential by one to two cwt per acre.

A rice field that was fallowed and worked in 2022 in the foreground. Behind it is a field of rice. In 2023, when rice is grown in both fields, what is the di erence in yield potential and N management?

Fertility is a balance

DR. JARROD T. HARDKE ARKANSAS Professor/Rice Extension Agronomist University

of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

jhardke@uada.edu

Fertilizer prices appear to be improved — for now — compared to the 2022 season. We are still experiencing much higher prices compared to 2021, so folks will still be looking for adjustments to their fertilizer programs. Fertilizer market volatility is a given; we just don’t know which way it may go.

A return to moderate nitrogen (N) prices should allow for optimal N fertilization practices in the 2023 season, with less need to attempt “trimming” of rates. e goal for N application should be to divide the large pre ood N rate into two application passes to avoid streaking. Also avoid dressing ends, which leads to overlaps where disease and lodging issues occur.

It’s why farmers choose RiceTec, America’s most widely grown long-grain rice. For 30 years, farmers have trusted in RiceTec’s superior genetics, excellent herbicide tolerance and superior disease package to deliver consistently higher yields, season after season.* Learn more at RiceTec.com.

While N is the driver for rice yield, it doesn’t carry the load alone. Potassium (K) fertility needs to keep up with N fertility to ensure balance in the plant. An exact ratio between N and K is not the focus — just that one doesn’t dramatically outpace the other. Pushing N rates higher while reducing K rates could lead to problems with increased disease and lodging.

Phosphorus (P) is a key component for rice but perhaps not to the degree of N and K. Arguably the greatest concern with P fertility is that if we reduce fertilizer rates to the point of causing a deficiency, it can be difficult to correct in-season to achieve full yield potential.

Zinc (Zn) deficiencies have been less prominent in recent years, which is probably aided in the fact that it is needed in small amounts and most use a seed treatment to help out. However, Zn can cause some hidden hunger effects where plants aren’t deficient enough to display dramatic symptoms but are limiting yield. Trust your soil test and apply accordingly.

It is preferred to utilize long-term soil test results as a guide for fertilizer rates. Looking at five to 10 years’ worth of soil test results for a field gives a much better picture of where we are and how we’re actually doing. A single soil test can be influenced by previous crop, sample time and soil conditions at the time of sampling, which may lead us astray to a degree.

Side note for furrow-irrigated rice: the soil test recommendations for P, K and Zn should be the minimum amounts applied. Why? These nutrients are not available to the same degree in furrow-irrigated (upland) situations as they are in flooded rice.

Use N management tools such as N-STaR, GreenSeeker, etc. for

N management, and rely on multiple years of soil sampling data for other nutrients. Find a nutrient balance for maximum success and profitability in 2023. Let us know if we can help.

Managing fertility in our furrow-irrigated rice

DR. JUSTIN CHLAPECKA MISSOURI

Assistant Research Professor/ Rice Extension Specialist University of Missouri

jchlapecka@missouri.edu

In my mind, fertility becomes increasingly important in furrow-irrigated rice (FIR). While we largely have it “figured out” in traditional rice production, introducing oxygen into the equation changes our philosophy with several key nutrients. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) availability are not going to be the same in the aerobic portions of a furrow-irrigated rice field due to basic chemistry, which I will promise not to dive too far into.

It’s been said that we’re beating a dead horse when speaking on N management in FIR, and to a certain degree, I’d concur. However, it’s too important of a topic to neglect. I spent 2018-2020 focusing probably 80% of my time on the topic, and I feel like

we have some solid answers. Regardless of soil type, a three-way split is very appropriate; but, the way we apply that three-way split matters much more on our heavier clay soils.

On clay, 160 pounds per acre of urea at the general, “pre-flood” timing, followed by 160 pounds of urea two weeks later, followed by 100 pounds of urea one week after the second application has — time after time — produced the greatest rice grain yield for us. That is 100 pounds per acre more urea than generally recommended for flooded rice, but the extra application added an average of around 20 bushels per acre grain yield.

On our lighter soils (i.e., silt loam), the extra N was not warranted. Essentially, any three-way split is acceptable, with our general recommendation being three applications of 100 pounds per acre of urea spaced seven to 10 days apart. Also worth noting is that all applications should absolutely be treated with a urease inhibitor (NBPT) to limit volatilization losses.

Phosphorus and potassium issues can be more common in FIR, and we are currently working on answering questions surrounding those issues. A flood increases availability of both nutrients, so it stands to reason that the typical rice soil test will overestimate the availability of P and K. For now, our recommendation is to stick with current soil tests and to pull plant samples if you have reason to believe a deficiency could occur, especially for K. A solid K fertilizer response can be seen as far along as the late boot stage.

If you have fertility questions now or in-season, you can always contact us via e-mail at jchlapecka@missouri.edu or catch us at some of the upcoming meetings and conferences through the end of February. As always, eat MO rice!

Potassium deficiencies

DR. RONNIE LEVY LOUISIANA Extension Rice Specialist Louisiana State University RLevy@agcenter.lsu.edu

Potassium deficiencies can occur in Louisiana rice soils. The high cost of nutrients has led to leaving out applications. Rice plants deficient in K are lighter green, and the leaf edges contain rust-colored spots that give the plant a brown appearance. Potassium is a highly mobile element in the plant and is translocated from the older to younger tissue. Consequently, potassium deficiency symptoms usually occur first on the lower leaves of the plant and progress toward the top as the severity of the deficiency increases. A preplant or early season K application is recommended. A single application (30 to 60 pounds per acre) is usually sufficient to maintain adequate K in the rice plants.

LSU AgCenter soil test-based potassium recommendations do not consider the ratoon rice crop. Recent research has shown that rice grown on soils that test very low, low or medium in soil test potassium will need an additional 30 pounds of K (as K2O) to maximize ratoon yields. The additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied with potassium in the first crop or can

be applied after first-crop harvest.

Potassium behavior in the soil is influenced little by water management. Potassium is a very soluble nutrient and is accumulated by the rice plant throughout the growing season. Potassium increases crop yields because it increases root growth and improves drought tolerance. It activates at least 60 enzymes involved in growth. Potassium is essential in nearly all processes needed to sustain plant growth and reproduction. Potassium builds cellulose, which also helps to reduce lodging. It aids in photosynthesis and helps translocate sugars and starches in the plant. Plants deficient in potassium are less resistant to drought and high and low temperatures.

The role of K in plant nutrition is also very important as it relates to disease resistance. Because potassium improves the overall health of growing plants, it helps them fight against diseases and insect pests. Soil testing on a regular basis can reduce overfertilization while producing the best yield possible.

Water was hot topic at Texas meeting after 2022 drought

According to USA Rice’s The Daily, hundreds of rice farmers, millers and other members of the Texas rice community gathered at the El Campo Civic Center for the 2023 Western Rice Belt Production Conference.

As is almost always the case in Texas, water was the hot topic among conference attendees.

After last year’s drought prompted the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to cut off water from the Highland Lakes to much of the rice growing region west of Houston, severely impacting the main and ratoon crops, growers are understandably apprehensive about water supply as they head into this planting season. Randy Epps, director of irrigation operations at LCRA, reported to conference attendees what they can expect in 2023, and the outlook has Texas farmers worried.

“We’re facing some real challenges with the dry year we’re coming out of,” said Debbie Hoffpauir, a Texas rice farmer whose primary source of water comes from the LCRA canal system. “It’s looking pretty bleak because there’s less than a 5% chance of receiving water for this coming crop year.”

The region’s waterfowl and migratory birds may also be at risk in the event of another dry year in Texas.

“We will probably experience the same situation we had from the 2011 to 2014 drought,” said Dennis Neuman, rice specialist with Ducks Unlimited. “Losing 30,000 acres of rice in the Eagle Lake area will force waterfowl to seek other areas of habitat.

“More birds will probably only stop for short periods before heading down to the coast. However, since that 2011 drought, a lot of irrigation wells were drilled in the Eagle Lake area, so hopefully those farmers can provide water and habitat that was not available back then.”

Answers about ad hoc payments to rice farmers

Rice farmers with questions about funding contained in the omnibus bill signed by President Biden can find answers in a fact sheet released by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Case IH Farmall tractor celebrates 100 years

The iconic Farmall model was introduced in 1923 as the all-purpose tractor designed to revolutionize the agriculture industry. Over the past century, Farmall has evolved to meet farmers’ needs across the globe with each milestone, making it “The One For All.”

“In 1923, we set out to design a tractor that could replace horses, and today, our Farmall still serves as the workhorse on farms across the globe,” said Scott Harris, Case IH global brand president. “Generation after generation, Farmall has been a symbol of modern farming, and we’re excited to bring these stories to life over the course of 2023.”

During the celebration, Case IH will give away a brand-new Farmall 75C tractor to one lucky winner who shares their passion and story about how Farmall has helped shape their farm over the years or how it’s become part of the family. The winner will be announced at the National FFA Convention on Nov. 1, 2023.

The legacy of Farmall continues today with more than 30 models from which to choose and will continue to evolve.

“Even before this anniversary, the team at Case IH was always reminded of the passion for Farmall from customers and dealers. Iconic only begins to describe it,” remarked Kurt Coffey, Case IH vice president of North America. “We are proud to have 100 years of Farmall as our legacy. It’s a tractor that’s been revolutionary to farms of all sizes across the globe. Well-worn, well-loved: this is a tractor like no other.”

For more information on the yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of Farmall and the contest details of a Farmall tractor, visit Farmall100.com.

The Fiscal Year Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes $250 million in funding for a one-time payment to rice producers to help them offset high costs faced by the industry. Drivers of those costs include weather, war and other factors, said Hunter Biram, Extension economist for the Division of Agriculture.

“We knew there would be a lot of questions, and we wanted to have information ready for Arkansas rice farmers to make sound decisions for the 2023 growing season,” Biram said.

The fact sheet is available for download at https://bit.ly/3j8DCqR.

Biram authored FSA68 along with Jarrod Hardke, Extension rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, and Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center.

“Rice producers in particular were impacted heavily by major increases in production costs in 2022, more so than other

crops,” Hardke said. “Hopefully these payments ensure that rice farms are able to stay in operation moving forward and the economic outlook improves.”

Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center said the ad hoc funding “was a huge legislative lift and a significant help to rice producers in Arkansas and beyond.”

Both Biram and Hardke urged rice growers to exercise caution where the payments are concerned.

“While this assistance will be key to growers remaining profitable, caution should also be exercised regarding expectations about how much each grower will receive and how that impacts their planning and operation for the 2023 season,” Hardke said.

Farmers should be sure to read the FAQs in the fact sheet and are urged to “not make any decisions until you get a check in the mail,” Biram said.