2020
RICE AWARDS Horizon Ag, Rice Farming and USA Rice are proud to bring you the recipients of the 2020 Rice Awards. The program highlights three honorees for their contributions to the success of the U.S. rice industry through the Rice Farmer of the Year, the Rice Industry Award and the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gordon Wylie RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
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PHOTOS BY VICKY BOYD
or Gordon Wylie, farming rice in California is a sensory experience. He begins the day looking out over his ranch where Snow Mountain looms as a backdrop. As he walks the fields, Wylie can tell when M-401 is about to flower by the sweet smell it exudes. And after searching the house for what smells like freshly baked cookies, he realizes it is Koshihikari in the rice cooker. Its taste does not disappoint either, he says. “In 1950, my grandmother, who owned the ground, asked my dad to take the reins of the ranch in Colusa after my grandfather passed,” Wylie says. “When we arrived, I knew there was something special about rice farming — the sight of Snow Mountain, the beauty there, the smells. Everything about it felt good to me as a kid. Dad didn’t know about rice, but he knew people at UC Davis and other farmers who did, so he looked to them for guidance. In a couple of years, he was one of the best rice farmers in California.”
Gordon Wylie enjoys life at Baker Creek Farming in Willows, California, with his wife, Karen (center), and daughter Christine.
When Wylie took over as ranch foreman in 1972 after serving post-college as a U.S. Coast Guard gunner’s mate on the USCGC Barataria, he, too, tapped the knowledge of university system personnel and successful farmers. Adopting a practical boots-in-the-field philosophy about farming rice, he tripled the acreage at Baker Creek Farming in Willows, California, within 10 years. Dr. Carl Johnson, retired California rice geneticist and rice breeder, says, “Gordon’s farming career spans more than 50 years. He constantly strives to find new ways of doing tasks and is a registered rice seed producer of currently available as well as new varieties. Early in his career,
a late-maturing premium medium-grain rice — M 104 — was developed and is still grown in California. Gordon also adapts well to changes that include equipment, land leveling practices, seed bed preparation, harvest techniques and evolution of various grain types.” Wylie says it is exciting for him to follow and work with Virgilio “Butz” Andaya — director of plant breeding at the California Rice Experiment Station — his team and wife Cynthia as they bring new products, such as M-211, to the forefront. Dr. Kent McKenzie, director of the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation, says during his tenure at the California Rice Experiment Station, the California farmer’s fascination with rice variety development and research has only increased. “Gordon’s rice research interests also have expanded from the field to the kitchen,” McKenzie says. “Having been a premium-quality grain rice grower of the Japanese short-grain Koshihikari and medium-grain M-401, he runs his own cooking tests and provides insight and evaluations on varieties and experimental lines to our breeders.” Jim F. Cook, director of research and technology at Colusa County Farm Supply, says, “Gordon Wylie is one of those special individuals who not only kept me focused but pushed me to look at my rice research differently. He always stressed improvements and was never satisfied with the status quo. For a researcher to improve, he must look past the written recipe of the protocol and push products to the limits to reveal their true value. Gordon always did that for me, which made me what I am today.” As noted earlier, Wylie is always cognizant of his senses, including the sense of touch. To this end, he packs a note written and given to him by California rice farmer Al Driver shortly before he passed away. Wylie often takes it out of his pocket to read while scanning rice fields looking for ways to make improvements. He even makes copies to share with others he meets along the way. “Excellence is never an accident,” the missive begins. “It is always the result of planned intent, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the reason to see obstacles as opportunities.” Today, Wylie farms with wife Karen, daughter Christine, brother-in-law Punch Haskell, sister Jeanne Haskell and nephew Bruce Haskell. “It’s a family thing,” Wylie says. “When I heard I had been selected as Rice Farmer of the Year, I was dumbfounded, then humbled and now I am honored. Thank you.” It is a great pleasure to congratulate Gordon Wylie as the 2020 Rice Farmer of the Year.
Gordon Wylie Colusa, California
• B.S., Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. • 50+ year member Farmers’ Rice Cooperative. • Director, California Rice Experiment Station 1973-1993. • Partner, Wylie Farming Co., GBW Rice and Baker Creek Farming. • 2018 regional yield contest winner, Baker Creek Farming. (M-401). • Colusa County ASCS committee during PIK and Units to Base. • NRA lifetime member. • Wife Karen. Owner of SAS Shoes, Citrus Heights, California. • Daughter Christine N. Wylie: 2020 Rice Leadership Class. California Rice Research Board secretary, executive committee and board member. Director, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative Board. • Sister Jeanne. Brother-in-law Punch Haskell, past director, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative Board.
Kyle McCann RICE INDUSTRY AWARD
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PHOTOS BY VICKY BOYD
oth sides of Kyle McCann’s family were from Mississippi County, Arkansas. Early on, he learned how to deal with change — the only constant in life — as his father bought, developed, operated and sold various rice and soybean farms in the Mid-South. “Moving from place to place instilled in me helpful skills related to making friends and understanding different cultures and farming practices,” McCann says. “But more importantly, I was blessed to have parents who taught me all the right things and were great examples by the way they led and lived. The life lessons I learned from my father and mother were the key to success in all aspects of my life.”
Kyle McCann resides in Zachary, Louisiana, with his wife, Daphane, and son, James.
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a Master of Science degree in agricultural economics, McCann joined the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation staff in 1988 as assistant commodity director. Today, he serves as assistant to the president of LFBF and is responsible for directing the day-to-day activities of the organization. Before May 1, 2019, McCann served as the associate commodity director and director of national affairs for Louisiana Farm Bureau. His duties included coordinating LFBF’s grassroots lobbying efforts on national legislative issues and ongoing support for commodity and farm policy advisory committees. McCann also served as liaison to numerous commodity organizations, trade associations, and government agencies and commissions. His responsibilities involved working with rice, soybean, wheat and feed grains producers in activities related to their commodity, policy and marketing interests. “One of Kyle’s specialties is his ability to develop and recruit volunteer leaders,” says Louisiana rice farmer Richard
Fontenot. “I have seen this firsthand as he mentored me in my personal leadership development. Leaders in the industry recognize his dedication and hard work as someone with professionalism, integrity, respect and honor across the country.” McCann was the lead staff person for the study committees at the Louisiana Farm Bureau for the past six Farm Bills. In addition to his state duties, he served on three Farm Bill task forces with the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Kyle was meticulous in his study of each one, getting down into the details to determine what was good and not good for rice, especially Louisiana rice,” says Louisiana rice farmer Donald Berken. “Kyle presented his findings at committee meetings and then fully supported whatever the committee decided. “Throughout his career, Kyle worked with senators, representatives and their staff on behalf of the Louisiana rice industry. He has made innumerable trips to Capitol Hill with Louisiana producers, scheduling and attending visits and coaching us on how to present our issues and concerns on behalf of the industry.” In addition to his involvement in Farm Bill legislation, McCann has staffed the Louisiana Rice Research Board and worked with the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board. “When funding for these producer-financed programs was threatened, Kyle led the successful fight to pass state legislation to reinstate the producer checkoff programs that are so important to the success of the rice industry,” says Jim Monroe, retired assistant to the president of the LFBF. In reflecting on his years in the political arena, McCann says, “While the landscape changes and often portrays an adverse atmosphere, belief in what you are doing and who you are representing makes it possible to continue to show up and make your case.” And his efforts to take on this challenge have not gone unnoticed by such rice industry icons as Louisiana’s John Denison. “I have worked with many talented and intelligent people during my 60 years of service to the rice industry,” Denison says. “Kyle is one of the most talented and eloquent speakers on rice issues I have ever seen.” Louisiana rice farmer Jackie Loewer sums it up well. “When you take an education in economics, an understanding of politics, a need for organization and add a heart for agriculture, you get a Kyle McCann.” In recognition of his political accomplishments, engagement of farmer volunteers and commitment to the U.S. rice industry, we are proud to name Kyle McCann the recipient of the Rice Industry Award.
Kyle McCann Zachary, Louisiana
• B.S., Agricultural Business with minors in Finance and Agronomy, Louisiana Tech University. • M.S., Agricultural Economics, Louisiana State University. • Served on several task forces and study committees regarding Farm Bills, and agricultural and trade policy matters. • Secretary of the Louisiana Rice Research Board and the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board. • Represented Louisiana Farm Bureau on the Louisiana Seed Commission, which later became the Agricultural Chemistry and Seed Commission. • Represented the Louisiana Farm Bureau on the Louisiana Water Management Advisory Task Force. • Served on the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association Board. • 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award, LSU Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Alumni Association. • Wife, Daphane. Son, James, is a student at LSU.
Dr. M.O. 'Mo' Way RICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
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PHOTOS BY VICKY BOYD
r. Mo Way’s life has always hinged on getting to know nature. A young man spending summers exploring the woods and riding horses in the California Sierras later evolved into an enthusiastic research entomologist walking Texas rice fields. Way’s entomological journey began when his junior college ag teacher, John Oglesby, encouraged him to enroll in the University of California, Davis, and major in entomology, which he did. During the summer, Way worked as a scout for an agrichemical distributor and picked melons to pay his $87-a-semester tuition. After receiving his doctorate in entomology from UC Davis in 1982, Way joined the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont as a professor of entomology. “I was 37 years old and really green,” he says. “But I took my job to help our rice farmers seriously. I am not that talented or smart, but I always tried to put in a good effort, and sometimes those efforts paid off.”
Dr. Mo Way is joined by his wife, Jeanie, and their pet corgi, Sophie, at home in Beaumont, Texas.
Dr. Ted Wilson, professor and center director, says, “The word ‘no’ is not a part of Mo’s vocabulary when it comes to answering requests for help. From growers to students to state and federal pesticide regulators alike, Mo has a well-deserved reputation for his willingness and promptness in providing help, whatever the need.” Way has also been called the “gold standard” for rice economic entomologists. “Not a single other U.S. entomologist can compare with Mo in terms of his breadth of knowledge of insect pests of rice,” Wilson says. “No one knows more about the ecology, biology and management of this arsenal of pests.”
Cliff Mock, a rice farmer and independent crop consultant on the Texas Gulf Coast, says Way has the unique gift of developing a research program and tailoring the focus to help producers with rice production. “Mo can look at a problem, devise research to analyze that problem and, most importantly, find a solution to the issue,” Mock says. “This is fantastic work, but Mo goes one step further. His personality and communication skills allow him to then present the findings to researchers, farmers, consultants and other industry people in such a practical, no nonsense way that they incorporate the research findings into their operation. Mo is a research scientist who is very blessed with the ability to make discoveries and then move them from the scientific realm into actual crop production.” Way’s efforts on behalf of the U.S. rice industry also extend beyond the rice field. He has made numerous trips to Washington, D.C., to explain how rice is produced and why certain crop protection products are vital to its success. Mock says Way’s expertise and professionalism made him “a go-to source for personnel in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies that aid in U.S. rice production.” Way also enjoys mentoring young scientists with the same enthusiasm with which he was mentored by numerous colleagues in all segments of the rice industry along his career path. “Although he did not have to do it, Dr. Way basically ‘took me under his wing’ and was a true mentor to me in rice entomology,” says Jeff Gore, Mississippi State University Extension professor. “I know he has had a tremendous influence on the careers of scientists in all of the rice producing states in the U.S., so his impact on the rice industry goes well beyond the borders of Texas.” When asked what personal accomplishment of which he is most proud, Way references the rapport he has established “with all the good folks who work in rice, especially farmers, crop consultants and fellow scientists. I am proud of the confidence stakeholders have in my efforts to make U.S. rice farming sustainable, profitable and environmentally friendly.” Perhaps Arthur Anderson, Texas rice farmer and past president of the Texas Rice Research Foundation and the Texas Rice Producers Board, says it best: “As his name would portend, Dr. Mo Way has truly ‘paved the way’ for the American rice farmer and those around the world who benefit.” In recognition of his professional accomplishments in the realm of entomology, impeccable character and keen sense of humor, it is an honor to name Dr. Mo Way the recipient of the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. M.O. ‘Mo’ Way Beaumont, Texas
• B.S., M.S. and Ph.D., Entomology, University of California, Davis. • Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Beaumont, Texas. • Member, Rice Technical Working Group. • Member, Entomological Society of America. • 2020 Rice Technical Working Group Distinguished Rice Research and Education Award. • 2020 Excellence in Integrated Pest Management Award, Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. • 2016 Honorary Lone Star FFA degree. • 2008 Texas Plant Protection Association Academic/Agency Award. • 2006 The Conservation Tillage Systems Rice Researcher Award. • 2004 Rice Industry Award. • Advised, trained, employed and hosted a multitude of student interns, graduate students, post-doctoral associates and foreign scientists. • Authored or co-authored numerous research publications and book chapters. • Wife, Jeanie. Three children: Melissa Ferrand (Patrick), Stephanie Rasch (David) and Michael Webb (Jennifer); 11 grandchildren. One sister: Donna “Sissy” Barber, Bakersfield, California.
Horizon Ag would like to recognize past Rice Awards recipients. 1992 Dennis Leonards 1993 Jacko Garrett Jr. 1994 Nolen Canon 1995 Duane Gaither 1996 Leroy & Chris Isbell 1997 Charles Berry John Denison Paul Haidusek Errol Lounsberry Charley Mathews Jr. Patrick Mullen Fred Tanner 1998 Tommy Andrus Don Bransford Larry Devillier Jr. Dennis Robison Gary Sebree Linda Zaunbrecher 1999 Ken Collins James “Jimmy” Hoppe Charles Parker Johnson Abbott Myers Lowell George “L.G.” Raun Jr. Martin Walt Jr. 2000 John B. Alter R. Ernest Girouard Jr. Bill Griffith Ken Minton Michael Rue J.D. “Des” Woods 2001 Rice Farmer of the Year: Larry and Candice Davis Rice Industry Award: Jack William Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: David LaCour 2002 Rice Farmer of the Year: Tommy Ray Oliver Rice Industry Award: Howard Cormier Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Leland L. Carle 2003 Rice Farmer of the Year: David Monroe Smith Jr. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Johnny Saichuk Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Lundberg Brothers
2006 Rice Farmer of the Year: Gibb Steele Rice Industry Award: Chuck Wilson Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: John Denison 2007 Rice Farmer of the Year: Clarence Berken Rice Industry Award: Dr. Joe Street Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Steve Linscombe 2008 Rice Farmer of the Year: Milton LaMalfa Rice Industry Award: John Cummings Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Ahrent 2009 Rice Farmer of the Year: Curtis Berry Rice Industry Award: John E. Broussard Jr. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl Wayne Brothers 2010 Rice Farmer of the Year: Greg, C.J. and Jeff Durand Rice Industry Award: Dr. Richard J. Norman Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Elaine T. Champagne 2011 Rice Farmer of the Year: Mark Wimpy Rice Industry Award: Dr. Rick Cartwright Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacko Garrett Jr. 2012 Rice Farmer of the Year: Jim Whitaker Rice Industry Award: Dr. Donald Groth Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Erdman 2013 Rice Farmer of the Year: Joe Aguzzi Rice Industry Award: Dr. Eric Webster Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Elton Kennedy 2014 Rice Farmer of the Year: Fred Zaunbrecher Rice Industry Award: Dr. Kent McKenzie Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Marvin Baden 2015 Rice Farmer of the Year: Jerry Hoskyn Rice Industry Award: Keith Fontenot Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Jimmy Hoppe
2004 Rice Farmer of the Year: Dane Hebert Rice Industry Award: Dr. M.O. “Mo” Way Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joseph Musick
2016 Rice Farmer of the Year: Richard Fontenot Rice Industry Award: Dr. Steve Linscombe Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Sebree
2005 Rice Farmer of the Year: John Greer Rice Industry Award: Charles “Eddie” Eskew Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Donald Bransford
2017 Rice Farmer of the Year: Christian Richard Rice Industry Award: Dr. Xueyan Sha Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Chuck Wilson
2020
RICE AWARDS
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here can be little doubt that 2020 will be a year all of us will remember for the rest of our lives because of its dramatic impact on our families, the rice industry and our country. To say it has been challenging or difficult would be a massive understatement. Horizon Ag and I are proud to be part of the U.S. rice industry that has met those challenges head on, refilling empty grocery shelves with safe, high-quality rice and keeping our citizens safe, healthy and fed while also continuing to support global rice customers around the world. No one is better than American farmers when it comes to producing safe, affordable, high-quality products. Rice producers finishing up the 2020 season can stand tall because of how they’ve pushed through the adversity of the year to make our industry stronger today and for the future. Even this letter is difficult to write because it would typically be delivered during the Rice Outlook Conference when our industry comes together to share our experiences and our plans to fulfill the promise of the coming season. Due to the pandemic, there is no Rice Outlook Conference this year. And yet, that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating the achievements of those honored for Rice Farming magazine’s Rice Awards, acknowledging their service and the impact they have had on our industry. Those recognized for their outstanding achievements will receive: The Rice Farmer of the Year Award, which is given to a farmer who has shown determination, innovation or dedication to growing the crop. The Rice Industry Award, which honors the person who has proven to be innovative in his or her role in this industry. The Rice Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the person who has dedicated his or her life to the viability of the U.S. rice industry. Horizon Ag is very proud to again sponsor the Rice Farming magazine Rice Awards, and we sincerely congratulate each recipient for their recognition. While we can’t foresee what 2021 will bring, we’re excited about the prospects for a new year. Horizon Ag has added new Clearfield® and Provisia® varieties to our lineup to help farmers prepare for the challenges and opportunities the season will bring. We look forward to continuing to be there with you, working together for a successful future. Tim Walker Horizon Ag General Manager
Clearfield® and Provisia® are registered trademarks of BASF. © 2020 Horizon Ag, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2018 Rice Farmer of the Year: Melvin “Skip” Hula Jr. Rice Industry Award: Earl J. Garber Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Marvin Hare Jr.
2019 Rice Farmer of the Year: Jennifer James Rice Industry Award: Jim F. Cook Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Ford Baldwin