Dyna-Gro, Horizon Ag, and RiceTec present their rice variety and hybrid listings available in the Mid-South, Texas, and the South for the 2025 season.
Rice Farming debuts a new column, My Turn, which has been a popular mainstay in
Rice Awards
Horizon Ag, Rice Farming and USA Rice are proud to bring you the recipients of the 2024 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. Page 9
From The Editor
Another Season
It’s that time of year to pick back up on our print issues of Rice Farming! I always enjoy the changing of the seasons, and this time of year is no different as we embark on a new round of magazines. From hurricanes to a presidential election, there was no shortage of big events. This December issue of Rice Farming is always one of our biggest issues, too.
Cassidy Nemec Editor
beginning on page 5 with the USA rice column, Peter bachmann discusses the necessity of a new and functional Farm bill: “Food security is national security, and our rice farmers are essential to maintaining the U.S.’s position as a global leader in food production. When farmers don’t have access to viable safety nets and resources authorized and provided through the Farm Bill, we endanger not only our domestic food supply but also our standing in the global agricultural market. If our domestic farms falter, our country’s ability to feed itself — and the rest of the world — is at risk.”
We have a new rice specialist in Texas! Sam rustom, Texas A&m AgriLife assistant professor and extension agronomist, has already contributed his first round of comments in our Specialists Speaking section starting on page 8. He details how the eagle Lake area had a great start with timely one-inch rains, only to be followed by Hurricane beryl: “Fast forward to July 8, and here comes Hurricane Beryl to crush all of the aforementioned optimism. Being such an early hurricane, very few growers were able to get some of their earliest-planted rice out of the field, leaving the rest vulnerable to the storm.”
Other specialists, including Drs. Jarrod Hardke and Justin chlapecka shared details of their rice after Hurricanes Francine and Helene. my thoughts and prayers are still with those who went through any of the major hurricanes this year. be sure to check out our rice Awards section beginning on page 9. The rice Awards are sponsored by Horizon Ag, Rice Farming, and USA rice. This 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. The recipients of the 2024 rice Awards are as follows: michael Fruge, rice Farmer of the Year; Jason Norsworthy, rice Industry Award; and Al montna, rice Lifetime Achievement Award. Wish them congratulations! They will be honored at rice Outlook in Little rock, Arkansas, Dec. 8-10 this year.
Our annual rice Variety and Hybrid Seed Guide is located on pages 19-21. Dyna-Gro, Horizon Ag, and riceTec have shared their 2025 offerings. Feel free to take this information into consideration when making your 2025 rice plans.
Last, but certainly not least, is our newest column to the magazine: My Turn. This has been a noteworthy column in our Cotton Farming publication over many years, and I thought the rice industry would enjoy reading these stories of individuals in our industry. Our first writer is the beloved Whitney Isbell Jones. Go read her touching words on freedom and innovation on her family’s farm on page 22.
I hope everyone has a merry christmas and a happy New Year!
Send comments to: editor, Rice Farming magazine, 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, box 305, collierville, TN 38017 or email cnemec@onegrower.com
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RICETEC STAYS COMMITTED TO INNOVATION AND GROWTH FOR U.S. RICE FARMERS
RiceTec continues to demonstrate its commitment to the U.S. rice industry and the success of its customers by introducing a series of product advancements for 2025. These innovations aim to improve yields and simplify farm operations, ensuring long-term growth for rice farmers nationwide.
“Our goal is to support our farmers with the best tools and technology,” said Garrison Hardke, U.S. Marketing Manager. “These new updates will make a meaningful difference on the ground by enhancing productivity and reducing potential errors in field management.”
LEADING HYBRIDS TAILORED TO FARMERS’ NEEDS
RiceTec’s high-performance hybrid seeds remain a trusted resource for farmers, with the RT7302 conventional hybrid standing out as a top choice. Billed as the next evolution in longgrain genetics, RT7302 offers a significant yield advantage over previous hybrids like XP753. RT7302 also excels in all growing environments, with enhanced grain characteristics and a strong disease-resistance package.
Also establishing itself as the standard in the Southern medium grain market, RT3202 has a superior yield, excellent disease resistance, improved standability, and earlier maturity than competitor products.
EXPANDING MAX-ACE ® HYBRIDS FOR GREATER YIELD POTENTIAL
An increased supply of Max-Ace hybrids is available next year as well.
The highly popular RT7331 MA is known for its superior yield potential and the same reliable disease resistance, early maturity, improved milling, and excellent ratoon potential that growers have come to expect.
“Max-Ace hybrids offer a new level of productivity,” said Hardke. “Giving rice growers an excellent tool for weed control, higher yields, and a rice rotation alternative to the FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution and conventional offerings.”
FullPage
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND LOOKING AHEAD
Despite these promising developments, 2024 has been challenging. The devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the Texas Gulf Coast significantly affected RiceTec’s seed production efforts. The hurricane struck during the most critical growth period, damaging flowering rice and lodging mature crops. Over two weeks, the region was inundated with up to 20 inches of rainfall, further exacerbating disease pressure and leading to poor grain fill. This reduced RiceTec’s seed supply by nearly 30%.
“Producing hybrid rice is a complex process, and Mother Nature always keeps us on our toes,” said Hardke. “While Hurricane Beryl caused some setbacks, we had a solid plan for 2024, and we’re proud of the quality seed crop we will produce.”
Having recently celebrated 25 years of hybrid rice production in the U.S., RiceTec remains optimistic about the future and continues to learn and evolve to better meet its customers’ needs.
“Even with the challenges we’ve faced this year, our commitment to supporting farmers remains as strong as ever,” emphasized Hardke. “We know that with the advancements we’ve made and the resilience of our team, 2025 will be a year of growth and opportunity.”
A NEW SEED TREATMENT TO SIMPLIFY HERBICIDE APPLICATION
Earlier in 2024, RiceTec introduced SQUAD® premium seed treatments on its products, which will now feature color coordination between bags and seeds to help farmers easily match the correct herbicide to each seed. Seed coating colors now correlate with the seed bag color. This change will simplify herbicide application and minimize the risk of misapplication, thereby safeguarding crop health and improving yield potential.
Says Hardke, “By making it easier for farmers to apply the right herbicide, we’re protecting crops and helping farmers streamline their operations.”
By Peter Bachmann CEO of USA Rice
We’re Getting Close to the Farm Bill Cliff
The 2018 Farm bill’s one-year extension officially expired on Sept. 30, 2024, leaving us in a precarious situation where critical support programs for rice farmers are again becoming at risk. Since then, congressional staff and lawmakers have engaged in protracted negotiations, but are almost paralyzed until the fate of the General election, as they are keenly aware that changes to the House and Senate majorities are likely and a new White House administration is guaranteed. but nothing motivates congress more than political leverage and deadlines, and now the race is on for an extension or a reauthorization before this 118th congress comes to a close on Jan. 3rd, 2025.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If a new, comprehensive Farm bill isn’t passed soon, many rice farmers will face a grim reality: without a Farm bill, uncertainty will remain in rice country, as current farm safety net programs are inadequate without vital improvements to the Price Loss coverage Program—namely an increase to the rice reference price. Not only will farms and the broader rice industry suffer, but also rural communities and the American consumer.
Food security is national security, and our rice farmers are essential to maintaining the U.S.’s position as a global leader in food production. When farmers don’t have access to viable safety nets and resources authorized and provided through the Farm bill, we endanger not only our domestic food supply but also our standing in the global agricultural market. If our domestic farms falter, our country’s ability to feed itself— and the rest of the world—is at risk.
The expiration of the Farm bill also has the potential to usher in an unsettling set of circumstances known as “permanent law,” which is rooted in antiquated agricultural policies from the 1930s and 40s. congress has never ended this permanent law; instead, every Farm bill suspends these permanent provisions and substitutes modern provisions. Without a Farm bill, permanent law defaults to outdated price support mechanisms that fail to reflect the realities of today’s economy. While some programs remain operational under permanent law, the disconnect between these archaic measures
and current market conditions would create chaos for farmers. The government may be forced to intervene in ways that could severely disrupt markets and drive up food prices. The onerous and expensive process of implementing permanent law helps add pressure for congress to act, one way or another.
Another extension of the 2018 Farm bill is merely a temporary stopgap measure, and it’s simply not good enough. rice farmers, like all U.S. farmers, require a robust, forward-looking policy framework that provides certainty and a reliable safety net. Additionally, programs that promote U.S. agriculture products in export markets are also threatened. One can’t enter into contracts or undertake programs that would exceed authorized funding in the shortened extension time periods. So, many of those programs simply stop, and U.S. ag loses its domestic and global competitive edge.
All of this uncertainty is not just inconvenient; it threatens the livelihoods of countless farming families who rely on consistent, predictable legislation and their rural communities.
We’re now in the “lame duck” part of this congress, and the threat of permanent law is looming just a few weeks away. We must urge our legislators to prioritize improvements to the farm safety net programs and help provide assistance for the 2024 crop year now. This delay affects every American. Food doesn’t magically appear on our tables; it comes from the hard work of farmers who are often at the mercy of unpredictable weather, volatile markets, and now, legislative gridlock.
At the end of the day, congress may be able to kick the can down the road, but farmers don’t have that luxury. Planting and harvesting seasons come and go, regardless of what’s happening in Washington, D.c. The people we serve—our families, neighbors, and fellow citizens—can’t just hold off on eating until a bill is passed.
A strong Farm bill is not merely a legislative necessity; it is a lifeline for our farmers and an investment in our nation’s security and resilience. It’s long past time for congress to act swiftly and decisively. The future of U.S. agriculture depends on it.
USDA Awards
Ducks Unlimited and Partners $95M for Ag Conservation Efforts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced major investments in delivering voluntary and incentive-based conservation practices, including an estimated $95 million for projects involving Ducks Unlimited, which will be used to impact nearly 55,000 acres of agricultural working lands.
At the top of the project list is a nearly $13 million grant to protect california’s central Valley rice lands for migratory waterfowl. The project aims to secure long-term protection of 4,000+ acres of winter-flooded rice lands in the Sacramento Valley.
This project is part of the USA rice-Ducks Unlimited rice Stewardship Partnership, which has a mission to conserve working ricelands, water, and wildlife. The partnership promotes innovative practices to improve conservation, production, and sustainability measures.
The grants are awarded under the regional conservation Partnership Program, which incentivizes a voluntary, partnership-driven approach to conservation on working agricultural lands.
“The agricultural impact of these projects is significant, but they also make a lasting contribution to the long-term sustainability of our land,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU chief conservation officer.
The funding is part of a $1.5 billion investment by USDA in voluntary conservation practices on agricultural landscapes, which support habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, offer additional revenue streams for farmers and ranchers, and provide a host of ecosystem services.
— Parker Williams, Ducks Unlimited
EPA Releases Pesticide and Endangered Species Educational Resources Toolbox
The U.S. environmental Protection Agency recently released an online toolbox with educational materials related to pesticides and endangered species — another step in the agency’s efforts to protect endangered species, support farmers, and provide critical environmental protections for communities across the country.
When ePA registers a pesticide or reevaluates it in registration review, the agency has a responsibility under the endangered Species Act (eSA) to ensure that the use of the pesticide does not jeopardize the continued existence of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species or adversely modify their designated critical habitats.
ePA developed the materials in this toolbox for a variety of stakeholders who may have differing levels of knowledge about ePA’s efforts to protect listed species. For example, crop consultants, retailers, extension agents, and others, may use these materials to educate growers and applicators on the eSA strategies or mitigation measures they may see on product labels.
This initial release of the toolbox primarily consolidates existing materials from various locations on ePA’s website into one location. ePA has also included a new one-page handout on bulletins Live! Two that explains what bulletins are, why users need to know about bulletins, and how to find them on bulletins Live! Two.
ePA will continue adding new materials to the toolbox as they are developed.
Visit the toolbox at https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ pesticides-and-endangered-species-educational-resources-toolbox.
New Staff Joins USA Rice Domestic Promotions Team
morgan crafton has joined USA rice as the new domestic promotions coordinator.
An Alabama native, morgan graduated from Auburn University with a professional writing degree and has done extensive work in project management, instructional design, and program coordination. She spent summers in Northern Virginia growing up and was able to move to the area in 2023. morgan spent the summer of 2024 working with the American Sugar Alliance as a special projects consultant. During her time with ASA, she researched and analyzed foreign agriculture reports for relevant subsidies and government market interventions within the sugar industry and developed a digital database for ASA’s archived press and media releases. morgan’s time with ASA concluded with the Sugar Symposium in Seattle.
“We are excited to have morgan join the USA rice team,” said cameron Jacobs, vice president of domestic promotion. “With her past experience at the American Sugar Alliance and background in writing, I have no doubt that she will be a valuable addition to the domestic promotion team and will help the Federation meet its promotional goals in the domestic market.”
When she’s not working, she likes to spend her time enjoying the countless nature trails weaving throughout the DmV, pursuing her own writing endeavors, and cheering on her favorite soccer teams. morgan is excited to be on board at USA rice and is looking forward to working with great people in this exceptional industry.
— Deborah Willenborg, USA Rice
National Ag Law Center Sets Dates for 2025 Conferences
The National Agricultural Law center has set the 2025 dates for its conferences providing agricultural and environmental insights for attorneys and those in the industry.
The mid-South Agricultural and environmental Law conference, which is now in its 12th year, will be held June 5-6 at the University of memphis cecil c. Humphreys School of Law in memphis, Tennessee. The Western Water, Ag, and environmental Law conference, now in its third year, will be held June 19-20 at the Peppermill resort Spa casino in reno, Nevada. both conferences will also have livestream options.
“These conferences are great networking and learning opportunities,” Harrison Pittman, director of the National Ag Law center said. “both have a unique blend of leading experts who deliver practical, relevant information to attorneys, students and other ag industry professionals in attendance.”
both conferences offer continuing legal education credit, as well as continuing education from the American Society of Farm managers and rural Appraisers.
Pittman emphasized that NALc conferences feature information that is useful to both attorneys and non-attorneys alike.
conference registration will open in January. Updates can be found online on the NALc’s website, as well as X, Facebook, and LinkedIn..
Morgan Crafton
HHorizon Ag Seed Portfolio for 2025 Elite, Proven Clearfield and Provisia Varieties
orizon Ag provides Clearfield® and Provisia® varieties that combine outstanding yield potential and agronomics. Then we help maximize the performance potential of the seed with insights and best management practices gleaned from working with universities and farmers. Demand for rice seed was high last winter, and Horizon Ag rose to the challenge, supplying more rice growers with varieties offering excellent yield and milling quality potential. We look forward to doing it again this year. Because at Horizon Ag, it’s not about selling more seed. It’s about making farmers in Rice Country more successful.
CLL18
CLL18 is redefining yield expectations versus hybrids, cutting better than 200 bushels per acre in many fields throughout the South this past season.
“CLL18 was planted on a lot of acres in 2024 and showed the potential to yield with popular hybrids at a much lower price point for seed,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag CEO. “That’s important in a year when growers are facing financial challenges and lower commodity prices. CLL18 is going to be in big demand next season.”
Prairie County, Arkansas Farmer Darren Walker became a believer in CLL18 when it outyielded all the others on his farm. “It beat the closest variety by 10 bushels per acre,” Walker says. “It is a robust variety with excellent harvestability and performs well across a range of soil types and seeding rates. I recommend it to any farmer looking to grow a Clearfield variety at a lower seed price than hybrids.”
CLL19
CLL19, a high-yielding semi-dwarf, proved to be an outstanding performer for many growers in 2024, after coming out on top in testing over the past several years.
“We’ve been testing (CLL19) since 2017 in a lot of different environments, and every year it’s yielded right at the top,” said Dr. Adam Famoso, LSU AgCenter rice breeder, at the Horizon Ag Louisiana Field Day. “It’s very stable and produces excellent milling yields. Because it is early maturing, it offers solid ratoon crop potential.”
Many growers have found that the early maturity of CLL19 helps them spread out harvesting.
“I like having an early-maturing variety like CLL19 to use in conjunction with mid-maturing and later-maturing varieties,” says Walker. “That way a farmer can start with CLL19, transition to CLL18 and then end with CLL16. It helps you spread out planting and have a straight-through harvest.”
Other Top Horizon Clearfield Varieties For 2025:
• CLL16 – A consistent, high-yielding variety that is a staple on many rice farms. It is broadly adapted for the region, has industry-leading blast resistance with the Pi-ta and Pi-km genes, and performs well in both flooded and row rice systems.
• CLM04 – Competitive with Jupiter from a yield standpoint and has almost the same cereal chemistry. CLM04 provides an improved blast resistance package relative to Jupiter and offers growers the chance to combat red rice and grasses.
• CLM05 – A new, higher-yielding Clearfield® medium grain variety from the University of Arkansas. “This is an opportunity for a significant yield bump on the Clearfield medium grain side,” said Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Arkansas Extension rice agronomist, speaking at the Horizon Ag Arkansas Field Day. “Its yield potential is considerably better than CLM04’s performance has been the past couple of years. We are getting a new, solid player for the Clearfield medium grain market.”
• CLHA03 – The latest high-amylose variety from the LSU AgCenter rice breeding program. Dr. Famoso describes CLHA03 as a “win/win” for U.S. rice, meeting the unique cooking quality desired by Latin American customers while still providing good yield potential for growers.
• CLJ01 – CLJ01 offers the ease and cost-effectiveness of Clearfield technology — along with improved field performance over other Jasmine-type varieties.
Provisia Rice Varieties
Farmers are turning to proven Provisia® Rice System varieties like PVL03 and PVL04 for superior control of weedy rice and resistant red rice, cleaner fields and strong yields.
• PVL03 – For the last two seasons, PVL03 has been the leading variety planted in Louisiana. It has proven a valuable tool where weedy rice and resistant red rice have significantly reduced production potential, providing good yield potential, excellent stalk strength and blast resistance with the Pi-ta and Pi-ks genes.
• PVL04 – PVL04 was new in 2024 and showed improved yields over PVL03 in the Upper Delta. It provides very good straw strength and has the Pi-ta and Pi-ks genes for blast resistance.
“We helped bring Provisia varieties to growers because of their critical need for new weed control technology, and we’ve spent the last several years helping growers best manage them for success,” says Dr. Walker. “We are proud to be the Provisia rice seed leader.”
Good with the Bad
DR. JARROD T. HARDKE ARKANSAS
Professor/Rice Extension Agronomist University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture jhardke@uada.edu
Strong yields have carried most of the chatter for the 2024 Arkansas rice season. An incredibly rapid early planting pace certainly had a great deal to do with it. Ultimately, yields appear to be challenging the state record set in 2021 — but we’ll have to wait on the official number in January for that.
While we prevailed on the grain yield side, the season was not without its challenges. Lower commodity prices across crops put more emphasis on rice, which led to a second consecutive year of rice acres above 1.4 million acres. That’s the first time that’s happened since 2009-2010. Acreage had the potential to be higher, but seed shortage issues helped to hold back some further potential increases in acres.
With a majority of acres planted by mid-April, a wet weather pattern set in that made early season management difficult all the way into early June. Fertility management and weed control took a lot of handwringing and second-guessing, ultimately taking us to second and third options in our management plans.
As we entered the swing of summer, June and July were favorable throughout, and a very good-looking crop began to take shape. consistent warm temperatures throughout the season, minus a couple short cool snaps, kept things on pace for an early harvest, which began as we entered August.
The fields that struggled the most with management due to weather were the biggest questions, and they largely kept up their end of the bargain. Field yields were excellent from the get-go, and problem fields were largely few and far between. The current state average yield estimate is 169 bu/acre, just shy of the 170 bu/ acre record in 2021.
The downside of the year comes once again in the form of milling yields. While we knew conditions leading up to harvest were good for milling yield potential, the slip is always between ‘ready for harvest’ and actually getting rice harvested.
So, with a huge amount of rice planted at once, it was all ready at once but couldn’t be harvested all at once. The weather took a hotter turn as harvest began, and grain moisture began to quickly plummet. This rapid drying clearly led to more brittle grain that breaks up more in milling.
Less-than-ideal early milling was followed by rainy weather over Labor Day weekend — this rewetting and drying of already dry grain began to further weaken milling yields. Two weeks later, with the arrival of Hurricane Francine and the multiple days of wet conditions, remaining milling yields dropped to an even sharper degree. certain areas of northeast Arkansas also dealt with widespread rain and flooding from the event and more dramatic losses, but the event was not as widespread as initially feared.
So, while field yields set a high bar of expectation, milling yield reductions put a major damper on profitability, with some taking very large hits. Given the economic situation this year, it was an additional hit that was scarcely needed.
It would appear at this time that we’re headed for similar rice acres in 2025. The lack of clear direction from rice or competing rotational crops appears to point toward a more stable crop mix. much will change before the first seed hits the ground, and hopefully there’s a shift toward something being profitable in 2025.
2024 Louisiana Rice Crop
DR. RONNIE LEVY LOUISIANA
Extension Rice Specialist
Louisiana State University
RLevy@agcenter.lsu.edu
The 2024 Louisiana rice ratoon crop is being harvested in South Louisiana. In general, it has been a fair year for rice production. early predictions were that the average per-acre yield for the state would be the highest ever. The cropping season started out with milder-than-normal temperatures in late February and early march when much of the rice in South Louisiana is planted. This early planted rice had excellent conditions for germination and stand establishment.
Unfortunately, unseasonably low temperatures in April (in the mid to upper 30s) set this early rice back, and it took the crop a long time to recover and start growing again. However, these cool conditions did not appear to have had any long-term effect on the crop. rice producers in North Louisiana were hampered by wet conditions and then cold conditions that delayed planting.
most of the rice in North Louisiana was planted late and several thousand acres failed to be planted. climatic conditions during the rice growing season were, for the most part, good after the early April cold spell. There was adequate, but not excessive, rainfall, and the rainfall events came in a timely manner in most areas. There were many days of limited cloud cover, which maximizes radiant energy. This is good for rice growth and development.
Weather conditions were favorable in the first part of the harvest period, but excessive rainfall in mid-July made getting the crop out of the field a trying experience for many rice producers. Fields that were ready for harvest remained in the field as quality continued to go down.
While disease pressure was low in the early season, many producers reported disease increased after these continued rains. many people might think that rice likes rain because it is grown here as an irrigated crop. However, rice is typically negatively impacted by rainfall, which (because of cloud cover) decreases radiant energy to the plant. Also, very wet conditions facilitate disease development, and rain and wind can actually cause sterility in rice florets.
Continued on page 17
RICE AWARDS
Horizon Ag, Rice Farming and USA Rice are proud to bring you the recipients of the 2024 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.
Michael Fruge
RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Asecond-generation rice, soybean and craw sh farmer, Michael Fruge was raised on his family’s farm near Eunice, Louisiana. He had always been passionate about rice and harbored a dream of putting his own rice in a package. Fruge’s vision was to grow speci c varieties for speci c consumers.
After graduating college, Fruge accepted a position as district sales manager with Horizon Ag in 2005. His initial territory included Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, so he saw many di erent farms and the way they all operated. As the family farm grew, Fruge’s dad gave him a small farm, and he planted his rst rice crop in 2010.
“I planted about 150 acres a year for the rst few years while I was still working for Horizon Ag,” he said. “In 2012, I picked up a big farm, and Horizon Ag reduced my territory to Texas and Louisiana, which allowed me to farm and keep working.
“During all this time, I wanted to tell the Louisiana rice story and put my own rice in a package. Rice is a huge part of the culture in Louisiana, but I thought we could do a better job of marketing what we grow. When I came back to the farm, I felt like we could grow speci c varieties for speci c consumers to add more value to what we are doing.”
In 2017, LSU AgCenter released a higher-protein low-glycemic long-grain variety named Frontière. Nobody was really interested in it at rst because it didn’t have very good yield potential, Fruge said.
“However, when we found out the glycemic index value, we knew we had something unique that could bring people back to eating rice. We just had to gure out the right way to market it.”
After 14 years with Horizon Ag, Fruge decided to focus strictly on his personal farming operation and began devot-
ing more time to ful lling his dream of creating his own rice brand. In 2019, he began working on his packaged rice business under the name Prairie Acadian Rice.
In 2021, Fruge rebranded Prairie Acadian Rice and began packaging his new specialty variety under the Parish Rice brand while continuing to farm full time alongside his father. Today, the product is available in several major supermarket chains, numerous other outlets and online at parishrice.com.
“I know of no one who is as interested in the basic and applied research side, the production side and the marketing side of rice production as Michael,” said Dr. Eric P. Webster, associate dean and director of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station. “He is truly one of a kind and has carved out a specialty market that promotes nutritious rice to consumers.”
While advancing his brand, Fruge continues to work with his father to farm 1,800 acres of rice, 1,200 acres of soybeans and 600 acres of craw sh. He has a diversi ed rice production program that includes Clear eld, Provisia and conventional varieties.
“Michael is a ‘rice guy’ through and through,” said Horizon Ag CEO Tim Walker. “It was a bittersweet day when he told me he was returning to the farm full time. However, I was genuinely happy for Michael, his wife, Sarah, and their beautiful family, knowing he would be able to fully pursue his dreams.
“Although he is balancing many di erent tasks, the farm is always in excellent shape. is is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to being the best he can be for his personal operation as well as an outstanding advocate for all of us who are blessed to earn our livelihood from rice.”
Fruge also remains highly involved in the rice industry.
“ ere are many things we can’t control as farmers, but the one thing we can control is moving the rice industry forward by making our voices heard,” he said.
“Michael is truly a leader the rice industry can count on for years,” said Dr. Ronnie Levy, Louisiana rice specialist. “He is young, energetic and enthusiastic about the future of rice.
“Michael started a personal business to provide white rice to consumers that was previously restricted from their diets due to health concerns. Parish Rice, a brand built around a variety of rice that has a lower glycemic index, allows those who may have given up rice for many years to once again enjoy this nutritious food. Growing and marketing the Parish Rice brand has been another example of his contribution to the rice industry.”
In recognition of steadfast dedication to his family, his farming operation, his packaged rice business and making the rice industry better today than it was yesterday, we are pleased to name Michael Fruge the recipient of the 2024 Rice Farmer of the Year Award.
Louisiana rice producer Michael Fruge is pictured, left to right, with daughters Julia Grace, Clare, Reese, Ainsley and wife Sarah.
BAILEY TURNER
Michael Fruge
Eunice, Louisiana
• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy with a minor in ag business, Louisiana State University.
• Horizon Ag district sales manager for 14 years.
• Returned to farm full time in 2010.
• 2008 USA Rice Leadership Development Program. Rice Leadership Development Program international trip, 2018.
• Founded Parish Rice, packaged by M&S Fruge Farms, in 2019.
• Currently serves as the Central Louisiana Rice Growers’ Association president.
• Serves on several committees within USA Rice.
• Served on the Louisiana Rice Research Board, 2014-18.
• Served as the Louisiana Rice Growers’ Association president.
• 2017 St. Landry Parish Conservation Farmer of the Year.
• Member, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Eunice.
• Wife, Sarah Moser Fruge. Four daughters: Reese, Ainsley, Clare and Julia Grace.
Dr. Jason Norsworthy
RICE INDUSTRY AWARD
Dr. Jason Norsworthy grew up in a somewhat non-traditional setting for a rice weed scientist. He and his dad and uncles farmed 40 to 50 acres of vegetables in Union County, Arkansas. At that time, there was little use of herbicides, so many long days were spent hoeing weeds.
Upon entering college, Norsworthy gravitated toward engineering. However, during his senior year at Louisiana Tech University, he switched to plant sciences/agronomy. When Norsworthy came to the University of Arkansas to pursue his master’s and doctorate degrees in weed science, he knew nothing about rice.
Dr. Ron Talbert, one of his professors, o ered him a graduate assistantship that included a project focused on a new problem in rice — propanil-resistant barnyardgrass. “Herbicide resistance is not easily solved; it is always evolving,” Norsworthy said. “ is challenge played a big part in my decision to concentrate on rice weed control.”
Dr. Je Edwards, dean, Bumpers College University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and Senior Associate Vice President-Academics, noted that “Dr. Norsworthy has identi ed critical herbicide resistance mechanisms in weeds and developed innovative methods to improve control of these weeds using metabolic inhibitors. His commitment to excellence and his ability to translate research into practical solutions have made a lasting impact on the rice industry, positioning him among the top scientists I have ever known.”
Norsworthy is also a quick study when it comes to soaking up the lessons imparted by his mentors.
“I learned from Dr. Ford Baldwin to focus on the grower and ensure research gets to the end user,” he said. “Ford and Dr. Ken Smith both had a strong passion for weed science
and helped the farmer through their research and Extension e orts. Ken would challenge me, sometimes weekly, to keep the program innovative.”
Baldwin, retired University of Arkansas weed scientist and current private sector weed scientist, said, “Jason has the unique ability to command the respect of the International Weed Science community at the basic research level, while commanding equal respect from a group of farmers at a eld day or grower meeting.
“Because of his work ethic along with the ability to see things that others miss, he has an amazing number of patents and patent applications. Jason’s ability as a teacher, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the classroom and the real world, is his strongest asset. His graduate students at the master’s and Ph.D. levels are widely known to be the best.”
Arkansas rice farmers and industry leaders also are appreciative of Norsworthy’s e orts.
Jim Whitaker, who grows rice near McGehee, Arkansas, said, “In the rice industry, Jason plays a vital role in screening and testing new products, along with tankmixes. In the past few years, I have leaned on his weed screening to determine herbicide resistance levels on our farm. Jason is extremely approachable and willing to help every time I call.”
Terry Gray, owner, Delaplaine Seed Co., Delaplaine, Arkansas, said Norsworthy communicates his thoughts and ideas to farmers in simple and usable terms, which is the key to them being able to use the information from his research.
When asked what milestones in his career have been the most rewarding, Norsworthy replied:
■ “Being hired by the University of Arkansas to lead the research e orts in rice weed control, especially having admired and followed the career of weed scientists who came before me, such as Dr. Ford Baldwin and Dr. Roy J. Smith — the father of rice weed control.
■ “Training more than 60 graduate students and post-doctoral associates on rice weed control.
■ “Being the youngest weed scientist ever named a Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America.
■ “Receiving a patent for improving rice tolerance to o -target damage from herbicides.”
Although Norsworthy has an incredible amount of professional accomplishments under his belt, he is the rst to say he could never have done it alone.
“I’ve been privileged to work with some outstanding students, faculty, farmers and industry colleagues,” Norsworthy said. “ is award is among the top career honors I have received, largely because of my love for rice and the grower and industry support that makes this recognition possible.”
In honor of his dedication, determination and innovation, we are proud to name Dr. Jason Norsworthy as the recipient of the 2024 Rice Industry Award.
From left, daughter Abigail Norsworthy, Jason, wife Donna, son Jacob Norsworthy and wife Anna, son-in-law Dylan Vaughn and daughter Isabella Vaughn.
Dr. Jason Norsworthy
West Fork, Arkansas
• Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences-agronomy, Louisiana Tech University. Master’s degree in plant sciences-weed science, focusing on managing propanil-resistant barnyardgrass in rice, and Ph.D. in plant sciences-weed science, University of Arkansas.
• University of Arkansas Distinguished Professor and Elms Farming Chair of Weed Science.
• Named Fellow by the Southern Weed Science Society, 2024.
• Norsworthy and two colleagues received the Rice Technical Working Group Outstanding Rice Team Award, 2023.
• Named Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America, 2018, and received the Outstanding Researcher Award, 2018. Southern Weed Science Society Outstanding Educator Award and University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Researcher of the Year, 2017.
• Arkansas Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Researcher Award, 2015. Australian Orator Award for the Herbicide Resistance Challenge, 2013. Arkansas Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists Researcher of the year, 2011.
• Served as Editor-in-Chief for the applied weed science journal Weed Technology since 2012.
• Member, Center Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville.
• Wife, Donna. One son: Jacob Norsworthy (Anna). Two daughters: Abigail Norsworthy and Isabella Vaughn (Dylan).
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS
AAl Montna
RICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
lfred “Dutch” Montna, Al Montna’s father, bought the rst piece of the family’s current farm and began growing rice in the 1930s. However, the family’s primary enterprise at the time was a general store, café and gas station at the ranch, which they called Dingville. e name originated during the Depression, when hobos — nicknamed “dings” — camped out nearby and often came around looking for work.
In 1969, Al and his wife, Gail, grew their rst 60-acre rice crop. “My mentor, Cobb Saunders, took me under his wing to unsel shly spend an inordinate amount of time teaching me the rice business when I graduated from Cal Poly,” he said.
Today, the Montna family spans four generations and farms 5,000 acres of mainly super high-premium, Japonica-style short-grain rice. Overseeing a board of family members and others, Al serves as chairman of Montna Farms, and his daughter, Nicole Montna Van Vleck, is president and CEO.
“When my daughters, Nicole and Michelle, started farming rice in high school, I knew then that the next generation would carry on our operation,” he said. “Succession has always been a major goal for my wife, Gail, and me.”
Montna’s vision also encompasses championing water conservation, establishing habitat for waterfowl and giving of his time as an advocate for the U.S. rice industry.
“Al has made signi cant strides in water conservation and management,” said Leo LaGrande, USA Rice Conservation Committee chair. “He was a founding director of the Northern California Water Association in 1990 and continues to serve on their Conservation Committee. In 2011, he was honored with the NCWA Founders Award for his outstand-
ing contributions.”
Montna also is committed to providing habitat for waterfowl overwintering in the Sacramento Valley, which includes ooding his rice elds for the past 43 years.
“Al’s dedication to agriculture and wildlife resulted in the rst-ever conservation easement in California that both protects farmland and provides wintering habitat for waterfowl,” said Je McCreary, director of operations, Western Region, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. “He worked with DU to attain this easement on his headquarter ranch in Dingville. Today, Montna Farms has approximately 3,000 acres under easement, ensuring the land remains in agriculture forever while providing wintering habitat for waterfowl migrating along the Paci c Flyway.”
In addition to carrying out his agenda for conservation and waterfowl habitat, Montna’s service to the broader agricultural community is equally commendable.
“His visionary leadership, innovative practices and tireless advocacy have left an indelible mark on the industry,” said Bryce Lundberg, vice president of agriculture, Lundberg Family Farms. “On a more personal side, Al Montna has been a mentor and friend. He has called me numerous times to encourage, council and advise on challenging issues. I know rsthand how his leadership works outside the board room — sharing his experience and knowledge.”
When asked what advice he would o er young farmers who want to contribute to the U.S. rice industry in a positive way, Montna said, “Leadership is not easy. It takes a lot of character, integrity and an iron will to unsel shly move the rice industry forward. Leadership is often not being the most popular person in the co ee shop by telling people what they want to hear but what they need to hear. It’s leading by example and taking positions that may not be popular in the countryside but that you know in your heart are absolutely the right direction for the industry to support.
“When I learned I was receiving the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award, it took me by total surprise, was quite an emotional moment for me and one of the greatest honors of my life,” Montna said. “ is is especially true because I have such great gratitude, love and respect for the U.S. rice industry.”
Perhaps California rice grower Bryce Lundberg best describes the sentiments of Montna’s peers across the country. “Al is a farmer who walks the talk — opening his farm for tours for legislators, traveling to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to advocate for rice and signi cantly advancing our industry and agricultural community at large.”
In recognition of his role as a renowned rice producer for more than ve decades, his deep-rooted conservation ethic and leadership and commitment to the rice industry, we are honored to name Al Montna the recipient of the 2024 Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.
Al Montna pictured with wife Gail and daughters Michelle Montna Vogt (back, from left) and Nicole Montna Van Vleck.
PHOTOS BY VICKY BOYD
Al Montna
Yuba City, California
•Bachelor’s degree in farm management, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
•Chairman, Montna Farms.
•Past Chairman of USA Rice Federation.
•Past Chairman of Farmers’ Rice Cooperative and American Commodity Co.
•Co-Chair and founder of the Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership.
•Ducks Unlimited Public Policy Award, 2023.
•Inducted into the California Waterfowl Hall of Fame, 2014.
•Ducks Unlimited's Senior Vice President of Public Policy, 2014-2022.
•USA Rice Conservation Achievement Award, 2013.
•Leopold Conservation Award, 2010.
•California Agriculturalist of the Year, 2004.
•California Rice Industry Award, 2001.
•Wife, Gail Montna. Two daughters: Nicole Montna Van Vleck (Stan) and Michelle Montna Vogt (Casey). Grandchildren: Christian and Vittoria Van Vleck and Nick, Natalie, Emma and Ryan Vogt.
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 Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joseph Musick
Rice Farmer of the Year: John Greer
Rice Industry Award: Charles “Eddie” Eskew
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Donald Bransford
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
2016
Rice Farmer of the Year: Richard Fontenot
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Steve Linscombe
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Sebree
2017
Rice Farmer of the Year: Christian Richard
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Xueyan Sha
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Chuck Wilson
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
2020
Rice Farmer of the Year: Gordon Wylie
Rice Industry Award: Kyle McCann
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. M.O. “Mo” Way
2021
Rice Farmer of the Year: Nicole Montna Van Vleck
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Qiming “Doc” Shao
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Kent McKenzie
2022
Rice Farmer of the Year: Paul O. Johnson
RICE AWARDS
To say the least, it’s been an interesting year for the rice industry. From scrambling to make sure growers got the high-performing seed needed for planting, to up and down weather that resulted in a mixed bag of yield results, to the ongoing economic challenges confronting agriculture, 2024 showed us the good, the bad and the ugly.
And now, we are preparing to do it all again because that’s what we do here in Rice Country. We celebrate successes. We look at what, if anything, we can do better next year. And we prepare to work in partnership within the rice community to produce a pro table, bountiful rice crop to support our farms, families and businesses.
is also is a time when we pause to recognize persons whose actions have made a di erence on their farms and in their businesses, persons who have given of their time, e ort and resources to strengthen our industry and, as a result, are the recipients of the annual Rice Farming magazine Rice Awards.
e Rice Awards include:
• e Rice Farmer of the Year Award, given to a farmer who has shown determination, innovation or dedication to growing the crop.
• e Rice Industry Award, honoring the person who has proven to be innovative in his or her role in this industry.
• e Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the person who has dedicated his or her life to the viability of the U.S. rice industry. Horizon Ag is happy to again sponsor these prestigious awards and to honor this year’s recipients at the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference, held this year in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We understand that rice farming is a community, and we remain committed to providing seed with outstanding yield potential and to o ering insights into best management practices to optimize variety performance and grower success.
is past year, we announced and funded a partnership with the Louisiana State University AgCenter creating a breeding program that aims to develop new varieties for rice-producing areas in the southern United States. We are also bringing together customers and non-customers on our new Horizon Ag Grower Advisory Board to better understand and stay current with the challenges facing rice growers and our industry.
It is an honor to be part of Rice Country and to work with each of you in 2025 and seasons to come. ank you for your business and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tim Walker Horizon Ag CEO
and Provisia are
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Yeshi Wamishe
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Karen Moldenhauer
2023
Rice Farmer of the Year: Jeremy Jones
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Ronnie Levy
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Betsy Ward
2024
Rice Farmer of the Year: Michael Fruge
Rice Industry Award: Dr. Jason Norsworthy
Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Al Montna
Continued from page 8
After two to three weeks of rain, the rice harvest resumed the first part of August. Later rice saw increases in sheath blight, kernel smut, cercospora net-blotch, cercospora panicle blight, and a combination of rice stem borers, mexican rice borers, and sugarcane borers reducing yields.
rice milling quality is almost as important as yield because the price a producer will receive for his crop is highly dependent on this factor. The most important factor here is what is referred to as head rice or whole grain milling yields. In simple terms, this is the percentage of the harvest that remains as whole (unbroken) grains after the rice has been milled. We normally will begin to harvest rice at 20% grain moisture. As the moisture percentage falls in the field prior to harvest, this will normally have a negative impact on whole grain milling yields. continued wetting and drying in the field can also have a negative impact. A lot of the latter-harvested rice crop produced below-average milling yields.
While the prices our producers receive for their rice crop has not moved up, the expense to produce the rice crop continues to rise. The price expectation for the 2025 crop will have to increase a great deal more before we see a substantial increase in acres planted to this important crop.
Rice in Texas
SAM RUSTOM TEXAS
Assistant Professor and Extension Agronomist
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension
sam.rustom@ag.tamu.edu
2024 was one of those years that Gulf coast rice producers just want to forget. With drought looming over our heads from the past two years, I will admit there was some pessimism across the Texas rice belt going into 2024. Although I hadn’t officially started this role during the early phases of planting, I do know we got off to a much better start than we have in recent years.
A good example of that fantastic start would be right here at the eagle Lake station, where we were catching one-inch rains what seemed to be every week between late April, may, and early June. Suddenly, by mid-June, the previously mentioned pessimism was met with cautious optimism about the 2024 crop.
With rainy weather comes clouds, and with cloudy weather during peak herbicide season, we did have some herbicide issues early on. Whether it be crop injury or herbicide failures on barnyardgrass, we definitely saw the impact of cloudy weather on herbicide performance. We have also identified new propanil- and quinclorac-resistant barnyardgrass populations on the west side of Houston. In addition, we have samples from these same populations that are currently being tested for resistance to imazethapyr and cyhalofop.
Fast forward to July 8, and here comes Hurricane beryl to crush
A new Texas rice disease, hoja blanca virus, is vectored by rice delphacid and has been documented for the first time in the state.
all of the aforementioned optimism. being such an early hurricane, very few growers were able to get some of their earliest-planted rice out of the field, leaving the rest vulnerable to the storm. Although lodging was minimal after the hurricane, widespread seed shattering was the theme following beryl and was what led to most of our yield reductions. Preliminary data is showing yields are down 25% to 35% for the main crop, and milling has taken a significant hit. For those who don’t know, we grow a lot of rice in Texas around the greater Houston area, and beryl’s wind speeds and landfall unfortunately center punched the Texas rice belt in that area this 2024 season.
ratoon crop harvest is just getting started, and we are expecting yield reductions here as well. Unfortunately, consistent rainfall in the weeks following the hurricane led to severe rutting across the state as main crop harvest was in full swing. We also had no shortage of ratoon crop fields abandoned for the year, and rutted fields where the ratoon crop is proceeding will likely end up seeing some yield reductions.
rice delphacid has been the headliner from an entomology standpoint in Texas rice in 2024. We usually start finding them in late August, September, or October; however, in 2024 we started finding them immediately after the hurricane, marking the first time we have seen them in significant numbers in the main crop. On top of that, there just aren’t many insecticide options labeled in rice that provide adequate control, given how fast the populations can reproduce under the right environmental conditions. In addition, we documented hoja blanca virus in Texas rice for the very first time. Hoja blanca is vectored by rice delphacid, adding to the list of issues this insect can cause. I would like to thank Drs. Shane Zhou and Lina bernaola for their assistance as we continue to learn more about these pests.
There’s a lot of uncertainty going into 2025, mainly because we’re still unsure on water availability from the Lower colorado river Authority. Should we get water, we will see a major increase in Texas rice acreage next year. Other than that, I personally tend to be optimistic about next year. I’m beyond blessed to be in this new role at Texas A&m. We are developing a completely new and exciting rice extension program from scratch, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead the effort.
State Record Yield for 2024?
DR. JUSTIN CHLAPECKA MISSOURI
Assistant Research Professor/ Rice Extension Specialist University of Missouri jchlapecka@missouri.edu
Hello once again from missouri! It seems like the crop season flew by and we’re back to another winter of meetings and planning for 2025. After producing at least 176 bushels of rice per acre over the past three years, a feat that was never once accomplished prior to 2021, it’s my personal opinion that we may have broken the rice yield record once again. The September U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agrictultural Statistics Service estimate has missouri’s 2024 crop pegged at a mere 169 bushels per acre, but all reports I’ve been hearing allude to a greater rough rice yield than we’ve seen. At an estimated harvested acreage of 214,000 acres, missouri has eclipsed the 200,000-acre mark for two years in a row.
On the flip side of the yield coin is the quality, which may be slightly under what we saw in 2023. A week of stiff northerly winds followed by a short stretch of near 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures as we neared harvest moisture can be partially to blame for shortcomings we may have on quality. We had rice plots during that time frame that went from a moisture in the mid-20%s to 15% in under a week. coupling that with two hurricanes that dropped up to 10” of rainfall during the middle of rice harvest certainly didn’t help matters.
I’d say the season up to that point went very well. The majority of rice farms in the southern half of the bootheel were able to get most of their rice (and beans…) planted the first week of April, and not having any substantial cool snap after planting allowed for the rice to jump out of the ground and never check up. As we stayed dry during April, the northern half was also able to get most of the rice in early, which set us up for success.
Following a relatively dry April was a very wet may. Wet conditions delayed herbicide, and in some instances, fertilizer applications; however, they also kept the residuals that we were able to apply activated. Once we went to flood, grass was not necessarily the problem, but weedy rice was a widespread issue across many of our acres. So, on the other side of early planting, that likely kept the first flushes of weedy or red rice from being eliminated by our burndown application, leading to issues in June and July. missouri saw decent grain fill conditions and hit-or-miss harvest conditions. Great growing conditions allowed harvest to begin in the middle of August, and we were full steam ahead by Labor Day weekend across the bootheel. The first couple of weeks made it look like we would have a third year in a row of near-perfect harvest weather, but Francine and Helene put a damper on that party. The state finished the last couple weeks of harvest in the mud and picking up more down rice than we’d like. If we end up with a lower state average yield than expected, these two storms, particularly the latter, may be to blame. However, near a month of
dry weather following Helene allowed for us to correct most of the ruts and prepare rice ground for Plant 2025.
I’ve said it before, but this deserves repeating every year: I’m beyond blessed to be serving the rice industry in the mid-South. Please reach out to me anytime with comments or questions. As always, God bless and eat mO rice!
2024 in Review
DR. BRUCE LINQUIST CALIFORNIA
UCCE Rice Specialist
balinquist@ucdavis.edu
based on early projections, 478,000 acres of rice were planted this year. This is down 37,000 acres from last year. Lower acreage is in part due to a large rainfall event on may 4 and may 5, which prevented some planting. This rainfall also delayed planting by about three days (50% planted on may 15 compared to the average of may 12 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture). That said, the 50% harvest date was Oct. 8, which is about average. Thus, the season length was a bit shorter (146 days from planting to harvest), which may be due to a warm summer and favorable harvest conditions with little-to-no rain.
Speaking of weather, July was an exceptionally hot month. For most rice, July coincided with panicle initiation through the booting stage. I regularly analyze weather data from cImIS stations in the rice-growing area of the Sacramento Valley. cImIS has weather data going back to 1984. On average, July’s maximum temperature is 92.3 degrees Fehrenheit. This year, it was 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit and was the hottest on record since these records first started being tabulated. This also coincided with the warmest average nighttime temperatures (62.2 degrees Fahrenheit), which was 2 degrees Fahrenheit above average. The September average maximum temperature (91.2 degrees Fahrenheit) was also the hottest it has been since 1991 when it was 92.5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, September average nighttime temperatures were average.
Talking with others in extension, we also saw a lot of fields where watergrass got out of control this year, in addition to a lot of redstem. Two relatively new herbicides were used this year: Zembu (pyraclonil) and cliffhanger (benzobicyclon). While results were generally positive on these, in some cases, there were issues that needed to be worked out to ensure effective control. Pests and diseases were not a huge problem and were generally within typical ranges.
based on personal communications with growers, farm advisors, and mills, yields are a bit lower than average. Lower yields are likely due to a later planting date and warmer-than-normal growing season temperatures. High nighttime temperatures can reduce yields due to increased nighttime respiration. We have also heard reports of lower-than-normal head rice yields. Low head rice is being reported for all varieties, but especially m-211. One reason for this is that, as mentioned above, September temperatures (during grain fill) were warmer than normal.
2025 Rice Seed Guide
It goes without saying that seed selection is one of the most important decisions a rice farmer has to make during the winter planning time. ese easy-to-use charts, which highlight proprietary variety and hybrid traits for the Mid-South, Texas and the South, are designed to help with your planting decisions. Consider each eld individually along with your goals and preferred production system when making selections for 2025.
Horizon Ag Varieties
Provisia Rice System
PVL03
• Yield potential comparable to the most popular conventional and Clear eld varieties
• Excellent stalk strength
• Blast resistance with Pi-ks and Pi-ta genes
• Superior package-quality milled rice
PVL04
• Top-planted variety in Louisiana for two straight seasons developed by the University of Arkansas
• Improved yield over PVL03 in Upper Delta
• Excellent package quality
• Pi-ks and Pi-ta blast resistance genes
• Very good straw strength
• Two days later maturity compared to PVL03
Clearfield Production System for Rice
CLL16
• Exceptionalyield performance
• Broadly adapted for the region
• Excellent milling characteristics
• Industry-leading blast resistance
• Excellent standability
• A leading performer in both ooded and row rice systems
CLL18
• Very high yield potential with a conventional stature
• Excellent stralk strength
• Matures 5 days earlier than CLL16
• Excellent milling with low chalk
• High eld tolerance to sheath blight
CLL19
• Widely adapted across the Southern U.S.
• Very stable
• Early maturing with solid ratoon potential
• Produces excellent milling yields
• Industry leading blast resistance
• Top-yielding semi-dwarf variety in multi-location testing
CLM04
• Yield potential similar to Jupiter
• Excellent grain quality
• Improved blast resistance compared to Jupiter
CLM05 — NEW
• Medium grain variety released by the University of Arkansas
• Consistently outperforming Jupiter, Titan and CLM04 in multi-environment yield trials
• Excellent grain quality
• Improved blast resistance compared to Jupiter
CLJ01
• Clear eld Jasmine-type variety
• Very good aroma
• Premium grain appearance and milling
CLHA02
• Second high-amylose Clear eld release
• Cheniere (L202) cook type
• Moderately resistant to lodging
• Excellent yields and milling
CLHA03 — NEW
• Latest high-amylose Clear eld release
• Cooking quality desired by Latin American customer
• Excellent milling
Web Resources
For more information about Clearfield and Provisia varieties, visit https://www.horizonseed.com
For information about conventional hybrids, FullPage hybrids, and Max-Ace varieties and hybrids, visit https:// www.ricetec.com/
For more information about Dyna-Gro rice, visit https://dynagroseed.com/ seed-finder/rice
• Yield potential comparable to elite Clear eld lines
Dyna-Gro Varieties
DG263L
• High yielding inbred variety
• Excellent milling yields
• Reduced seeding rates
• Proven performance
• Uniform grain size
DG245L
• Strong yielding inbred variety
• Semi-dwarf, early maturing
• Exceptional milling yields
• Excellent grain quality
• Excellent ratoon crop potential
DG353M
• High yielding inbred variety
• Uniform grain size
• Excellent milling yields
• Reduced seeding rates
• Very stable yields
DG563PVL — NEW
• Provisia herbicide tolerance
• High yielding inbred variety
• Excellent milling yields
• Reduced seeding rates
• Uniform grain size
2024 Horizon Ag Varieties
Blight
Bacterial Panicle Blight2
Narrow Brown Leaf Spot2
VS = Very Susceptible S = Susceptible MS = Moderately Susceptible MR = Moderately Resistant R = Resistant
1 This variety has genetic markers for Pita, which confers resistance to the following blast races: IA45, IB1, IB49, IB54, IB45, IH1, IC17, IE1.
2 Reactions may differ due to variability of strains among pathogens. Some varieties have resistance to NBLS on leaves, but not stems. Cercospora on stems can cause significant yield loss. PVL03 and PVL04 should be treated with a triazole at 2” to 4” panicle formation for protection against cercospora on stems. Variety Characteristics and Suggested Management Practices
2 (days to 50% heading)
1 Height will vary with plant density and environmental conditions.
2 Maturity varies with geographical region and environmental conditions in a given year.
3 Optimal drill seeded planting rate is only for fungicide treated seed. If using non-treated seed, the seeding rate should be increased by a minimum of 10 lbs/A.
4 Optimal nitrogen rate varies from field to field. The high end should be reserved for heavy clay soils and fields where rice is followed by rice. Using the high end of the nitrogen and seeding rate recommendations may increase the incidence of disease. Please scout and treat the Clearfield® varieties accordingly. The NSt*R program is recommended where applicable and has been shown to decrease incidences of disease and lodging. Please contact your local Cooperative Extension office for more information.
Dyna-Gro Varieties
Disease Ratings
Narrow Leaf Brown Spot
1 RiceTec seed characteristics and performance are determined from data collected from specific RiceTec and/or University field trials and are not a guarantee of performance, nor do they constitute a warranty of fitness for a particular use.
2 Milling averages taken from head-to-head comparisons in planting date trials; very early and medium-late seed products may be disadvantaged due to single harvest date. Harvest at 18-20% moisture at first drydown to maximize grain quality and grain retention.
3 Ratoon potential on later-maturing or late-planted rice may be reduced.
4 R = Resistant, MR = Moderately Resistant, MS = Moderately Susceptible, S = Susceptible
5 RiceTec seed products have shown field resistance to common strains of rice blast fungus. Susceptibility to unusual strains of rice blast fungus, which have been thus far rare in the field to date, has been documented in nursery trials.
6 This cultivar has the potential to sprout under rainy conditions at physiological maturity. Optimum harvest moisture is 20%.
7 Comparison vs PVL03
8 Comparison vs. average of CLL16, CLL17, CLL18, CLL19.
9 Comparison vs. Ozark.
10 Comparison vs. varietal competitor.
Freedom and Innovation on the Family Farm
It was shiny and red, with a bright blue seat and the number 70 painted on it. The Honda name was on the side of the gas tank.
I will never forget the day my daddy unloaded my 3-wheeler. This little ATV would change my life. I know that sounds a tad dramatic, but it’s true.
As an eight-year-old little girl, I loved the farm. I loved riding around with my daddy and grandaddy, checking the rice fields, or pulling the truck up for my daddy when he was flagging the airplanes. I spent countless hours on the combine during harvest. I got off the bus and onto a grain truck with my mom or grandmother, loading and unloading the rice as it was harvested. my brother and I would ride our bicycles around the grain bins, “cook” imaginary food in our imaginary ovens between the grain bins, write on the concrete with soapstone, and “plant” and “harvest” our own little rice fields. We swam in the well pools, frog hunted, and even spider hunted. There was always fun to be had.
And that’s just what we did. We raised our kids here, and they have spent their lives loving the same land, levees, fields, grain bins, and farm shop that I did. They spent their childhood days riding combines and tractors, too. but more importantly, they spent their days with family. They have vivid memories of days spent with grandmother and grandaddy. They live across the field from their nanny and poppaw. And if nothing changes, they plan to make their lives here on the farm as well, as they have each found their little niche’.
Today, my role at Isbell Farms has changed. I no longer ride around on the levees, although I would love nothing more than to find a Honda 70 3-wheeler and do just that.
“Every day, I pinch myself because I’m living my dream.”
On this farm, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. my grandaddy began the innovative spirit when he pioneered zero-grade rice farming. my dad followed in his footsteps and began growing Japanese rice varieties in the 1990s. Today, our farm grows Yamada Nishiki, the king of sake rice. We supply brewers domestically and internationally. This innovative mindset has been passed down through each generation, allowing them to find their own innovative project.
We lived right on the farm, but until the day that Honda 70 came into my life, I was limited. I depended on other people to drive me around the farm, but I was introduced to freedom that day.
my little dog, cocoa, loved to ride the 3-wheeler with me. I would come straight home from school, scoop her up, and away we would ride. For hours on end, I would ride the levees between the rice fields. I knew every bump, every snake hole, and every patch of honeysuckle. It was those 3-wheeler rides that made it personal for me. This place wasn’t just my grandaddy and daddy’s farm but mine, too. It was a place that made our living, but it was so much more. I loved it. And so, I never left.
I married my childhood sweetheart, who, by chance, also loved rice farming. The transition was easy. We got married, and he started working on the farm. my dreams had come true. I wouldn’t marry and move away; I would stay here and raise my family on the farm.
I spend my days posting about the farm on our social media platforms, answering emails, hosting companies, organizations, and individuals, attending meetings, and working on new projects and ideas. And I get to do all of this while working with my family.
There’s nothing better in the world, and every day, I pinch myself because I’m living my dream.
I am thankful to my parents for thinking outside the box and trying new things. I am grateful for every experience I’ve had in my lifetime, and if I had the time, I would tell you all the things we have had the opportunity to do.
As we move forward, find new projects that interest us, and implement them into the farm’s workings, I am filled with joy knowing that my kids feel the same way that I do about the farm. Isbell Farms stands to exist for generations to come, bringing new and innovative ideas to the farming world, learning new ways of doing things, feeding the world, and doing it together as a family.
— Whitney Isbell Jones England, Arkansas
Rice Farming’s My Turn column is devoted to telling unusual “farm tales” or timely stories from individuals in the rice industry. Now it’s your turn. If you’ve got an interesting story to tell, send a short summary to cnemec@onegrower.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Whitney Isbell Jones
For almost 60 years, our Rice Farming team has worked in partnership with farmers, industry experts and more to provide profitable production strategies to help boost your bottom line.
