2014 Rice Awards

2014 Rice Awards

Horizon Ag, Rice Farming magazine and the USA Rice Federation are proud to bring you the recipients of the 2014 Rice Awards.

The program highlights three honorees for their contributions to the success of the rice industry through the Rice Farmer of the Year, the Rice Industry Award and the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fred Zaunbrecher

RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR

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icholas Zaunbrecher, Fred Zaunbrecher’s great-great-grandfather came to America from Germany in 1880, settled in Acadia Parish and began farming rice.

“My great-grandfather, Henry, was involved in one of the first water well drilling services in the area for irrigating rice,” Zaunbrecher says. “My brothers and I represent the fifth generation of rice farmers and are still farming some of the same property that my grandfather farmed. My dad, Glenn, worked at the Rice Research Station in Crowley as an ag engineer before he started farming on his own. From the time I was nine years old, I began helping him out on the farm.

“I started farming full-time after graduating from LSU with a master’s degree in agronomy,” he says. “When my dad passed away in 1989, I took on the responsibility of keeping the farm going since I was the oldest of nine children.”

Today, Fred and his three brothers – Philip, Paul and Bill – operate GF&P Zaunbrecher Farms. They grow 2,000 acres of rice, 1,600 acres of soybeans and 1,000 acres of crawfish. His mother, Margaret, still owns land, a water well and a portion of the drying system.

“We were always taught that if you were going to do something, do it right or don’t do it at all,” Zaunbrecher says. “Sometimes this involves taking a few extra steps.

Dad used to tell us to stop the combine and pull any weeds that we saw in the field so they wouldn’t go into the machine. We also used pinpoint flooding, which was time-consuming, but it helped keep the fields clean.

“Today, with the Clearfield technology, we don’t have to do that anymore,” he says. “Plus, technology keeps us in business in the midst of a volatile market. For the last few years, our rice quality has really been good. We invested in a grain management system that sets drying parameters and monitors the drying through a computer. This takes out a lot of the guesswork and allows us to dry rice more efficiently.”

The Zaunbrechers have 15 on-farm grain bins and identity preserve (IP) all of their first crop rice.

“One way to reduce the variability associated with quality is to avoid putting two different varieties in one bin,” he explains. “One variety is not going to mill exactly like the other one.”

Dr. Steve Linscombe, Director and Breeder at the Rice Research Station in Crowley, says, “The farming operation of this group of brothers is one of the most progressive in the region. They are early adopters of

new technology and work very closely with research, Extension and industry in demonstration and research endeavors that benefit not only their operation but the entire area.

“In spite of all the time that is necessary to insure the success of his agricultural enterprises, Fred is one of the most active rice industry leaders in Louisiana,” he adds.

“Mr. Zaunbrecher is also a devoted husband and father and readily acknowledges the contributions of his wife, Candee, to the success of his agricultural operation. He understands that the success of his operation is dependent on the contributions and hard work of all the individuals within his group.”

Bobby Hanks, CEO of Louisiana Rice Mill in Crowley, notes, “Fred’s determination to persevere through many tough years, which included hurricanes, drought and GMO, has made his farming operation a model for others to follow. Other farmers also take note of the innovative ways that Fred and his brothers approach farming.”

Zaunbrecher acknowledges that farming is big business, and every generation is faced with challenges.

“I really admire the young people who are coming up in the industry,” he says. “I am very proud of them. I also appreciate my wife, Candee, who has been very supportive of everything that I do. It takes a special person to live with a farmer and help the operation move forward.”

Congratulations to Fred Zaunbrecher, an outstanding rice producer, tireless volunteer in the U.S. rice industry, a dedicated family man and the 2014 Rice Farmer of the Year.

Fred Zaunbrecher Duson, Louisiana • Past president of Acadia Parish and Louisiana Rice Growers Associations • Member of the Louisiana Rice Research Board • Chairman of the USA Rice Council • USA Rice Federation Domestic Promotion Committee Chairman • Member of USA Rice Federation Sustainability, Viability, International Promotion and International Trade Policy Committees • Rice Leadership Development Program – Class of 2003 • 2006 International Rice Festival Farmer of the Year • Long-time member, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church • Married to wife, Candee. Two children: Tim (wife, Nicole) and Emily (husband, Jake) • Three grandchildren: Brice, 7; Mia, 4; and Paige, 6 months

Dr. Kent McKenzie RICE INDUSTRY AWARD

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n looking back over the years, it seems as if a career in the U.S. rice industry was Dr. Kent McKenzie’s destiny. In 1953, the year in which Kent was born, his father and grandfather formed a partnership, began growing rice and put up $50 to buy stock in the nonprofit, grower-owned California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation, Inc. (CCRRF).

After receiving a degree in biology from a small liberal arts college in Oregon, he entered graduate school at UC Davis in the midst of “The Green Revolution” in rice. The breeders were developing semidwarf varieties, and rice productivity was increasing tremendously.

“There was a large group of graduate students present, and I studied under geneticist Neil Rutger, who developed Calrose 76, and UC professors Maurice Peterson and Duane Mickelson,” McKenzie says. “I was fortunate to be there and have been in rice ever since.”

Rutger notes that Kent thrived on grain quality work, so research on grain quality characters became a common thread in his subsequent positions.

The native Californian began his career at the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. While there, Kent learned about variety testing and Southern rice production from the mentoring of professor Bob Wells and others like Ted Johnson, Bobby Huey and Roy Smith. Within a year, his research potential was recognized by the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station in Crowley, which recruited him to head up their rice-breeding program.

“The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station brought together a dynamic, young, enthusiastic group of researchers, creating a synergy for the station and propelling research forward to what it is today,” McKenzie says. “This included Marlin Brandon, Pat Bollich, Tim and Sue Croughan, Don Groth, Steve Linscombe, Farman Jodari, Richard Dunand and John Robinson from USDA. Administrative support from Duke Falkner and Joe Musick was also a major contribution.”

In 1988, Kent came full circle and returned to California as plant breeder at the CCRRF in Biggs.

“At the Rice Experiment Station, I joined a mature and very productive program with experienced breeders in ST Tseng, Carl Johnson and staff,” he says. “There, UC researchers included Jim Hill, Robert Webster, Al Grigarick and experienced farm advisors. In more recent years, there is a fresh, new generation of breeders

and scientists here providing another boost to my growth and experience.”

“In his personal research at Biggs, Kent developed the variety S-102 in 1997 and the premium medium grain M-402 in 2001,” Rutger says. “Both of these are still in production, which is remarkable in this age of fast turnover of new varieties. He also developed Calhikari201 in 2001, Calamylow-201 in 2006 and Calhikari-202 in 2012. The increased focus on milling and grain quality was adopted in the medium grain project, resulting in significant head rice yield and stability improvements in the release by his colleagues of M-206 and M-105.”

After Dr. Marlin Brandon passed away, Dr. McKenzie was appointed CCRRF Rice Experiment Station (RES) Director and Plant Breeder in 2000.

“Dr. Brandon had been a mentor for me as well,” McKenzie recalls. “I learned a lot about growing rice in the California system from him. One of his favorite sayings was, ‘Rice loves water. If you take the water away, it’s not going to be as happy.’”

In reflecting on his career in the U.S. rice industry, Kent says, “In all places, and especially in my position now at RES, I have truly enjoyed, benefited from and been impressed with the growers who have committed their time, talents and dollars to support rice research. I view them as ‘rice relatives.’”

It is with great respect and appreciation to name Dr. Kent McKenzie as the recipient of the 2014 Rice Industry Award.

Dr. Kent McKenzie Biggs, California • B.A., Biology, Willamette University • M.S., Agronomy, University of California-Davis • Ph.D., Genetics with a minor in Plant Physiology, University of California-Davis • Currently the Director and Plant Breeder at CCRRF-Rice Research Station in Biggs, Calif.

• Member of the Crop Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, American Association of Cereal Chemists and Rice Technical Working Group • Serves on the California Rice Certification Committee and the Research and Technology Committee for the California Rice Commission • Serves on several committees and task forces for the USA Rice Federation • Active participant – Temperate Rice Research Consortium • Married to wife, Kathryn, DVM. Two sons: Lt. Douglas McKenzie USN (wife, Elizabeth) and John Ross McKenzie

Marvin Baden

RICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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n 1958, at the age of 17, Marvin “Butch” Baden entered the work force as an office boy at Arkansas Rice Growers Cooperative Association, now Riceland Foods Inc., in Stuttgart, Ark. At the time, he was too young to even be allowed to ride the freight elevator to carry out his tasks around the farmer-owned rice marketing cooperative.

Over the next few years, he became a credit manager and was encouraged by Riceland’s Bill Knoll to try his hand at sales in the newly formed export sales department at Riceland.

In 1978, Baden joined Producers Rice Mill Inc., another farmer-owned rice marketing cooperative, which had just built a brand new parboiled facility in Stuttgart.

“Producers hired me to develop its export sales division because, at the time, most sales for Producers were domestic,” Baden says. “With my accounting background, I knew when we sold something that we were making money. I have enjoyed the export sales aspect of the rice industry all these years and never looked back.”

Keith Glover, President and CEO of Producers Rice Mill notes, “During his six decades within the industry, Marvin has witnessed firsthand many setbacks and challenges for U.S. rice. Many of the industry’s greatest heartbreaks occurred when large U.S. rice export markets were lost primarily due to political reasons. Marvin was one of the leaders among rice marketers that would work tirelessly and travel the world to find new export markets to replace the ones lost. In all, he has logged more than eight million air miles on behalf of the U.S. rice industry.”

Glover adds that Marvin’s determination to overcome unprecedented circumstances was once again evident in 2006 when a trace amount of a genetically modified organism (GMO) event was found in some commercial U.S. long-grain rice varieties.

“During the crisis, Marvin was on the front lines, expressing the importance and necessity in cleaning up the U.S. rice crop from GMO,” he says. “Within three years, the U.S. rice industry was once again GMO-free.

Because of his leadership and knowledge of the

European Union (EU) market, Marvin is the chairman of the EU subcommittee and makes numerous visits each year to Europe, meeting with the EU Commission, USTR, FAS and USDA officials, with the objective of restoring the European market for U.S. rice to its pre-GMO levels of about 400,000 metric tons per year.”

In addition to his responsibilities at Producers, Marvin takes an interest in the young leaders who are emerging in the rice industry.

“It gives me a lot of pleasure to work alongside these young people,” he says. “You never know who you might be mentoring. I have enjoyed my career, and we have all worked hard, but I know we have good leadership coming up through the ranks.

“I think U.S. rice is on the right road,” Baden adds.

“We continue to improve our varieties and address the challenges we encounter with our competitors in other countries. I believe the U.S. rice market will continue to grow, but we’ve got to keep fighting to regain those huge markets that we have lost over the years. I’ve always been an optimist, but I believe rice is one of those commodities that will be there for us every day.”

For his dedication, determination and innovative contributions to the U.S. rice industry, it is a pleasure to honor Marvin “Butch” Baden as the recipient of the 2014 Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.

Marvin Baden Stuttgart, Arkansas • Currently the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Producers Rice Mill, Inc. in Stuttgart, Ark. • Was elected as a Director on the inaugural USA Rice Federation Board of Directors and still serves as a Director today • Serves on the Board of the USA Rice Foundation • Chairman of the USA Rice Federation EU Trade Policy Subcommittee • Was presented with the RMA Distinguished Service Award by the USA Rice Millers Association in June 2014 • Served as Chairman of the USA Rice Millers Association in 1992-93 • Active member of the First United Methodist Church in Stuttgart, Ark. • Serves on the Fund-Raising Committee for Easter Seals Arkansas • A Bronze Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited for many years • Marvin and his wife, Kaye, recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Two sons: Wesley Baden (wife, Amy) and Dr. Greg Baden (wife, Roseanne) • Seven grandchildren

2014 Rice Awards T

he U.S. rice industry is an important supplier of high-quality rice grain to the world. Our industry’s success is driven by the passionate people that represent a spirit of deep commitment and service to the trade. While it is difficult to formally recognize in any given year the many professionals who strive for the improvement of U.S. rice production, those exemplifying a high level of service and contributions are singled out for special recognition by their peers.

The Rice Industry Award honors the person who has proven to be innovative in his or her role in this industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the person who has dedicated his or her life to the viability of the U.S. rice industry. The Rice Farmer of the Year Award honors a producer who has shown determination, innovation or dedication to growing the crop.

We received many outstanding nominations, and naming three individuals most deserving of these distinguished awards was a challenge. Please take a moment to review the accomplishments of each of these recipients that set them apart as leaders in the U.S. rice industry.

Horizon Ag is honored to support these awards recognizing significant contributions to the industry. Growers have learned to depend on Horizon Ag Clearfield varieties in the field to maximize production and profit potential, while mills, exporters and end-users of U.S. rice know they can depend on Horizon Ag varieties for excellent quality. Horizon Ag is committed to working closely with our partners in Extension to demonstrate the advantages of planting high-performing, superior-quality Clearfield rice varieties. We are also dedicated to working with our partners in university breeding programs to develop varieties that meet the demands of both domestic and foreign end-users in order to help preserve and boost the U.S. rice industry’s reputation as the unmatched leader.

As the leading provider of Clearfield rice seed and over a decade of success bringing outstanding products to market, we are very proud to honor the 2014 award winners. For more information on Horizon products, please contact your local seed retailer or visit www.horizonseed.com Tim Walker General Manager, Horizon Ag

Clearfield® is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation. ©2014 Horizon Ag, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Horizon Ag would like to recognize past Rice Awards recipients.

1992 Dennis Leonards, Crowley, La. 1993 Jacko Garrett, Jr., Danbury, Texas 1994 Nolen Canon, Tunica, Miss.

1995 Duane Gaither, Walnut Ridge, Ark. 1996 Leroy & Chris Isbell, England, Ark. 1997 Charles Berry, Tunica, Miss.

John Denison, Iowa, La. Paul Haidusek, Devers, Texas Errol Lounsberry, Vermilion Parish, La. Charley Mathews, Jr., Marysville, Calif.

Patrick Mullen, Des Arc, Ark. Fred Tanner, Bernie, Mo. 1998 Tommy Andrus, Moorhead, Miss.

Don Bransford, Colusa, Calif.

Larry Devillier, Jr., Winnie, Texas Dennis Robison, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Gary Sebree, Stuttgart, Ark. Linda Zaunbrecher, Gueydon, La. 1999 Ken Collins, Biggs, Calif.

James Hoppe, Fenton, La. Charles Parker Johnson, Neelyville, Mo. Abbott Myers, Dundee, Miss.

Lowell George “L.G.” Raun, Jr., El Campo, Texas Martin Walt, Jr., Dumas, Ark. 2000 John B. Alter, DeWitt, Ark. R. Ernest Girouard, Jr., Kaplan, La. Bill Griffith, Boyle, Miss.

Ken Minton, Dexter, Mo. Michael Rue, Marysville, Calif.

J.D. “Des” Woods, Katy, Texas 2001 Rice Farmer of the Year: Larry and Candice Davis, Bolivar County, Miss.

Rice Industry Award: Jack Williams, UC Cooperative Extension Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: David LaCour, Vermilion Parish, La. 2002 Rice Farmer of the Year: Tommy Ray Oliver, Stuttgart, Ark. Rice Industry Award: Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter, Abbeville, La. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Leland L. Carle, Stuttgart, Ark. 2003 Rice Farmer of the Year: David Monroe Smith, Jr., Jonesboro, Ark. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter, Crowley, La. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Lundberg Brothers, Richvale, Calif.

2004 Rice Farmer of the Year: Dane Hebert, Maurice, La. Rice Industry Award: Dr. M.O. “Mo” Way, Texas A&M, Beaumont, Texas Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Joseph Musick, LSU AgCenter, Crowley, La.

2005 Rice Farmer of the Year: John Greer, Jonesboro, Ark. Rice Industry Award: Charles “Eddie” Eskew, Jennings, La. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Donald Bransford, Colusa, Calif.

2006 Rice Farmer of the Year: Gibb Steele, Hollandale, Miss.

Rice Industry Award: Chuck Wilson, DeWitt, Ark. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: John Denison, Iowa, La. 2007 Rice Farmer of the Year: Clarence Berken, Lake Arthur, La. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Joe Street, Stoneville, Miss.

Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Crowley, La. 2008 Rice Farmer of the Year: Milton LaMalfa, Richvale, Calif.

Rice Industry Award: John Cummings, Fort Collins, Colo.

Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Ahrent, Corning, Ark. 2009 Rice Farmer of the Year: Curtis Berry, Robinsonville, Miss.

Rice Industry Award: John E. Broussard, Jr., Fairfax, Va. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl Wayne Brothers, Stuttgart, Ark. 2010 Rice Farmer of the Year: Greg, C.J. and Jeff Durand, St. Martinville, La. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Richard J. Norman, Fayetteville, Ark. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Elaine T. Champagne, New Orleans, La. 2011 Rice Farmer of the Year: Mark Wimpy, Jonesboro, Ark. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Rick Cartwright, Little Rock, Ark. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacko Garrett, Jr., Danbury, Texas 2012 Rice Farmer of the Year: Jim Whitaker, McGehee, Ark. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Donald Groth, Rayne, La. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Erdman, Colusa, Calif.

2013 Rice Farmer of the Year: Joe Aguzzi, Cleveland, Miss.

Rice Industry Award: Dr. Eric Webster, Baton Rouge, La. Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Elton Kennedy, Mer Rouge, La. 2014 Rice Farmer of the Year: Fred Zaunbrecher, Duson, La. Rice Industry Award: Dr. Kent McKenzie, Biggs, Calif.

Rice Lifetime Achievement Award: Marvin Baden, Stuttgart, Ark.