2015 Rice Awards
Horizon Ag, Rice Farming magazine and the USA Rice Federation are proud to bring you the recipients of the 2015 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.
Jerry Hoskyn
RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR
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ne of nine children, Jerry Hoskyn was raised on Mr. Jerry when I was very young and would go to the coffee a small farm north of Stuttgart, Ark., where his shop with my dad, who was a farmer. The farmers there would father, Charles, grew rice, soybeans and oats. present their problems to Jerry, and, after a little thought, you When he left home to attend Arkansas State knew he had the answer when he would reach for a napkin to University, he had no plans to return to the farm. However, draw it on. His advice has helped me in my consulting years, after graduating and working for a few years, Hoskyn admits and I feel honored to pass his advice on to the young men who that the Arkansas Grand Prairie began calling him back. are coming along to take my place.” Because his father did not have enough land at that time to Hoskyn also is known as an innovative producer who emallow Jerry to be involved with the operation, Hoskyn attribraces technology and strives to reach efficiencies through imbutes his fi rst farming opportunity to “divine intervention.” proved farming practices. “One summer, a friend of mine from college who was conArea rice farmer Jay Coker points out that much of the ducting research work asked me to introduce him to some 4,000 acres of rice, soybeans, corn and wheat that Jerry and farmers,” Hoskyn says. his two sons, Stephen “We happened to go and Stuart, farm uses by one of the neighbors surface water irrigation and during our visit and management pracwith him, the farmer tices to conserve undertold me he was going ground aquifers, reduce to retire from farming erosion and avoid the and wanted someone to loss of topsoil. farm his land. He said “My dad built reshe would provide the ervoirs, which we later inputs if I would put drained and built one the crop in and harbig one,” he says. “We vest it on a percentage mostly use surface waarrangement. So that’s ter and have a tailwater how I started farming. system that allows us to I always thought the recycle the water when Lord must have put us it rains or runs off the Jerry and Donna Hoskyn at their home in Stuttgart, Ark. together.” field. We have two big As the years went pumps that we use to by, Jerry bought more equipment and began to increase his pick it up. The Arkansas Grand Prairie is in the critical water acreage. Now, he laughingly admits that he has spent 48 years area so there is not a lot of water in the Alluvial and Sparta doing what he had told his father he would never do. aquifers. We store water and try not to run our wells very often In addition to running a successful farming operation, to avoid reducing the water level in the aquifers. Since one of Hoskyn has made an impact on many of the people with the farms is a big holding area for waterfowl, we also flood whom he has worked. many of the fields in the winter for ducks.” Keith Glover, president and CEO of Producers Rice Mill Hoskyn also has some advice for today’s young farmers Inc., says, “Jerry Hoskyn is recognized as not only one of the who are beginning their careers. “First, if you have some extra best rice farmers in the United States, but he also has a long money in your pocket when prices are high and want to buy history of benefitting all rice farmers in the areas of rice resomething, pay for it. Second, ask questions and learn to listen search, farm policy and rice marketing. For 34 years, Jerry has to others. If a farmer has been around for a long time, there’s been elected by his farming peers to serve as a director on the a reason that he has survived. And third, get involved on all board of Producers Rice Mill Inc., a 2,500 farmer-owned rice levels. One vote in the state capital or on the federal level can marketing cooperative.” change your life forever.” Mark Maier, a consultant with Jimmy Sanders Inc. in StuttCongratulations to Jerry Hoskyn — mentor, innovative gart, notes that the Arkansas rice farmer “has been a customer, farmer, champion of rice research and marketing, and the counselor, mentor and a great friend of mine all my life. I met 2015 Rice Farmer of the Year.
Jerry Hoskyn Stuttgart, Arkansas
• B.S., Agribusiness, Arkansas State University • Board member of USA Rice Farmers • Served on Producers Rice Mill Inc. board of directors for 35 years. Served as vice chairman since 1990 before being elected as chairman in 2014 • Board member of Arkansas Rice Farmers • Member of the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Chairman, 1993-95 and 2007-09 • Past board member of Arkansas County Farm Bureau • 1979 Arkansas County Farm Family of the Year • 1978 Stuttgart Duck Calling Contest committee chairman • Very active in the First Baptist Church, Stuttgart, Ark. • Married to wife, Donna. Four children: Charles (wife, Margaret); Cathelene (husband, Terry); Stephen (wife, Elizabeth); and Stuart (wife, Lee Ann) • Nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
Keith Fontenot
RICE INDUSTRY AWARD
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man described as wearing many hats and going above and beyond to ensure his stakeholders are well informed and productive hails from Eunice, La., deep in the heart of Cajun country. Keith Fontenot’s family also had a farm in the Iota area where his father raised beef cattle and baled hay. “I always liked agriculture and anything agriculture related,” he says. “After receiving a degree in vo-ag education from LSU, I soon moved to Ville Platte in Evangeline Parish where I fi rst worked as an assistant county agent, then as an associate county agent for 17 years.” At the start of his Extension career and for 14 years, Fontenot jointly supervised the Evangeline Parish 4-H Youth Program with his home economist co-worker. The 4-H’ers under Fontenot’s supervision achieved many different awards on a district, state and national level. Th is youth development program has produced many of Evangeline Parish’s civic and agricultural leaders and businessmen, as well as several Extension agent careers. Fontenot’s current primary responsibilities as agricultural county agent are rice, agronomic crops, horticulture and beef cattle. More than 48,000 acres of rice were grown in Evangeline Parish in 2014, with most rice producers using educational materials and methods provided by the LSU AgCenter’s Extension Service. As a result of educational programs, such as the annual rice and soybean producers meeting, a parish rice field tour and email updates, average per-acre rice production in Evangeline Parish has risen 36.9 percent from 55.6 hundredweight in 1997 to 76.14 cwt in 2014. Producers also gained knowledge to increase yields by enhancing weed, disease and insect control knowledge and observing these applied best management practices through the Louisiana Rice Research Verification Program. Fontenot implemented this program in Evangeline Parish 16 years ago in cooperation with Dr. Johnny Saichuk, who was the LSU AgCenter rice specialist at that time. “While working with the verification program, I thought it was important to involve farmers from all areas of the parish,” Fontenot says. “By spreading out the trials, we can reach more people. The program also is designed to help the younger producers who are getting their feet on the ground to understand what it takes to produce a good rice crop. “I was fortunate to be in the backyard of the Rice Research Station in Crowley where some of the world’s leading rice researchers and scientists served as mentors for me. For example, Dr. Steve Linscombe and Dr. Johnny Saichuk both taught me so much about rice and contributed to my developing a deep interest in this crop.”
Keith Fontenot and Louisiana rice farmer Jeffery Sylvester When asked what he has enjoyed most about his career in Extension, Fontenot paused and took a moment to reflect. “What I enjoyed most when working with the youth was seeing the students excel in the areas in which I worked with them,” he says. “When I began working with adults in agriculture, it made me feel good to know that I had helped by answering their questions about different issues. Many of them came back to me to say that my advice had made a difference in the way their gardens or their crops turned out. Th at makes me feel appreciated.” Speaking on behalf of the Evangeline Rice Growers Association, president Jeffery Sylvester, says, “Another valuable quality Keith offers is that he is always available and willing to work. If he is out of the office or even on leave, you can always catch him on his cell phone. He has always been willing to work with growers no matter the time of day or day of the week. Whether it was a one-on-one problem in the field or as a member of a larger group at a meeting, Keith has never made me feel as though I was bothering him but rather felt he always enjoyed what he was doing.” Dr. Steve Linscombe, director and breeder at the Rice Research Station in Crowley, remarks, “Mr. Keith Fontenot has an excellent reputation among his producer clientele, his co-workers and the people of the community in general. He is the epitome of what a rice Extension agent should be. Keith is hardworking, dedicated, knowledgeable, and most importantly, has an earnest desire to see the rice industry he serves prosper well into the future.” On this note, it is a pleasure to name Keith Fontenot as the recipient of the 2015 Rice Industry Award.
Keith Fontenot Ville Platte, La.
• B.S., Vocational Agriculture Education, Louisiana State University • Member of Evangeline Parish Rice Growers Association and Louisiana Rice Growers Association • Member of Evangeline Parish Cattleman’s Association • Member of LAE4-HA, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Louisiana County Agents Association, American Forage and Grassland Council, FSA Committee, NRCS Committee and Quality Deer Management Association • LSU AgCenter’s 2012 Distinguished Service Award • Floyd S. Edmiston 2010 Award for Excellence in planning, conducting and evaluating statewide Extension education programs • Received the LCAAA 4-H Agents team award and several service awards • Member of First Baptist Church, Pine Prairie, La. • Married to wife, Vickie. Two children: Natalie (husband, Jake) and Justin (wife, Elizabeth) • Four grandchildren: Amber, 15; Layla Grace, 5; Emmitt, 2; and Harper Lynn, 2
Jimmy Hoppe
RICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
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ention the name Jimmy Hoppe anywhere in research and is a long-time off-station research cooperator the U. S. rice world, and people will instantwith the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station. Research scily recognize him as a long-time, effective and entists from the Rice Station have conducted studies on vaselfless leader who has positively impacted the riety development, disease control, weed control and several rice industry since he was a young rice farmer in southwest other disciplines on his farm for the past 21 consecutive years. Louisiana. He values sharing research fi ndings and continues to host rice A third-generation rice producer, Hoppe grew up on a rice research field tours on his farm for other rice producers. farm that his father, Carl, purchased in 1944. On a personal note, Louisiana rice farmer Kevin Berken “I’ve spent my whole life right here doing all the tasks on says, “When I returned to farming in the mid-1990s and dethe farm that were necessary,” he says. “I always enjoyed the cided to become involved in the rice industry, I was greeted work and being outdoors. After my eighth grade year, my Dad with much wisdom and insight by Jimmy Hoppe. He became let me have some second an unknowing mentor crop. I farmed that rice for me in my formative on my own and made a time in the Jeff Davis little money. The next Parish Rice Growers year he increased my reand the Louisiana Rice sponsibility to 35 acres. Promotion Board.” “While attending the Dr. Steve Linscombe, University of Southsenior rice breeder at western Louisiana in the H. Rouse Caffey Lafayette, I married my Rice Research Station, high school sweetheart, says, “I have known Mr. Brenda. We came back Hoppe since shortly to the farm after fi nishafter I assumed the poing college, and she has sition of rice specialist always supported me in with the LSU AgCenter whatever I was doing. in 1982. He was one of “Th rough the years, the fi rst producers that I typically farmed rice I was introduced to, and soybeans. In 1991, Brenda and Jimmy Hoppe package and distribute bags of the popular and I knew from that with the encouragement aromatic rice that is grown on Hoppe Farms. initial meeting that of Bill Dishman from Mr. Hoppe was a dediTexas during a soybean meeting in St. Louis, I started growcated advocate of U.S. rice in general and the Louisiana rice ing specialty rice – Jasmine 85 at that time.” industry specifically. Although Hoppe retired in 2012, his young tenant still When asked what he thinks will help keep the U.S. rice ingrows aromatic rice that Hoppe sells by mail order and in spedustry viable, Hoppe is quick to say, “technology,” particularly cialty shops. At Christmas, he sells custom bags of aromatic as it relates to variety development. rice that people give as gifts to family, friends and customers. “Clearfield technology has been one of the biggest improve“I typically sell about 10,000 bags of rice at Christmas, and ments in the rice industry form a producer’s standpoint,” he Brenda helps me package it during the holidays,” Hoppe says. says. “The varieties that have come out of that program have As a state FFA officer in high school, Jimmy began learning certainly met customer acceptance. Provisia rice will help the the value of service and honing his leadership skills, which he industry tremendously, too, and the development of Jazzman has used in state and national agricultural organizations for and Jazzman 2 has increased our ability to compete with the the past 50 years. His farming philosophy includes a commitTh ai Jasmine that is being imported.” ment to using sustainable practices with the goal of making the For his many years as a successful and innovative rice farmer most efficient use of resources and using management practicwho has always given selflessly to the U.S. rice industry, it is a es to enhance the environmental benefits of rice production. great honor to congratulate Jimmy Hoppe as the recipient of Hoppe has always been on the cutting edge of agricultural the 2015 Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jimmy Hoppe Fenton, La.
• B.S., Vocational Agriculture Education, University of Southwestern Louisiana • State Secretary of Louisiana FFA and recipient of the State Foundation State Star Farmer Award • Member of USA Rice Farmers • Member of Jeff Davis and Louisiana Rice Growers Associations • Member of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation • President of Louisiana Rice Council for over 20 years • Chairman of USA Rice Council 2000-2002 • 1991 International Rice Festival Rice Farmer of the Year • 1994 Rice Foundation Rice Grower Leadership Achievement Award • 1999 Rice Farming Rice Farmer of the Year • 2007 International Rice Festival Honoree • 2015 Louisiana Hall of Agricultural Distinction • Married to wife, Brenda. Two children: Steven (wife, Jeannie) and Caryl. Three grandchildren: Miranda, 15; Nicole, 12; and Brandon, 10
2015 Rice Awards W
ith the many challenges facing the U.S. rice industry today, it is an honor to recognize professionals who are stepping forward to champion our industry. Horizon Ag is proud to stand with these leaders, offering high-quality rice varieties, support, education and encouragement, as we work together to advance the interests of U.S. rice farmers and build a brighter future. 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 committed to supporting rice variety yields, quality and profitability, helping secure the future of rice farmers. Growers have learned to depend on Horizon Ag Clearfield® varieties in the field to stabilize weed control costs and maximize production. Mills, exporters and end users of U.S. rice know they can depend on Horizon Ag varieties for excellent quality. As the leading provider of Clearfield rice seed and more than a decade of success bringing outstanding products to market, we are very proud to honor the 2015 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
Horizon Ag would like to recognize past Rice Awards recipients.
1992
Nolen Canon, Tunica, Miss.
1995
2006
1993
Jacko Garrett Jr., Danbury, Texas
1994
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 “Jimmy” 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.
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.
2000
2010
2001
2011
2002
2012
2003
2013
2004
2014
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 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. 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. 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.
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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.
Dennis Leonards, Crowley, La.
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.
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. 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 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. 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. 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.