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GREG SIMPSON, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
3 inducted into Louisiana Ag Hall of Distinction
Cody Fincher, left, topped all entrants in the rice division of the More Crop Per Drop contest. He harvested 8.7 bushels per acre-inch of water.
‘Most Crop Per Drop’ contest challenges Arkansas producers Experimentation paid off for Arkansas producers who competed in the “Most Crop Per Drop” contest — in knowledge gained about irrigation management and in cash prizes for the top winners. Contest winners were announced recently during the 34th annual Arkansas Water and Soil Education Conference, held virtually this year. The top winners in three categories — corn, rice and soybean — shared in more than $30,000 in cash and prizes. In corn and soybean, the first-place winners received $6,000 each; second-place winners received $3,000; and third-place winners, $1,000. The first-place rice winner received a RiceTec hybrid seed credit worth more than $10,000. Prizes were provided by RiceTec, the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board, and the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. “The competition focuses on maximizing yield by maximizing water use efficiency,” said Chris Henry, associate professor and water management en-
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MARCH 2021
gineer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Rice Winners: 1st place — Cody Fincher, 8.7 bushels per inch, 240 bushels per acre (Mississippi County). 2nd place — Seth Tucker, 6.7 bushels per inch, 203 BPA (Drew County). 3rd place — Clint Boles, 6.7 bushels per inch, 211 BPA (Cross County). Fincher, who farms in Dyess in northeast Arkansas, chalked up his win partly to the field he chose; the soil is heavy clay and holds water well. “The biggest thing I did was just manage it a little more closely,” Fincher said. “My goal going in was to save as much water as possible. I caught rains, and I was able to go all summer, turning the well on four times.” Though he did not use sensors, his technique was similar to alternate wetting and drying. “Cody chose the right field and managed it efficiently in every way,” Henry said.
Three fixtures in Louisiana agriculture were recently inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. They are former Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson of Ethel; sugarcane farmer John Gay of Plaquemine; and Paul “Jackie” Loewer of Branch, a rice farmer who has been a strong advocate for the rice industry in state and national organizations. A joint effort of the Louisiana State University AgCenter, Louisiana Radio Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Hall of Distinction honors individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture or agriculture-related industries. Jackie Loewer Loewer has dedicated much of his career to helping the Louisiana and national rice industry maintain a sound foundation. He has played a significant role in the development of several national Farm Bills. Loewer played an inPaul ‘Jackie’ tegral role with the LouLoewer isiana Rice Research Board, serving for 26 years, including 12 years as chairman. The board funds research initiatives aimed at increasing the sustainability of Louisiana’s rice farmers. His advocacy for the rice checkoff program has helped fund these efforts. Loewer has been a member of several national rice boards. He was a chairman of the USA Rice Farmers Board and chairman of the USA Rice Federation, which is considered one of the highest positions a U.S. rice farmer can achieve. Ronnie Anderson Anderson started his agricultural career in the dairy industry and transitioned to beef cattle. He has a herd of about 400 cattle and raises horses, hay and timber in both East Feliciana and West Feliciana parishes. One of Anderson’s biggest contributions to agriculture was his tenure as Louisiana state president of Farm Bureau. He served 31 years and helped grow the orgaRICEFARMING.COM
