Rice Farming May 2015

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www.ricefarming.com

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

MAY 2015

California’s Gorrill Ranch Pursuing excellence since 1918

Scouting for rice diseases Rice market update

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May 2015

Vol. 49, No. 6

www.ricefarming.com

COVER STORY

COLUMNS From The Editor

8

4

‘Life has been good but not easy’

USA Rice Federation

6

Promotion programs mean sales

Rice Producers Forum

16

Trans Pacific Partnership

DEPARTMENTS Industry News

14

Specialists Speaking

18

Rice has been produced on Gorrill Ranch since 1918. Its premium quality rice is well known throughout the industry.

Disease Control

Calendar

California’s Gorrill Ranch

22

ON THE COVER: California rice farmer Marc Breckenridge and his lab Cosby oversee harvest at Gorrill Ranch.

Photo by Brian Baer Photography.

2015 Rice Awards Nominations are being accepted for the 2015 Rice Awards. For details, visit www.ricefarming.com.

Look for the Soybean South supplement following page 12 in the Mid-South/Texas versions of Rice Farming.

FEATURES

12

Is Scouting For Rice Diseases Effective?

Scout for presence, level of disease in each field.

13

Rice Market Update Kurt Guidry says all factors suggest another year of lower prices.

‘Great Strides, Great Sacrifices’

15

California rice farmers reduced water usage long before the drought.

RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

3

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RICEFARMING

FROM THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Copy Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Art Director Carol Watson cwatson@onegrower.com

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Editorial Director Tommy Horton (901) 767-4020 thorton@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (615) 377-3322 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (800) 888-9784 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com For circulation changes or change of address, call (800) 888-9784

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf PRESIDENT/TREASURER Lia Guthrie PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing LLC also publishes COTTON FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH magazines.

RICE FARMING (ISSN 0194-0929) is published monthly January through May, and December, for $25.00 per year by One Grower Publishing LLC, 1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, TN 38119.

Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SUNBELT FULLFILLMENT SERVICES, 307 SOUTHGATE COURT, Brentwood, TN 37027-7987. International rates are $55.00 Canada/Mexico, $90.00 all other countries for Air-Speeded Delivery. (Surface delivery not available due to problems in reliability.) $5.00 single copy.

All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claims as its own and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. RICE FARMING is a registered trademark of One Grower Publishing LLC, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with its registration.

‘Life has been good but not easy’ As a huge college football fan, particularly the SEC, I love watching the “SEC Storied” documentary series, launched by ESPN films in September 2011. Being a college football fan in the off-season is difficult, so I look for anything related to football to fill the gap until the upcoming games begin.

I was thrilled to discover the “SEC Storied” series, which reveals a real behind-the-scenes look at the lives of athletes, both on and off the field.

Many of the episodes feature SEC football players.

One of my favorites is titled “The Book of Manning,” which provides an in-depth look into the Manning football dynasty. From the outside looking in, the family appears to live in a fantastical world where the sun shines everyday and everything seems to always go their way.

And, for the most part, it does. However, as the documentary divulges, even the Manning family has experienced tragedy, setbacks and disappointments just like the rest of us human beings. What keeps them going is perseverance and hard work.

At one point the program, Archie Manning, the patriarch of the family, admits that they have to pinch themselves at times to make sure they are real. Toward the end of the episode after some of the family’s challenging times have been shared with the viewing audience, he goes on to say, “Life has been good but not easy.”

This statement reminded me of many rice farmers I have had the pleasure of knowing. Many have said that people who don’t do what they do think that farmers “have it made, work a few months during the year in the beautiful outdoors and don’t have a care in the world.”

If you are a farmer, you know that this does not begin to tell the whole story, the real story. You work hard, often under stressful conditions over which you have no control. You work long hours away from your family, no nine to five when it comes to running a farming operation. However, in the long run, most farmers will quickly say that theirs is a good life, one that they would not trade for anything.

Archie says that his dad once told him, “I just want you to be a good guy.” Then Archie notes, “That’s what I hope I have done for my children.”

To put that thought into an agricultural setting, we might alter the quote a bit to say, “I just want you to be a good guy and a good farmer and good steward of the land.” And, in response, I think most farmers would say, “That’s what I hope I have done with my life.”

At the end of the day, however late it is when your day ends, I believe it is accurate to say that the farming life is good, but it’s not always easy.

Persevere, work hard and never have any regrets about the profession – the life path – that you have chosen for your own.

© Copyright 2015

One Grower Publishing, LLC 1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119 Phone: 901-767-4020

4 RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

Send your comments to: Editor, Rice Farming Magazine, 7201 Eastern Ave., Germantown, Tenn., 38138. Call (901) 326-4443 or e-mail csmith@onegrower.com.

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RICE FEDERATION

UPDATE

Promotion programs mean sales USA Rice’s vital efforts offer excellent return on investment.

U

By Betsy Ward President and CEO USA Rice Federation

We have robust promotion programs here and abroad, specifically designed to move the needle for you.

We’re constantly apprising our activities based on feedback and results.

One thing is certain, we need to keep our promotion programs moving forward.

6 RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

SA Rice’s domestic promotion program is supported by check-off dollars from rice states and is spent in three main areas: Nutrition, Foodservice and Retail. Our international programs are supported by the USDA’s Foreign Market Development (FMD), Market Access Program (MAP) and the Emerging Market Program (EMP), and also bolstered by rice check-off money.

The return on your investment is both measurable and immense.

Every day our government’s nutrition policy touches us – from the nutrition facts panel on packaged food, to the meals Americans eat in schools, hospitals and even the military – food decisions are rooted in nutrition policy. Keeping U.S.-grown rice front and center is the name of the game.

We commission nutrition research highlighting the health benefits of eating U.S. rice and engage with policymakers and national nutrition organizations, whose recommendations trickle into other areas as well, which is why this is a top priority.

Dining Out And In With Rice Retail and foodservice promotions are all about connecting with consumers.

People have a choice when they shop, plan menus or order out at a restaurant. We want to make certain that rice factors in their decision making and that they, Think Rice, our new consumer theme.

We partner with supermarket chains to promote rice year round through their publications, circulars, in-store displays and demonstrations, and social media. We typically see sales increase as much as 15 percent as a result.

In 2014, we successfully partnered with Supermarket Retail Dieticians – a growing and influential group of professionals who help shoppers make healthy decisions.

Our foodservice goals are similar to our retail goals – on an industrial scale. The recipes we promote through our foodservice

website, menurice.com, speak directly to professional chefs, taking into account industrial quantities and equipment, food cost calculations and required nutritional information.

Our Grown in the USA logo and National Rice Month activities also help us reach additional consumer targets.

Over There!

We operate successful marketing programs in 30 countries, from attempting to crack the table rice market in Japan and Korea, to paving the way for the eventual exporting of U.S. rice to China. And from awareness campaigns in Jordan and Turkey, to in-store demonstrations and the launch of a new U.S.-grown seal in Mexico, our largest export market.

Our programs are carefully tailored to each market. Sometimes speaking directly to consumers, as with billboard and shopping mall advertising during the high riceconsumption time of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, or our television ads during the World Cup in Haiti that contributed to a 12 percent increase in U.S. exports last year.

Other efforts go directly to foodservice, as when we participate in large food shows in Shanghai or Dubai. We also work with influence leaders, sponsoring contests with culinary schools in Ghana and other events with Canadian food writers.

Ladies And Gentlemen, Children Of All Ages This merely scratches the surface, but the bottom line is we have robust promotion programs here and abroad, specifically designed to move the needle for you.

We’re constantly apprising our activities based on feedback and results. One thing is certain, we need to keep our promotion programs moving forward. As one of the most successful promoters of all times, P.T. Barnum, said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens... nothing!”

To learn more, visit www.usarice.com.

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Rice Consultant’s Corner

Working With New & Existing Herbicides Hunter Perry Field Scientist, Dow AgroSciences Greenville, Miss.

I grew up in Greenville, Miss., in the early to mid-90s when all major chemical companies had field stations in the local area.

Working on two stations during the summers was a natural attraction to someone like me who loved being outdoors. At the conclusion of my Ph.D., I was presented with the opportunity to work for Dow AgroSciences as a field scientist, and I jumped at the chance.

To be one of the first field scientists to evaluate a newly discovered experimental compound, new mixtures that can add significant value to growers’ weed control options or new product formulations brings additional excitement to my position. Herbicide discovery teams actively search for and build molecules to satisfy a list of desirable product attributes. Once the material is ready for field testing, communication between field scientists and the discovery scientists ensures that key questions are answered correctly and efficiently.

After joining Dow AgroSciences, I quickly became involved in the early stage evaluation of Rinskor active. Rinskor is a new active ingredient with global utility in rice with first registrations expected in late 2017/early 2018. Rinskor exhibits an alternative herbicide mode of action (MOA), which controls certain broadleaf, sedge and grass species, including the Mid-South’s No. 1 rice weed, barnyardgrass.

My role also includes working with existing Dow rice products such as Grasp, Grasp Xtra, Clincher and RebelEX as we continue to explore new opportunities to help growers be more efficient with their herbicide programs.

Living and working in the Mid-South offers the benefit of working alongside and learning from regional university scientists, Extension specialists, consultants and growers. Consultants naturally aim to help their growers produce the highest rice yield and quality possible to make a good profit. To accomplish this, they need dependable, consistent products that perform at a high level, not just products that control weeds.

One of the biggest emerging issues in rice is the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. Many consultants use a field-by-field approach to attempt to control these problem areas. Herbicide products like RebelEX contain two MOAs on barnyardgrass and should be included in every rice grower’s toolbox to combat existing resistance issues and assist in preventing/prolonging resistance development.

One of the exciting attributes of Rinskor is the alternative mode of action, which has proven very effective against propanil-, ALS- and quinclorac-resistant biotypes, among others. Recent news releases indicate the new product pipeline is strong for rice growers, but it’s also important for us to use the tools we currently have wisely because new chemistry is not born overnight.

• B.S. degree in Golf & Sports Turf Management and M.S. degree in Plant Pathology – Mississippi State University; Ph.D. degree in Weed Science – Auburn University • Field Scientist for Dow AgroSciences for four years • Conducts internal research for Dow AgroSciences in all major Mid-South agronomic crops • Active in the Southern Weed Science Society, Weed Science Society of America and the Mississippi Ag Industry Council • Member of the South Main Church of Christ • Married to wife, Audra, for six years • Enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling with his wife and spending time with family

Recap: Working With New & Existing Herbicides 1.Herbicide discovery teams actively search for and build molecules to satisfy a list of desirable product attributes.

2.After joining Dow AgroSciences, I quickly became involved in the early stage evaluation of Rinskor active. Rinskor is a new active ingredient with global utility in rice with first registrations expected in late 2017/early 2018.

3.Rinskor exhibits an alternative herbicide mode of action (MOA), which controls certain broadleaf, sedge and grass species, including the Mid-South’s No. 1 rice weed, barnyardgrass.

4.I also work with existing Dow rice products such as Grasp, Grasp Xtra, Clincher and RebelEX as we continue to explore new opportunities to help growers be more efficient with their herbicide programs.

5.Herbicide products like RebelEX contain two MOAs on barnyardgrass and should be included in every rice grower’s toolbox to combat existing resistance issues and assist in preventing/prolonging resistance development.

Sponsored By

®™

▼

DOW Diamond, Clincher, Grasp, RebelEX and Rinskor are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Clincher SF, Grasp SC, Grasp Xtra and RebelEX are not registered for sale or use in all states.

Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.

Rinskor active has not yet received regulatory approvals; approvals are pending. The information presented here is not an offer for sale. Always read and follow label directions. ©2015 Dow AgroSciences LLC

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California’s Gorrill Ranch Pursuing excellence since 1918

R

alph Gorrill was born in 1884 in Oakland, Calif., the county seat of Alameda County and a teeming agricultural region. In 1917, he put his engineering background to work by helping to lay out and construct what is now part of historic 99E Highway between Durham and Nelson.

While working on this project, a parcel of land caught Gorrill’s eye.

Inspired by the rich, flatland soils as well as its access to Butte Creek and the new road, he purchased the initial 2,400 acres, named the property Gorrill Ranch, and the engineer turned rice farmer in 1918.

With the help of Ernest Adams, his neighbor and renowned rice industry pioneer, Ralph Gorrill soon established a reputation as an

8 RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

innovative rice farmer.

Today, Gorrill Ranch is a fourth-generation family business that grows a variety of crops, including rice, prunes, almonds, walnuts and pecans. Throughout the rice industry, Gorrill Ranch is particularly well known for its premium quality rice.

“Although we produce a lot of medium grain rice just like the majority of California does, we also grow premium quality and specialty rice – high-end short grains that are prized in Japan and also used in making sushi,” says rice operations manager Marc Breckenridge.

“Our rice acres typically are comprised of a combination of short and medium grain varieties.”

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Gorrill Ranch grows premium quality Calhikari and short grain specialty varieties Koshihikari and Akitakomachi, commonly referred to as “Koshi” and “Akita.”

Calhikari was released as California’s first premium quality short grain variety and was first available for commercial production in 2001, according to the California Rice Research Board. It’s an early maturing semi-dwarf variety and exhibits a much greater yield potential and resistance to lodging than Japanese varieties, as stated in the Board’s report.

“Calhikari can average anywhere from 70 sacks (7,000 pounds) to 85-90 sacks on the high end,” Breckenridge says. “It’s a very strawheavy variety. But I say when the heads fall, that means it’s also a heavy crop.”

Koshihikari (Koshi) is a late maturing Japanese premium quality short grain while Akitakomachi (Akita) is a very early maturing Japanese premium quality short grain. Both exhibit excellent milling yield but have low yield potential.

“Akita yields can range from 60 to a little over 70 sacks,” Breckenridge says. “Koshi yields are all over the board, anywhere from 50 to 70 sacks. Even though it is considered the highest quality rice, it’s a very finicky variety to grow, and no matter what you do, Koshi always lodges; it does not stand up. And when it lodges, it doesn’t lodge like most varieties that just fall. It rolls itself over, forming a braided type pattern, which means that harvesting this variety is a long, slow process.”

Water Sources For Rice Irrigation In addition to variety choices, water sources also are an important component of rice production at Gorrill Ranch. The operation has historical water rights to Butte Creek, which provides surface water for irrigation, and wells, which provide

BILL HUSA/CHICO ENTERPRISE-RECORD

Calhikari, Koshihikari And Akitakomachi Rice Varieties

Rice operations manager Marc Breckenridge, accompanied by his lab Cosby, keeps harvest running smoothly in the fall.

Majority Of Gorrill Ranch Rice Is Dried & Stored On-Farm Rice operations manager Marc Breckenridge notes that Gorrill Ranch has both an on-farm dryer and on-farm storage.

“On-farm, we have certain bins set aside for the different varieties and types of rice. We identity-preserve (IP) the rice. When we switch varieties, we shut down the dryer, then go through a two-day process to clean everything out to avoid comingling the different types of rice.

After we complete that process, we can start up the dryers again.

“During harvest, rice is moved from the combines to the bankout wagons to the grain trailers,” he says. “Trucks haul the rice to the drying/storage facilities. In California, we usually don’t see any big storms hit until the end of October or the end of November. But as soon as that last trailer is in the yard, we are ready for the sky to open up and pour. Let it rain!”

RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

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groundwater.

“Some years when water is good and we get a nice snowpack, we can pull our water from Butte Creek and supplement every now and then with wells,” Breckenridge says. “It’s a blessing when we are able to do that.”

Gorrill Ranch also belongs to the Western Canal Irrigation District, which deals mostly with rice and pulls its water from Lake Oroville, which is fed by the Feather River.

Carrying On The Legacy: Maintain The Land In A Sustainable Way

In 1918, Ralph Gorrill erected a wooden dam on Butte Creek to irrigate his rice crop. Since then, the dam has been rebuilt with the help of environmental groups, federal and state agencies and private partners. It also has been a contributor to the salmon restoration on Butte Creek.

The restoration efforts of the Butte Creek watershed by environmental groups, together with private landowners and state and federal agencies, is showing results.

“The restoration there I think has clearly had a measurable response,” said Rob Titus, a senior Department of Fish and Game environmental scientist, as quoted in “Salmon Resurgence in Butte County,” by Peter Fimrite, San Francisco Chronicle, May 6, 2008.

The article stated that the fish count of Chinook salmon in 1987 was 14. The number counted in 1998 was 20,000.

Fimrite also reported, “The spring run in Butte Creek is doing exceptionally well. ‘For the fish, it’s a success story...,’” according to the California Department of Fish and Game’s Harry Morse.

The Butte County Revegetation and Restoration Project noted that during the period 1994 through 1997, several agricultural structures were removed, fish screens were installed and a new fish ladder was also installed. In addition, a minimum streamflow rate of 40 cubic feet per second (1.1 m3/s) is The restoration efforts maintained during the summer months. of the Butte Creek

watershed by environmental groups, together with private landowners and state and federal agencies, is showing results.

Specialty Short, Medium Grain Cultural Practices

Breckenridge explains that cultural practices for the short grain and medium grain varieties are similar.

“Every year, we deal with grasses, sedges and broadleaves, and, unlike the South, we don’t have many disease and insect issues,” he says. “We do make one fungicide spray when the rice starts to head out to protect against, or suppress, aggregate sheath spot and stem rot.

“At planting, we also have algae issues that we treat with copper sulfate and other products,” Breckenridge adds. “Algae problems have a lot to do with your water source or with liquid starter fertilizer that is sprayed on top of the soil. Some of the components of starter fertilizer promote algae in the field.”

When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Breckenridge says, “As rice operations manager at Gorrill Ranch, every day brings a new challenge and new reward. Working with the team we have on the ranch to grow the highest quality specialty short grain in the world makes the difficulty of growing some of these varieties a much easier task. Plus, who wouldn’t love to have California rice country as your office every day and to also call it home?”

10 RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

COURTESY OF GORRILL RANCH

Butte Creek Watershed Restoration Efforts

In 1918, Ralph Gorrill, an engineer by trade, purchased the land near Durham, Calif., that came to be known as Gorrill Ranch. According to his great-granddaughter Correen “Corrie” Nichols-Davis, Ralph liked the area so much that he built his home and raised his family there.

“He was very innovative in how he worked the land – surveying and leveling one section at a time – and developed the gravity-fed irrigation system that we still use today,” Corrie says. “It’s economical and environmentally efficient.”

After Ralph married Elizabeth (Lissie) Page in 1916, the couple had three daughters – Sally, Anne and Jane. Ralph’s three daughters continued Ralph’s legacy of innovation with large-scale engineering projects and additions to the physical plant. They diversified the rice operation with the purchase and development of tree crops, including prunes, almonds, walnuts and pecans.

The third generation (or the “Cousins Generation” – the 10 grandchildren of Ralph and Lissie) continued Ralph’s practice of earned loyalties and innovation. Business practices and employee benefit packages well exceed industry standards.

Today, the fourth generation (or the “Cousins and Beyond Generation” – the 13 great-grandchildren of Ralph and Lissie) are assuming leadership roles at strategic levels, bringing new energy and complementary experience to the ranch.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to come back and work for the family farm,” says Corrie, managing partner and chairman of the board. “Danny Robinson is our president, CEO and overall ranch manager. I am part of the fourth generation whose goal is to carry on Ralph’s legacy of maintaining the land in a sustainable way. We are working on educating the fifth generation so that they will be in a position to be the next stewards of the ranch.”

Portions of this section were contributed by www.gorrillranch.com.

Ralph Gorrill is pictured above with his three daughters. At left is Sally, who is Correen Nichols-Davis’ grandmother; Jane; and Anne.

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Is Scouting For Rice Diseases Effective?

Scout for presence and level of disease in each field

By Don Groth LSU AgCenter

I

n times when rice prices are low, producers must keep production costs low.

One area to save money is on fungicide applications. Applying a fungicide when needed can greatly improve the return you receive from a crop. But applying a fungicide when it is not needed will not increase yield, milling or the second crop.

Prediction of fungicide use is based on the susceptibility of the variety and, more importantly, scouting for presence and level of disease in each field. Remember, the only reason to apply a fungicide is to make more profit.

treatments at mid-boot.

The four treatments were an unsprayed check, Quadris at 9 oz/A, Quilt at 28 oz/A and Stratego at 19 oz/A. Plots were scouted for sheath blight infestations at panicle differentiation based on the percent positive stops method. Sheath blight severity, infestations and rice yield were determined.

Over all the trials and treatment combinations, fungicides significantly increased yields 50 percent of the time with an average yield increase of 592 lb/A (Table 1).

Neptune did not require spraying five of six

not included in the calculations, fungicides significantly increased yields 86 percent of the time with an average yield increase of almost 1,000 lb/A – plus we only used about twothirds of the fungicide as blanket applications to all fields, reducing costs.

Factors Contributing To Need For Fungicide

Knowing the disease reaction of a variety and scouting for sheath blight allowed for a more accurate prediction of fungicide needed and greatly increased fungicide yield response compared to blanket applications on every variety, every location and every year.

Table 1. Percentage significant yield increases and average yield increases (lb/A) for Quadris, Quilt and Fungicide applicaStratego fungicide applications compared to unsprayed check on the varieties CL151, Cheniere, Catahoula tions were counterproand Neptune at the Lake Arthur, Fenton and Rice Research Station locations in 2008 and 2009. ductive (yield losses) in cases where severe Fungicide Over All Trials Variety Based Scouting Positive Scouting + Variety No Neptune No Lake Arthur sheath blight was not present. The story is Quadris 46% (529) 56% (644) 63% (773) 75% (951) the same for blast if the variety is not susceptiQuilt 54% (667) 72% (832) 69% (848) 92% (1,070) ble and no leaf blast is present; a fungicide Stratego 50% (579) 61% (712) 69% (754) 92% (954) application is seldom Overall 50% (592) 63% (729) 67% (782) 86% (992) profitable. You may see some disease in the times because of its moderate resistance to field at the end of the season, but it takes a lot Field Test Results Here’s an excellent example of how scout- sheath blight. When Neptune was eliminated of disease to cause a significant loss.

That is why you should scout for sheath ing can improve the return from fungicide from the calculations, fungicides significantly applications: Sheath blight fungicide trials increased yield 63 percent of the time with an blight and other diseases. Less costs, more were conducted in 2008 and 2009 at three average yield increase of 729 lb/A. The Lake profits. locations – the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Arthur location did not exceed the treatment Station at Crowley, Lake Arthur and Fenton. threshold, and when it was eliminated from Dr. Don Groth is a plant pathologist, LSU Four varieties – CL151 (susceptible), Che- the calculations, fungicides significantly AgCenter in Crowley. Contact Dr. Groth at niere (susceptible), Catahoula (moderately increased yields 67 percent of the time with dgroth@agcenter.lsu.edu. This article was published in the May 1 issue of the LSU susceptible) and Neptune (moderately resis- an average yield increase of 782 lb/A. When Neptune and Lake Arthur were both AgCenter Rice Research Station News. tant) – were treated with four fungicide

12

RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

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Rice Market Update All factors suggest another year of lower prices

By Kurt Guidry LSU AgCenter

T

BRUCE SCHULTZ/LSU AGCENTER

he rice market has been in a mostly downward trending To this point in the marketing year, export demand performance has pattern since the start of 2015. Large production and sup- been mixed. On the positive side, long grain rough and milled rice plies from the 2014 crop have laid heavy on this market, exports are up about 16 percent from the previous year. Countering seeing futures prices falling from around $12 per hun- this stronger performance has been medium grain sales, which are dredweight ($19.44 per barrel) to start 2015 to the current level down nearly 35 percent for both rough and milled rice exports. around $10 per hundredweight ($16.20 per barrel).

Unfortunately, the improvement in long grain rice sales has appeared This steady decline in prices has been despite demand numbers and to do very little in supporting long grain prices while medium grain projections showing increases for total rice usage for the 2014/15 prices have seen downside reaction to the slower medium grain sales. marketing year. Given the price movement experienced over Long grain prices continue to struggle to find value as large supplies the last few months, it is fairly clear that the market has chosen to still exist despite improved export demand. In addition, a stronger dolfocus on the large supply situation lar and lower crude oil prices, limrather than the improved demand iting the purchasing power of situation. many countries, raises concerns Unfortunately, the supply situaabout the ability of long grain tion didn’t receive much relief from exports moving forward. Medium the planting intentions report, which grain prices have fallen on the showed total rice acres falling only lower export demand and have about 24,000 acres in 2015. Despite dampened one of the bright spots the downturn in prices experienced, in this market. both long grain and medium grain acres are only expected to fall by Current Medium Grain roughly 10,000 acres each. ReducSituation Rice Price Projection tions in long grain acres in With drought conditions in CalFor 2015/16 Marketing Year Arkansas were mostly offset by ifornia limiting medium grain pro$17 to $20 per barrel increases in acres in Louisiana and duction, medium grain prices were Mississippi. And reductions in attractive for much of 2014. And $10.50 to $12.35 per cwt. medium grain acres in California while drought conditions still exist, were mostly offset by increases in increased medium grain producacres in Louisiana and Arkansas. tion in other states has mostly offSo, without a downturn in yields set California’s reduced producin 2015, there doesn’t appear much to suggest an improving supply tion. And adding reduced export demand generates a much less and demand picture from the supply side. And while planting progress positive supply and demand situation for medium grain than was has been slightly slower than in previous years, there does not appear just one year ago. As such, medium grain rice offers have fallen to be significant potential for acreage shifts or yield impacts. from about $25 per barrel ($15.43 per cwt.) in 2014 to roughly $20 per barrel ($12.35 per cwt.) in 2015.

Demand Drives Price Support When all factors are considered for the rice market, it is difficult to With no signs of a significantly improved supply situation, it find a situation in which significant improvements in prices can be logappears that any price support will have to be generated from demand. ically projected. Unfortunately, without being able to project signifUnfortunately, total rice demand has historically been highly variable icantly lower production and markedly improved demand for the from year to year. Much of that variability stems from export demand, 2015/16 marketing year, it may take another year of these lower which can have big swings in rice sales to specific countries from year prices to move supplies and stocks into more manageable levels. to year.

As such, it would appear that rice prices are heading down a path While domestic use has been much more reliable but growing that would result in prices for the 2015/16 marketing year around about 1.5 percent each year, there isn’t likely enough growth poten- the $17 to $20 per barrel range ($10.50 to $12.35 per cwt). tial there to offset nearly 11 percent increase in total rice supplies for the 2014/15 marketing year. As such, any potential spark to prices Dr. Kurt Guidry is an agricultural economist with LSU AgCenter. will likely have to come from export demand.

Contact Guidry at KMGuidry@agcenter.lsu.edu.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Arkansas Century Farm Applications Due May 31 The Arkansas Agriculture Department would like to remind potential applicants that it is accepting applications for the 2015 Arkansas Century Farm program. The program recognizes Arkansas’s rich agricultural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and places no restrictions on the land. Since the program’s inception in 2012, 239 farms have been certified as Arkansas Century Farms.

To qualify for the program, farms must meet the following criteria: • The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2015. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

• The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson says, “The family farm is an Arkansas tradition – a way of life for generations of hard-working folks and a precious resource for all. In honoring those families who are part of this great tradition, the Arkansas Century Farm Program recognizes the historical relevance of the family farm and its important place in Arkansas’s future.”

Qualified applicants will be presented with a personalized metal sign and a certificate.

Only the legal owners of the land may apply.

There is no cost to apply for the Arkansas Century Farm program. Call (501) 683-4851 to obtain an application or visit this website: www.aad.arkansas.gov/Pages/programs.aspx. Applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2015, to be eligible for designation in 2015.

CA’s Emergency Legislation Underscores Drought Crisis Emergency drought legislation introduced at the state capitol on March 19 underscores the ongoing crisis facing California’s rural communities, according to the president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

CFBF President Paul Wenger thanked Gov. Brown and legislative leaders for their

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attention to the crisis and urged the state to move quickly to provide aid to rural residents whose livelihoods have been harmed by water shortages. Wenger also encouraged the state to move as quickly as possible to approve and build new water storage.

“Many California farmers face water cutbacks of 80 to 100 percent, and water shortages will force hundreds of thousands of acres of productive farmland to be idled,” Wenger said. “Tens of thousands of jobs will be lost on farms and in packinghouses and other rural businesses. People who work in those jobs form the backbone of our state’s rural economies. We appreciate the state’s efforts to help them through this difficult time.”

While tackling the short-term crisis, Wenger said, the state should also improve management of existing water infrastructure and adapt it to meet future needs.

“We need to have the reservoirs in place to capture more of those heavy rain flows, especially if we can’t count on the Sierra snowpack,” he said. “This winter, millions of acrefeet of water flowed to the ocean that might have been captured for later use.”

Wenger noted that California voters made it clear they want the state to build new surface storage, through their passage of the Proposition 1 water bond last year.

Farmers Embrace Drone Tech, Require Sound Policy To Soar According to the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s May 4 President’s Column, farmers and ranchers are eager to use airborne drones to improve their businesses, but they need flexibility to use these tools to their full potential.

The AFBF told the Federal Aviation Administration this in comments focusing on performance-based standards. The comments were part of the FAA rule on the “Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”

In his comments to the FAA, Dale Moore, AFBF executive director of public policy, said farmers and ranchers have increased their yields while reducing their environmental footprint, thanks to advances in precision agriculture.

“Drones are the next evolution in American agriculture,” Moore said. “Used properly, they let us grow more food on available land

using less water and fewer pesticides. Hightech cameras and other airborne sensors give us important tools with which to reduce erosion and keep agricultural runoff to the absolute minimum.

“Farmers need performance-based standards for drone use that promote innovation while keeping safety a top priority. For all the good they do, new technologies are not without risk,” Moore added. “Producers need to be able to manage these tools assured that their farm data is secure and cannot be used unfairly against them.

“Farmers and ranchers are ready to unlock the potential of new technologies in agriculture,” Moore said. “We’re hopeful that the FAA’s final rule gives them a key to do that safely and quickly.”

MS Delta Farmers Meet Initial Water Meter Goals On June 30, 2014, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) announced that the initial five percent phase of the voluntary metering program supported by the Delta Sustainable Water Resource Taskforce was met. The next milestone is to reach the additional five percent goal in each county by the end of 2015.

Currently, there are roughly 500 additional meters that need to be installed to fulfill the requirements of the voluntary program across the Delta.

MFBF President Mike McCormick stated, “As we met our initial five percent goal by the June 30 deadline, we continue to pursue reaching the remaining five percent mark by December 2015. Farm Bureau policy supported a voluntary approach to collecting this information about our water use.

“We supported the proposal for a voluntary program offered by the Delta Sustainable Water Resource Taskforce, and farm leaders in the Delta followed through on that agreement. This proves that in working together the Delta can unite toward a common effort. Farm Bureau and other organizations on the Taskforce continue to focus attention on reaching the other half of our metering goal and promoting water conservation measures and programs at every opportunity.”

Industry News continued on page 22.

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‘Great Strides, Great Sacrifices’ California rice farmers reduced water usage long before the drought

By Tim Johnson California Rice Commission

I

even less. Perhaps as much as a 30 percent reduction in plantings.

So when you see the green agricultural lands of the Sacramento Valley and those shallow flooded rice fields, know that water reductions have been made far in advance of this drought.

Also know that great sacrifice has been a reality as well. While I may lose my lawn, rice farmers are signing up for a second year of reduced crops and similarly lost income.

Tim Johnson is President/CEO of the California Rice Commission (CRC). His blog appeared on April 23 on the CRC’s website. For more blogs from rice growers, guest writers and the CRC, please visit CalRice.org.

BRIAN BAER PHOTOGRAPHY

n the upcoming weeks, the Sacramento Valley will look far from a drought. Farmers will start planting crops, joining the already fully leafed orchards. It will be verdant. To add to the illusion, rice planting will begin with acres of shallow flooded lands. You might wonder “How can this be a good use of water in a drought?”

Other questions may come to mind, including “What are farmers doing to conserve water? After all, it looks like me and my urban neighbors will be letting the lawn die.

Surely farmers are being asked to make cutbacks.”

In fact, farmers have been making both great strides and great sacrifices in the face of drought.

For decades, farmers have Tim Johnson, CRC President/CEO been using technology to use every gallon well. The drip systems we will all be relying on this year to make our urban landscapes stretch were developed not at Home Depot but rather in agriculture. Growers also use moisture sensors to ensure that water is only applied to the crop when it is needed.

Rice farmers are no exception. Over the last three decades, they have reduced water use by 30 percent. While drip systems are impractical, we have used technology specifically adapted to the crop.

Varieties, Soils And GPS Technology First, plant breeders developed shorter stature rice. For a plant that naturally grows over six feet tall, finding a natural rice gene that grew plants only three and a half feet tall was a boon in water savings.

Now all rice varieties are semi-dwarf, just like many fruit trees.

Second, rice production has shifted to heavy clay soils that keep the five inches of water right on the surface.

Rice farmers have also adopted GPS technology that allows them to precisely level their fields. The five-inch water depth is uniform across the field – not deeper at one end than the other.

Finally, farmers, especially rice farmers, have cut back the total number of acres they have farmed. In 2014, this meant a 23 percent reduction in rice planting. This year, with less snow pack, it will be RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

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RICE PRODUCERS

FORUM

Trans Pacific Partnership USRPA will continue to work with the Mexican Rice Council to negotiate a satisfactory outcome for the TPP.

M Dwight Roberts President and Chief Executive Officer USRPA

The USRPA still believes in listening to their customers in Mexico and will continue to work with the Mexican Rice Council to negotiate a satisfactory outcome for the TPP and help them obtain what they believe will allow continued, economically feasible access to U.S. rough rice.

exico is the largest market for U.S. rice, and it appears that one of the consequences of the new Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement is to take that market away.

It is clear that our negotiating team thinks autos, computers or financial services are more important because there’s no explanation for our side abandoning our best market. As we saw in 2014, lowpriced Asian rice flooded Mexico and will do it again if the new trade agreement makes it law.

This reminds us of the initial phase of the Central American Free Trade Agreement negotiations when the first question asked by the US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) to the loyal customers was: “What do you want in the FTA that will allow us to continue to supply your market?”

At the time, the U.S. rice sector enjoyed a 99 percent share of the market, and the repercussions of free trade were hazy.

And Central America’s response to the question was: “We want access to rough rice in the United States or we cannot guarantee we will buy U.S. rice on a milled basis. We receive offers from Asia every day.”

The exhaustive negotiations were one of the defining issues in the establishment of the USRPA. We were told over and over again that rough rice exports would cripple the U.S. rice industry.

Farmers Need Every Alternative So then let’s ask, “Where would the U.S. rice farmer be today if the alternative to ship his rough rice to Mexico, Central America, South America or wherever the customer wants to buy wasn’t an option?”

I don’t have to answer that question because farmers know they need every alternative available.

If sales to Mexico fall 50 to 75 percent, the consequences for rice farmers are

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horrendous. We must do everything in our power to hold on to the market for U.S. rice in Mexico.

During the past five years, Mexico has averaged 885,000 tons of rice imports making it the largest importer in the Western Hemisphere. With a population today of 120 million people, rice consumption and imports will continue to grow as consumers of low and medium income are more familiar with the benefits of consuming rice. Expected population increase will contribute as well.

Access To U.S. Rough Rice The USRPA is committed to help U.S. rice farmers maintain the current 90 percent market share and therefore stands with the Mexican Rice Council in an effort to avoid another wave of low-priced Vietnamese rice into their market as was the case in 2014. Our current depressed market situation can be contributed to the government policies of southeast Asia and the subsequent dumping of cheap rice in the world market.

The USRPA still believes in listening to their customers in Mexico and will continue to work with the Mexican Rice Council to negotiate a satisfactory outcome for the TPP and help them obtain what they believe will allow continued, economically feasible access to U.S. rough rice.

Mexican Rice Council As Pedro Schettino, President of the Mexican Rice Council stated, “The US Rice Producers Association understands our market and what it means to their farmers, and we greatly appreciate their support on all these vital issues.”

The USRPA continues to be the only national rice producers’ organization comprised of producers, elected by producers and representing producers in all rice-producing states.

Please visit www.usriceproducers.com.

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Reduce Cost, Not Quality Passion, preparedness and perseverance pay off

J

ohn Durand’s father was one of nine children raised in the agriculture industry. He farmed for a short time but left to start a construction company – the only sibling to break from the family business. However, Durand chose the path of generations before him. As a kid, he spent time each summer on the family farm where he rode equipment and helped his grandfather. He discovered a passion for the land and preferred to work with nature rather than build on it.

“My dad was happy as long as I was happy,” Durand says. “He told me, ‘It’s a rough road,’ but I stayed with it. I like the challenge and seeing the results of my work on the crop.”

Fast forward 15 years. Durand now farms 2,800 acres in Louisiana, including 1,000 rice acres. To get to where he is today, he learned through others in the industry and firsthand experiences.

“I had good reps who came to the farm and coached me,” he says.

“I watched what my uncles and others were doing. I absorbed little pieces here and there and put them all together. A lot of it was trial and error.”

Soybean Rotation For Red Rice Control Durand’s farm has a history of red rice, which for a time he combated by planting a Clearfield variety the second year of his ricecrawfish rotation. In 2012, he saw an alternative. He introduced soybeans into his two-year rotation. As soybeans suppress more red rice each year, Durand plans to plant additional conventional rice varieties.

“Soybean prices were up, so we decided to try it on our idle land, and it did well,” Durand says. “We make some profit, but most important, it suppresses red rice. We have it tamed now, but if we let it get out of hand, it’ll bounce back and bite us.”

You can never truly be prepared because every crop year is different, Durand says. His rice harvest was good last year, but he attributes a slight yield loss to rushed planting because of wet weather. This year, planting started similar to last year. Early March was wet and cold, causing delays. While this can set June crops back, Durand also is concerned about his fall ratoon crop.

“A few years ago, we planted in the latter part of March,” Durand says. “There wasn’t yield damage on the first crop, but the ratoon crop was shy. The cold fronts came in October and November, causing plants to go dormant and not ripen.”

Maximize Inputs In Challenging Rice Market With the rice market down, Durand emphasizes the importance of developing a weed management plan that supports the highest yield potential.

“Things aren’t looking good for the market, but we go out there and do what we can to get the highest yields. We don’t cut back on herbicides and fertilizer because they make us money,” he says.

Durand targets yellow nutsedge, alligatorweed and barnyardgrass

Louisiana rice farmer John Durand says improvements in herbicides and varieties help him maximize productivity.

in his pre-flood application. Depending on which weeds are breaking, he applies Grasp Xtra or RebelEX herbicide.

“The spectrum of Grasp is very broad, and it controls barnyardgrass, our biggest enemy,” he says. “When it’s time for permanent flood, we’ll apply two ounces of Grasp or Grasp and Permit, and we’ll annihilate weeds that are starting to break as soon as possible.

“In the Clearfield system, we use the same practice, except we’ll apply Newpath with Grasp on our second application of Newpath.

Normally, that’ll get everything out of the way because Command is doing a good job on the sprangletop.”

Technology Delivers More With Less Since those days on his grandfather’s farm, Durand has seen major improvements in weed control. He’s impressed with the ability to produce more with less.

“The herbicides keep getting better,” Durand says. “In the past, we had a couple to choose from. Now we have the ability to use different modes of action to stay on top of weed control. There also are new varieties that help improve yield and milling quality to maximize productivity.”

As technology capabilities expand, growers can add more weed control methods to production. In the end, that reduces costs but not quality, Durand says.

Dow AgroSciences contributed this article.

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SPECIALISTS SPEAKING DR. JARROD HARDKE ARKANSAS Rice Extension Agronomist University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service jhardke@uaex.edu A wet spring leading to delayed planting results in plenty of issues in rice. Beyond the concerns of potential yield reductions and a late harvest, later planting typically increases the chances of running into increased disease problems.

Late planting increases the risk of problems with bacterial panicle blight (BPB), which can be devastating in years it develops at high levels. There are no options for managing this disease other than host plant resistance. Currently, the only dependable recommended options are RiceTec hybrids or Jupiter. Two other cultivars – Taggart and Mermentau – have shown promise in artificial field situations and greenhouse testing, but haven’t been verified under natural BPB conditions. I would use caution with those two The symptoms of rice blast include lesions that can be seen on all parts of the cultivars until we learn more, but they do appear to be bet- plant. Pressure typically increases as the season progresses. ter than other cultivars except the hybrids and Jupiter.

Last year, many were reminded that blast isn’t gone and shouldn’t Management of blast is achieved through host plant resistance, water be forgotten. Blast pressure increases as the season progresses, so later management and fungicide applications. If a field does not have the plantings will be at greater risk when planting susceptible cultivars. water capacity to maintain a deep, adequate flood throughout the

Later planting increases disease risk

Cultural practices DR. LUIS ESPINO CALIFORNIA Rice Farming Systems Advisor UCCE laespino@ucanr.edu Diseases are a continuous threat in California rice production. Early on, seed rot and seedling disease can kill seeds and seedlings and reduce stand. Bakanae can also kill young seedlings, although its symptoms might not appear until after tillering, blanking panicles of infected plants. During tillering, stem rot and aggregate sheath spot can infect plants and, under favorable disease conditions, kill tillers. Blast can infect foliage and panicles, killing plants or blanking infected panicles.

Cultural practices like variety selection, seeding rate, fertility and rice straw management can influence disease incidence and severity. Fungicides are only recommended for control of aggregate sheath spot, stem rot or blast. Use of certified seed with good vigor will ensure fast seed germination, reducing the likelihood of seed rot and seedling disease. The use of sodium hypochlorite during seed soaking has reduced bakanae infections tremendously, to the point where it is rare to find bakanae infected plants in fields planted with treated seed.

Plant density can have an effect on the incidence and severity of stem rot and aggregate sheath spot. To avoid dense stands, the

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recommended seeding rate in most cases is 150 pounds per acre.

Blast and stem rot are favored by excess nitrogen fertilization.

Growers can experiment by varying their typical nitrogen rate by five percent in a portion of a field and in that way arrive at a nitrogen rate that maximizes yields without causing disease outbreaks or excess lodging. The application of a mid-season topdress should be assessed using the color chart or a chlorophyll meter.

Besides nitrogen, water management also affects the incidence and severity of blast. Water seeding reduces blast transmission from seed to seedling, and therefore is recommended over dry or drill seeding. Fortunately, in California most of the rice acreage is water-seeded. Also, continuous flood limits blast development.

Generally, fields that are drained for a herbicide application, stand establishment or fields that have lost their water during early crop development tend to have more severe blast infections.

Variety selection also plays an important role in blast infection and development. Rice varieties M-104 and M-205 have the least tolerance to blast. If these varieties are planted in areas where blast is endemic, a fungicide treatment may be necessary to prevent disease development. M-208 is the only rice variety resistant to blast in California. Rice straw management also plays a significant role in the cycle of most diseases. Rice straw can serve as inoculum for bakanae, stem rot, aggregate sheath spot and blast.

Elimination of straw by burning, incorporation, winter flooding or removal can reduce the amount of inoculum present in the field before planting. However, straw elimination is not a guarantee of a blast-free field because the blast fungus produces spores that can travel from infected to uninfected fields during the season.

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SPECIALISTS SPEAKING growing season, it is increasingly important to choose a cultivar with increased tolerance to blast. If a field is surrounded by tree lines that will prolong dew periods, again cultivar selection is critical. Keep in mind that fungicides do not provide 100 percent prevention of panicle and/or neck blast. There are fields in Arkansas where blast cannot be managed with fungicide applications alone, but only with cultivar selection (plant resistance). If you have a field with questionable water availability, surrounded by tree lines and a history of blast issues, then properly selecting a more blast-resistant cultivar is extremely important.

In situations where we can successfully manage blast on susceptible cultivars, it is recommended that two fungicide applications be made – the first application at boot-split to 10 percent heading, and the second application approximately seven days later (~75 percent heading) but before the panicles completely emerge from the boot.

Successful fungicide applications must be preventative. Once the panicle and/or neck is infected, there’s nothing we can do.

A threshold exists for initiating treatment with a fungicide to manage sheath blight. Begin scouting at mid-season and continue through 50 percent heading. For cultivars rated very susceptible (VS) and susceptible (S), treat when 35 percent of stops are positive for sheath blight and the upper two to three leaves are threatened. For moderately susceptible (MS) cultivars, treat when 50 percent of stops are positive for sheath blight and the upper two to three leaves are threatened. For kernel smut and false smut, there is no treatment threshold. For susceptible cultivars, a single fungicide application is recommended between boot and boot-split, but before heading. Applications made after panicles begin to emerge from the boot are too late. Treat based on knowledge of cultivar susceptibility and field history.

With most rice diseases, risk increases as we increase production inputs such as seeding rate and nitrogen rate. This is especially true of sheath blight and the smuts. Manage inputs for optimum production, but avoid overages that will increase issues with disease. It’s much easier to manage slight disease pressure than intense disease pressure. Even cultivars with some tolerance to a disease may be overcome if conditions are optimal for their development. Disease management should involve sound agronomic management practices including cultivar selection, seeding rate, fertility, scouting and appropriately timed fungicide applications only when needed.

For more information on rice disease management in Arkansas, please refer to the MP154 – Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide – 2015 and the Arkansas Rice Production Handbook.

Be aware of blast DR. BOBBY GOLDEN MISSISSIPPI Extension Rice Specialist bgolden@drec.msstate.edu The 2014 Mississippi rice growing season was highlighted by several odd occurrences (mostly related to environmental conditions).

One of those was widespread leaf blast throughout the Delta. Generally speaking, blast is a rare occurrence in Mississippi. However, with the increase in cultivated acres on silt loam textured soils,

several challenges increased the incidence of blast. Lighter soil classes, where maintaining a flood can become problematic, can increase the likelihood of blast occurrence. Other states in the Mid-South, namely Arkansas and Louisiana, observe more blast on an annual basis because their acreage is predominantly cultivated on silt loam soils. General guidelines for blast management indicate that fungicide applications to prevent yield loss as a result of the leaf blast phase may not be economically beneficial, especially when miss-timed. More importantly, reducing the occurrence of the neck blast phase can be achieved by utilizing “field” resistant techniques.

For 2015, rice farmers should be aware that the majority of conventional rice varieties cultivated throughout the Mississippi Delta are likely at least rated as susceptible to the rice blast pathogen and should be scouted frequently. Best management practices to increase field resistance include reducing dense canopies by proper N fertilization and reducing seeding rates to help minimize the occurrence of long durations of leaf wetness. Monitoring and maintaining the flood by reducing areas in a field where flood levels may become low (< 4 inches) has been observed to reduce the risk of blast development.

Dr. Tom Allen contributed to this article.

Scouting for disease is fundamental DR. DUSTIN HARRELL LOUISIANA Extension Rice Specialist dharrell@agcenter.lsu.edu In order to effectively manage diseases in rice, you have to remember that rice disease development is a function of the variety or hybrid you have chosen to plant, presence of the disease pathogen and the current environment for that pathogen to develop. The most common diseases in rice that we can use a fungicide to manage include blast, sheath blight, cerscospora (narrow brown leaf spot; NBLS) and the smuts (kernel smut and false smut).

Scouting is an important in-season tool to determine the presence and severity of rice diseases, particularly for sheath blight and blast.

One of the best methods of scouting for sheath blight was taught to me by Dr. Saichuk several years ago when I first began working in rice. First, scouting for sheath blight should begin in earnest at green ring for very susceptible (VS) rice varieties, panicle differentiation (PD; approximately 1/2-inch internode) for susceptible varieties (S) and approximately seven days later for moderately susceptible (MS) varieties.

When scouting a field, we want to make sure our disease evaluation is based on the whole field not just a localized area of a field. An easy way to do this is by taking a minimum of 50 evaluation stops with a minimum of 50 steps between stops. The “50 stops and 50 steps” rule can change if more than one person is helping scout a field. In the verification program, if we have five people scouting, we will usually start at different locations of the field and do a 10-stop transect each.

If you are strapped for time and are scouting alone, it is acceptable to reduce the 50 stops to a minimum of 10 stops. It just won’t be as RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

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SPECIALISTS SPEAKING thorough as a 50-stop evaluation. At each stop, you will want to evaluate if the disease is present on approximately a three-foot section by opening up the canopy. You can use a homemade push pole to do this. The push pole can be inexpensively made out of 1/4-inch PVC pipe. If you record a positive stop, you may also want to subjectively rate the severity of the disease from one to 10. A one rating would indicate that only one or two lesions were present and a 10 rating would be a complete infestation. Also, look around to see if the typical sheath blight “bird-nest” damage is present. If so, count the stop as a positive one and move on. Once you are out of the field, compile the positive stops and determine if spraying is justified.

Typically, if you are growing a variety that is rated as VS (CL111, CL161 and Cypress) or S (Catahoula, Cheniere, CL151, CL152, CL261, CL271, Cocodrie, Jazzman-2, LaKast and Mermentau) for sheath blight, consider spraying if you have three out of 10 positive stops. If you are growing a variety that is rated MS (Antonio, Caffey, CLXL729, Colorado, Jazzman, Jupiter, XL723 and Taggart) for sheath blight, consider spraying when five out of 10 stops are positive. Typically, if a moderately resistant (MR) variety is grown, we would not spray unless five out of 10 stops were positive and the severity was rated five or greater. Research by Dr. Groth has shown that sheath blight is best controlled when applied between early boot and heading. If sheath blight is found early and is severe (five or greater rating), a PD+7 application followed by the boot-to-heading application may be necessary.

Once a decision to spray for sheath blight has been made, determine which fungicide to use and the appropriate rate. A strobilurin fungicide like Quadris, Equation or Gem is recommended for sheath blight. Also, strobilurin and propiconazole premixes like Quilt, Quilt Xcel and Stratego can be used if you also want protection from blast, NBLS and smuts. However, if strobilurin-resistant sheath blight is known to be on your farm or has been located on a nearby farm, you will need to use a carboxamide fungicide like Convoy or Sercadis.

Please refer to the labels for appropriate rates.

Control NBLS DR. M.O. “MO” WAY TEXAS Rice Research Entomologist moway@aesrg.tamu.edu

Well, it continues to rain here in Beaumont – Groundhog Day over and over… From March 1, 2015, to April 28, the Beaumont Center has received 17.8 inches of rain! In addition, cooler than normal temperatures prevail. Nevertheless, I have not received any calls concerning poor stands. It’s too late now for most farmers to treat seed with a fungicide(s), but environmental conditions this year vividly demonstrate the importance of protecting your seed from seedling diseases.

We all know weather can have a huge impact on disease and other pest problems, which in some cases can be enhanced by wet, cool weather. So, because of the atypical weather we are experiencing now, we need to scout our fields extra carefully! We may experience new pest problems or certain old pest problems may become more severe. Be on the lookout for any atypical pest problems this year and be sure to notify your local rice scientists about your observations.

Seems like I get more questions about narrow brown leaf spot (NBLS) than any other rice disease, so I will try to say a few words about this disease. NBLS has been reported to cause yield losses up to 40 percent as well as premature ripening and milling quality reductions. This disease is caused by the fungus, Cercospora janseana, which overwinters in the soil on plant debris. Thus, conservation tillage/no tillage can exacerbate NBLS severity. A bad infestation in Louisiana occurred in 2007 when Dr. Don Groth surmised the disease got its start overwintering on rice debris in crayfish ponds.

Spores are airborne with infections becoming more severe and noticeable as rice matures. The fungus attacks foliage, sheaths,

Typical sheath blight "bird-nest" damage can be seen in some rice fields.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MOODY GARDENS

SPECIALISTS SPEAKING

The Rice Technical Working Group meeting will be held at the beautiful Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, from Feb. 29 through March 4, 2016. Please make plans to attend!

internodes, panicle branches and hulls of rice. You all are familiar with the symptoms that are very diagnostic – short, linear (parallel with leaf veins), narrow, brown lesions on the foliage. I commonly observe symptoms on the internodes of ratoon rice. These lesions are reddish-brown and extend up and down the internode. I know when you control insect pests, like rice water weevil and stalk borers, in the main crop, you get a yield boost in both main and ratoon crops.

I suspect the same may hold true for NBLS – control it in the main crop and you may get a benefit in the ratoon crop. In addition, low N levels are associated with more severe NBLS infestations. There are reports that NBLS can be more severe in potassium-deficient soils, but I do not know the reason(s). However, potassium concentration in soil is greatest during early growth of rice and gradually declines to low concentrations coinciding with NBLS symptom expression during boot and heading.

Probably the best management practice for NBLS is to plant resistant varieties, but be aware that disease resistance can be short-lived, which is why our rice pathologists routinely evaluate new and old varieties for resistance to various diseases. Dr. Shane Zhou’s recent evaluations rate Antonio, CL111, CL151, Chenier, Cocodrie, Colorado and Presidio as susceptible to NBLS. Resistant varieties include CLXL729, CLXL730, CLXL745, Jasmine 85, XL723 and XL744. For a complete listing go to the following link: https://beaumont.tamu.edu/eLibrary/Bulletins/2014_Rice_Production_Guidelines.pdf, pages 4648 of the 2014 Texas Rice Production Guidelines.

Another good management tactic is to reduce cutting height of your main crop which Shane found reduces severity of NBLS in the ratoon crop. This can also help control stalk borer damage in the ratoon crop. As far as chemical control, fungicides with the active ingredient propiconizole should be applied mid to late boot. But, be sure to follow label instructions!

One last comment: Texas is hosting the 2016 Rice Technical Working Group meeting in Galveston at Moody Gardens from Feb. 29 through March 4, 2016. We invite and encourage you to attend – bring your family and enjoy the Texas Gulf Coast!

These rice disease management comments for Texas were coauthored by Dr. Mo Way and Dr. Shane Zhou.

Late-planted rice and disease pressure SAM ATWELL MISSOURI Agronomy Specialist atwells@missouri.edu I hope we get enough rice planted this year to have potential disease problems. It’s April 25, and we are less than five percent planted.

We have a few hundred acres of our clay soils that have been water-seeded. So, we will have to scout as usual and see how all this late-planted rice responds to disease pressure during the season.

Diseases reduce yield and quality and increase production cost.

Although disease pressure has been relatively low in Missouri for the past few years, we did have a couple of blast hot spots found on CL151 last year. Increasing inputs and adapting new high-yielding varieties may make us more vulnerable. Don’t let your guard down.

High-yielding conventional varieties need to be scouted closely for early disease detection, then quick foliar fungicide applications can be made in a preventive manner. Hybrid varieties generally have a better disease package, but don’t forget them.

We need to pay special attention to blast again this year due to the late planting. Rice development will be pushed back further into hot weather where some farmers have problems with pumping enough water. Hot weather and lack of water induce blast. This will be a compounding problem for farmers that intend to plant more rowrice or furrow-irrigated rice.

Along with blast, we recommend scouting weekly for sheath blight, straighthead, bacterial panicle blight, narrow brown spot, leaf spot, stem rot, black sheath rot and kernel and false smut. Descriptions of all rice diseases and their control can be found in the new UAR Rice Production Hand Book and MP 154 Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide.

The Missouri rice growers and I want to thank the University of Arkansas and other universities for sharing their rice information and recommendations.

RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

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INDUSTRY NEWS MFBF Discusses Rice Insurability Issues With RMA On April 14, MFBF Rice Advisory Committee members Marvin Cochran and Wayne Dulaney led a roundtable discussion with officials from the USDA Risk Management Agency, MSU Extension Service and USDANRCS in Stoneville concerning topics related to rice insurability.

Cochran stated, “We had a good dialogue with officials from RMA about key issues concerning insurability in regard to several rice production irrigation management practices. I believe we provided RMA with information needed to move forward to include these practices in policy. We will be providing additional on-farm data with the help of the MSU Extension service to RMA as well.”

Hoppe Honored In Baton Rouge An accomplished rice grower, a veteran conservationist and a pioneer in ag aviation were inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction, which annually honors individuals who make extraordinary contributions to Louisiana agribusiness.

The 2015 inductees were Jimmy Hoppe of Jeff Davis Parish, Lucien Laborde of Hamburg in Avoyelles Parish and Edwards Barham of Oak Ridge in Morehouse Parish who was honored posthumously.

Hoppe, who retired from farming in 2012 and now runs a specialty rice-packaging business, was recognized for his long list of accomplishments as a rice grower. Known

for his advocacy of sustainable practices and efficient use of resources, Hoppe was named U.S. Rice Farmer of the Year in 1999.

He is also known for his contributions in cutting-edge agricultural research and working with the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station.

The Hall of Distinction is presented by Louisiana Radio Network in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the LSU AgCenter.

High-Tech Grain Bins May Hold Big Value From the other side of the world, Clemson University’s Kendall Kirk can activate a fan on his grain bin in Blackville that could prevent thousands of dollars in lost crop value. The automated grain bin can sense an overnight dip in humidity and shut off the fan to avoid over-drying the grain. The fan turns back on automatically if temperatures and moisture levels call for it. Kirk, meanwhile, can sleep soundly knowing the value of his grain is protected.

“This bin is like a bank. If you put $250,000 in your bank, you don’t want to come back in nine months and find $150,000,” he says.

Automated bins also reduce the chance of accidents by limiting the need to enter bins to identify problems. Farmers store grain to hedge market prices, as well as to keep harvests on schedule even if freight transport is unavailable. Improperly stored grain can be damaged by mold, insects, condensation and other factors. Too much moisture can lead to mold, while excessive moisture loss causes grain to lose weight and value.

“The manually managed grain bins will never be able to optimize grain shelf life the way an automated bin can,” Kirk says.

Post-Flood Weed Escapes

Louisiana Radio Network Farm Director Don Molino, left, with honoree and Jeff Davis Parish rice farmer Jimmy Hoppe.

22 RICE FARMING • MAY 2015

It’s important to continue to scout fields throughout the entire season because weeds missed in a pre-flood herbicide application can reduce yield post-flood if they are not effectively managed. Aquatic species in particular thrive post-flood. They generally are found in thin stands of rice and water-seeded fields. Establish a solid rice stand to reduce the potential number of aquatic weeds, as

well as the potential for diminished yield caused by direct competition for nutrients, sunlight and moisture post-flood.

“A post-flood weed control program combats weed pressure and keeps the crop strong and healthy through harvest,” says Larry Walton, field scientist, Dow AgroSciences. “Pay close attention to post-flood application timing, as it is important to fill in coverage gaps and control weed escapes.”

Grasp Xtra herbicide can be applied up to 60 days pre-harvest. With two modes of action Grasp Xtra delivers strong broad-spectrum control of weeds, including barnyardgrass, morningglory and aquatic species that break through pre-flood applications in conventional and Clearfield production systems.

Clincher SF herbicide also is a strong option for post-flood weed control in fields with barnyardgrass and sprangletop escapes, Walton says. Growers can apply Clincher up to 60 days preharvest for control of a wide spectrum of grasses.

CALENDAR • June 2-4: 2015 Rice Market and Technology Convention, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun, Mexico.

Visit ricemtconvention.com.

• June 9-12: RMA 116th Convention, Grand Wailea, Wailea, Hawaii.

Go to usarice.com and click on the RMA 116th Convention under Upcoming Events to register.

• June 30: Deadline to send in nominations for the 2015 Rice Awards: Rice Farmer of the Year, Rice Industry Award and Rice Lifetime Achievement Award.

Go to www.ricefarming.com to download the nomination form.

• July 1: 106th Rice Research Station Field Day, Crowley, La.

Please send any calendar announcements to csmith@onegrower.com.

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