Since 1992, Rice Farming magazine, the USA Rice Federation and an industry entity, which this year is Horizon Ag, LLC, have sponsored the annual
Rice Awards.
Originally, the program began with the Rice Farmer of the Year Award, then evolved into the Rice Farmer of the Year, the Rice Industry Award and the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award. Every year, we’ve been honored to present these awards to deserving individuals who have excelled personally
and professionally in the U.S. rice industry.
The recipients of this year’s awards are: Mark Wimpy, Rice Farmer of the Year; Dr. Rick Cartwright, Rice Industry Award; and Jacko Garrett, Rice Lifetime Achievement Award. We congratulate them all!
However, the kudos don’t stop there. The U.S. rice industry is full of individuals who work hard, are forward-thinking and spend almost every day looking for ways to improve their operations, bring new technology to the market, work with Congress on behalf of the agriculture sector or enhance wildlife habitat. And these are just a few specific examples.
As you browse through this issue of Rice Farming, those topics and more are addressed in detail. For instance, check out the article “Program Designed To Reduce Drift” on page 6. Complaints about herbicide drift have been in the spotlight in recent years, and ag pilots have received their share of criticism in this arena.
However, as you will see in this article, these pilots are participating in a voluntary program in Louisiana to test their airplanes’ spray systems to make sure they have an even distribution. It’s not a mandatory program. They weren’t required to do it. They volunteered to take part. And, to their credit, no problems were found in airplanes from all five companies tested at the fly-in.
I am proud to report on all aspects of the U.S. rice industry, which is recognized for its work ethic and integrity. Yes, we congratulate our 2011 Rice Award winners – Mark, Rick and Jacko. They epitomize who we are as an industry. But, at the same time, give yourself, as a member of this industry, a round of applause, too, because you are all winners.
Send your comments to: Editor, Rice Farming Magazine, 1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, Tenn., 38119. Call (901) 767-4020 or e-mail csmith@onegrower.com. |
