Feature Story

Rice farming’s rewards and challenges in today’s environment By Carroll Smith When Trey Daniel, Brandon Rodgers and Jason Smith entered Arkansas State University (ASU), the three young men joined a fraternity and enjoyed the camaraderie and support of being among a...

Healthier plants result in higher yield potential, milling quality Healthier rice plants cope much better with stresses such as diseases and inclement weather, resulting in higher yield potential and milling quality. And more rice producers are improving their plant health...

Sixth generation California rice farmer thinks outside the box BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR Many years ago, John Browning was one of the first people to raise rice in the heart of the Sacramento Valley. Today, his great grandson, Fritz Durst, is...

Decision hailed as an important step in rice industry unification On Jan. 4, USA Rice Federation announced that the Mississippi rice industry is now a USA Rice Federation member, bringing Mississippi rice farmers together with farmers from other rice-producing states...

Rice farmers reflect on family, wildlife and their love of the land The California Rice Commission posts blogs on its Web site by California rice farmers and others associated with the industry. The first two blogs featured here are by...

Missouri farmer finds a new way to bring rice into the rotation BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR Dennis Robison, who farms in the Missouri Bootheel, is typically in a 50/50 rotation between rice and soybeans on 2,600 acres. For the most part, this...

Careful planning and an experienced staff are keys to success BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR Sam and Jim Whitaker grew up farming with their mother and father, then took over the operation when their father retired. All total, this past year marked the...

Both the environment and the economy realize benefits BY JUSTIN FRITSCHER NRCS-MISSISSIPPI Farmers and ranchers who use conservation practices on their land help clean water and air. Their operations are more efficient, and they promote the wise use of natural resources. USDA’s...

Humanitarian rice research is making a difference Rice is one of the globe’s most important food staples. About half of the world’s seven billion people eat rice every day. Unfortunately, about 50 million acres of rice is grown in flood-prone...

Arkansas farmer strives to grow good quality seed rice BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR Mark Wimpy, who farms just south of Jonesboro, Ark., raised his first seed rice in the mid-1980s. Today, he is still a seed rice producer for Cache River Valley...

Impressive lineup offered for upcoming growing season It goes without saying that variety/hybrid selection is one of the most important decisions that a rice farmer has to make during the winter planning time. Following are quite a few offerings for...

Late pilot willed MSU an $8 million bequest of real estate By Amy Cagle MSU Foundation Willis Durden “Dan” McGeary left Mississippi to follow his dream of becoming a pilot, but he never once forgot his connection to his home state or...

By Kurt Guidry LSU AgCenter The fundamental supply and demand situation was provided a small boost with the release of the USDA’s November supply and demand report. For much of 2012, the rice market has been fairly stagnant as lackluster demand...

MSU showcases BMPs, making farms models of sustainability By Bonnie Coblentz MSU Ag Communications Much of agriculture’s success depends on effective water management, which must be done to keep both farmland and surrounding areas healthy. Agriculture was a $6.7 billion industry...

U.S. rice industry committed to taking proactive stance By Carroll Smith Editor Almost three years ago, buyers in the rice industry were getting requests from end users about sustainability and U.S. rice farming sustainability practices. Today, sustainable agriculture has become a...