Editor
It’s that time of year where I’m reminded what an honor it is to be the editor for Rice Farming magazine. With the industry being as connected and vital as it is here in the United States, it’s no wonder why I’ve grown fond of this crop and the people who care for it.
Speaking of honor, this month’s cover story, beginning on page eight, explores the Boettcher family. Situated between Eagle Lake and East Bernard, Texas, Andrew Boettcher has taken this farm from 30 acres to 300 in just a short span. Read more about his story and his plans to continue growing while he honors his family with his crop.
Max Alves, a rice grower from California, discusses his first Rice Leadership program session beginning on page 13 in this month’s Industry News section: “As a rice farmer from California, it was a privilege to tour in one of the most dynamic and innovative rice-producing regions in the world, exploring the rice industries in Texas and Louisiana to see how our partners in the South approach rice farming, milling, and trade. It gave me valuable insights into the similarities, differences, and challenges we all face in this industry.”
I’m eager to get Mississippi back in our Specialists Speaking section this month with Dr. Will Eubank joining as the new statewide rice specialist for Mississippi State University: “Over the past five years, Mississippi has seen increases in furrow-irrigated rice acreage, culminating in 2024 with 30% of the acreage being in FIR production. Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani J. G. Kuhn) and rice blast (Pyricularia grisea Cavara) are two major disease concerns for furrow-irrigated rice producers in the Mississippi Delta. In Mississippi, disease incidence and management of rice sheath blight has not been well documented in FIR. Thankfully, during my doctoral degree program, I worked to address that to an extent.” Read all of this month’s specialist comments discussing disease control beginning on page 19.
Finally, make sure to read this month’s My Turn column written by Dr. Steve Linscombe. His dedicated years in the industry have been full of learning and success. Read more of his story on page 22.
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet numerous people in this industry already who have helped teach me, guide me, and inspire me. I know we can all think back to the ones who’ve helped us over the years to get us where we are today, and I think there’s a lot of beauty in that. I’m immensely grateful for all my rice people, and I look forward to meeting and working with more in the future. It’s truly been an honor.