Editor
It’s that time of year to pick back up on our print issues of Rice Farming! I always enjoy the changing of the seasons, and this time of year is no different as we embark on a new round of magazines. From hurricanes to a presidential election, there was no shortage of big events. This December issue of Rice Farming is always one of our biggest issues, too.
Beginning on page 5 with the USA Rice column, Peter Bachmann discusses the necessity of a new and functional Farm Bill: “Food security is national security, and our rice farmers are essential to maintaining the U.S.’s position as a global leader in food production. When farmers don’t have access to viable safety nets and resources authorized and provided through the Farm Bill, we endanger not only our domestic food supply but also our standing in the global agricultural market. If our domestic farms falter, our country’s ability to feed itself — and the rest of the world — is at risk.”
We have a new rice specialist in Texas! Sam Rustom, Texas A&M AgriLife assistant professor and Extension agronomist, has already contributed his first round of comments in our Specialists Speaking section starting on page 8. He details how the Eagle Lake area had a great start with timely one-inch rains, only to be followed by Hurricane Beryl: “Fast forward to July 8, and here comes Hurricane Beryl to crush all of the aforementioned optimism. Being such an early hurricane, very few growers were able to get some of their earliest-planted rice out of the field, leaving the rest vulnerable to the storm.”
Other specialists, including Drs. Jarrod Hardke and Justin Chlapecka shared
details of their rice after Hurricanes Francine and Helene. My thoughts and prayers are still with those who went through any of the major hurricanes this year.
Be sure to check out our Rice Awards section beginning on page 9. The Rice Awards are sponsored by Horizon Ag, Rice Farming, and USA Rice. This program highlights three honorees for their contributions to the success of the U.S. rice industry through the Rice Farmer of the Year, the Rice Industry Award, and the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipients of the 2024 Rice Awards are as follows: Michael Fruge, Rice Farmer of the Year; Jason Norsworthy, Rice Industry Award; and Al Montna, Rice Lifetime Achievement Award. Wish them congratulations! They will be honored at Rice Outlook in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dec. 8-10 this year.
Our annual Rice Variety and Hybrid Seed Guide is located on pages 19-21.
Dyna-Gro, Horizon Ag, and RiceTec have shared their 2025 offerings. Feel free to take this information into consideration when making your 2025 rice plans.
Last, but certainly not least, is our newest column to the magazine: My Turn. This has been a noteworthy column in our Cotton Farming publication over many years, and I thought the rice industry would enjoy reading these stories of individuals in our industry. Our first writer is the beloved Whitney Isbell Jones. Go read her touching words on freedom and innovation on her family’s farm on page 22.
I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!