Editor
It’s that time of year again! Planting is just beginning, if not already well underway, and the speed of the year seems to be picking up. In keeping with the busy time of year, this month’s issue has a little bit of everything.
Peter Bachmann, CEO of USA Rice, details the impact of tariffs as they relate to the rice industry on page five: “Amidst all the Washington chaos about the short- and long-term impacts of import tariffs and retaliatory tariffs by many of our trading partners, there is still untapped potential for improved market access, economic growth, and a chance at leveling the playing field.”
On page six, Brad Watkins, professor at the University of Arkansas, breaks down the current state of crop share for rice in the Mid-South: “Crop share arrangements tend to change little over time, but increasing crop prices, rising input costs, or new technologies make it occasionally necessary to reevaluate the equitability of crop share arrangements for both parties.”
This month’s cover story features an interesting look at different ways to maintain rice fields to maximize food supply for crawfish in Louisiana: “Ratoon-specific practices include bushhogging the stubble; rolling the main-crop stubble following harvest with an implement that incorporates it into the soil; or spreading of the straw to prevent clumping; and the reduction of regrowth in the combine row.”
In ag law and policy news, Brooke Rollins has officially been confirmed as the new Secretary of Agriculture. Read more about her on pages 10 and 11. In addition to this policy news, you can read about California revisiting the current state ban on driverless tractors beginning on page 14.
Don’t miss the Specialists Speaking section this month! Sam Rustom, Texas rice specialist, gives his perspective as a former weed scientist on weeds in rice: “Early season weeds tend to be more competitive with crops, especially rice, meaning this is the most important time to be aggressive with herbicides. As a matter of fact, this rice weed scientist turned specialist will tell you there’s never a time to not be aggressive with herbicides prior to flooding.”
I really enjoyed this month’s My Turn and know you will, too! Jim Whitaker, McGehee, Arkansas, native, wrote about his life growing up farming, the importance of leadership and the checkoff, those that work on our behalf every day in the industry, and even his secrets to success.
There will be no shortage of information this month, so I hope you all get a chance to read amongst the craziness of this time of year. I’m praying for a smooth planting season and am already looking forward to hearing the stories the season will bring!