In Memory: Robert M. Bor
As published in the May 7 edition of USA Rice Daily, The USA Rice Federation mourns the passing of Robert M. Bor, 90, of Silver Spring, Md., who was general counsel for the USA Rice Federation at the time of its formation in 1994.
A practicing lawyer for 55 years, Bob Bor served in the Office of General Counsel for the United States Department of Agriculture, as chief counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and as an expert in administrative law with the firm of Winston and Strawn.
He was highly respected by USA Rice’s membership, and, in particular, his work with the USA Rice Producers’ Group on farm policy issues was deeply appreciated. USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Bob Bor.
LSU AgCenter Rice Cam
The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Rice Cam will show the progress of a foundation seed production field of the variety CL111. The field was planted on March 25 at a seeding rate of 40 pounds per acre. CL111 is a very early long-grain Clearfield variety that will be widely grown throughout Louisiana as well as the Southern U.S. rice production region. To view the cam, go to: http://www2.lsuagcenter.com/ricecam/.
App Saves Farmers’ Lives
Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of death among farmers and claim about 250 lives each year, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These accidents are deadly because they often occur far away from farmers’ homes or roads. They may be unable to reach a phone to call for help. Now, University of Missouri researchers have developed an app for smartphones that uses GPS systems to locate farmers who have rolled their tractors.
The app, called VRPETERS (Vehicle Rollover Prevention Education Training Emergency Reporting System), uses sensors and GPS capability built into smartphones that can detect rollovers. Once the app detects a rollover, it sends an automatic emergency email and phone message with the coordinates of the accident location to family or emergency responders.
“Since more and more farmers already have their phones with them, installing VRPETERS could help save lives,” says Bulent Koc, assistant professor of agricultural systems management at MU and developer of the app. “Many farmers think they can jump out of their tractors in the event of a rollover, but this isn’t the case usually. So, VRPETERS can benefit farmers when a rollover occurs because they often can’t reach their phones to make an emergency call.”
Once fully tested on a standard tractor, Koc and Liu will look for an industry partner to market the app.
Natural Biostimulator Available In California
Kelpac, a natural biostimulator extracted from freshly harvested Ecklonia maxima kelp, is scientifically proven to increase the health, quality and yield in a wide variety of crops – including rice – according to Caltec Ag Inc.
For improved germination and initial root growth, the recommended use is 1:400 Kelpac dilution with sanitary seed soak. For improved yield and quality, the recommended use is the first foliar spray of 2 pt/A at the start of tillering. Repeat foliar application of 1 pt/A to 2 pt/A at the start of panicle initiation. In rice, Kelpac improves germination and root growth and increases tillering, number of panicles, yield and 1,000 grain weight. It also reduces lodging.
To learn more, contact your Wilbur-Ellis representative.