Texas Rice Industry Strategizes Over Research, Politics, and Water
Recently, El Campo, Texas, was the place to be for the Western Rice Belt Production Conference, inside the warm and dry El Campo Civic Center. Rainy weather didn’t hinder growers and sponsors alike from across south Texas from gathering and gearing up for the upcoming planting season. Also in attendance were USA Rice staffers Jamison Cruce, vice president of government affairs; Kane Webb, director of field services; and Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of both The Rice Foundation and the Rice Leadership Development Program.
Ralph Novosad, chair of the planning committee welcomed everyone and turned the program over to Corrie Bowen to guide the group through the agenda of presentations. Multiple topics of interest were discussed, beginning with Paul Goetze’s presentation on kernel smut research, current events in rice production from Dr. Sam Rustom, and new herbicide technology in rice with Dr. Connor Webster.
As important as the ongoing research, the group also received an update from Kelly Payne, vice president of water operations for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), on water availability and pricing, an increasingly critical aspect of production for many south Texas growers. Other presentations covered Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pesticide applications, and the Texas A&M Rice Water Smart Project.
During the luncheon, winners of the Rice Poster Contest were recognized, chosen from more than 90 submissions from area students. Tommy Turner gave the Texas Rice Council Report and USA Rice’s Cruce addressed the group and answered questions on the recent American Relief Act provisions, the work being done in Washington, DC, by USA Rice as focus shifts to the new administration, and getting a meaningful Farm Bill passed with the new Congress.
“As member of the planning committee, I was very pleased with the attendance and the producers’ attention given to the speakers,” said Daniel Berglund, a rice farmer from Wharton, Texas. “It was also a very good opportunity for producers to visit and share some of their thoughts and concerns going into the 2025 crop year.”
Dr. Natalie Graff with Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center echoed many of the points made by Cruce in her Farm Policy update, and shared charts highlighting the areas where essential improvements for the rice industry need to be directed for a more secure future for rice growers.
The event was a great success – well attended, well sponsored, and well fed, Texas style!
— Shelby Young
Nutrien Ag Solutions, GameKeepers of Mossy Oak Unite to Celebrate Conservation
Nutrien Ag Solutions is excited to announce a collaboration with Mossy Oak, along with their conservation arm, the GameKeepers. Mossy Oak is recognized in the outdoor lifestyle community for their dedication to land stewardship, conservation, and love of wildlife. Together, they are united in working toward a shared goal to care for the land and create a lasting legacy for future generations. This collaboration underscores their focus on our farmers’ sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts, aiming to educate and inspire communities engaged with farming and the outdoors.
A Shared Commitment
Nutrien Ag Solutions has been a trusted partner to farmers since 1983, offering agronomic solutions that drive growth and assist in preserving the land for future farmers. With over 2,000 selling locations globally, and over 4,000 crop consultants, they provide knowledge and access to a wide range of products and services tailored to each farm’s unique needs.
Founded in 1986, Mossy Oak has established itself as a leader in conservation, known for its innovative camouflage designs and dedication to hunting and land stewardship. Central to this mission is the Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak, a brand that unites sportsmen around shared values of wildlife and land conservation. Like Mossy Oak, Nutrien Ag Solutions shares a commitment to balancing today’s harvests with helping growers maintain the land’s long-term health and productivity.
Bridging Agriculture and the Outdoors
This collaboration is an opportunity to showcase commitment to farming and conservation, spreading a message to all that are passionate about the land.
“By working with the GameKeepers, we have the opportunity to tell our story of conservation in a way that resonates with those that share a passion for both hunting and farming,” said Brian Knifong, head of marketing for Nutrien Ag Solutions. “Together we’re celebrating the advancements farmers use to produce high-quality crops, while helping farmers maintain the land for future generations.”
A Transparent Vision for Agriculture
Together, Nutrien Ag Solutions and the GameKeepers of Mossy Oak will highlight how modern production agriculture is evolving and the efforts driving innovation in the industry.
As Mossy Oak’s and the GameKeepers preferred agricultural retailer, Nutrien Ag Solutions will provide valuable agronomic insights to the Mossy Oak community. Nutrien Ag Solutions will advise on sustainable farming practices, including water management, soil health, and crop nutrition, helping outdoor enthusiasts better understand agriculture’s vital role in conservation.
“As two organizations deeply rooted in conservation, we’re excited to work together to inspire farmers and outdoor enthusiasts to continue caring for the land,” said Bobby Cole of Mossy Oak GameKeepers. “Through this collaboration, we hope to provide a clearer, more transparent view of agriculture’s role in sustainability, showing that farmers are not just feeding the world – they’re doing so in ways that protect the land and its future. Through the Gamekeepers television show, magazine, and podcasts, we want the experts at Nutrien Ag Solutions to teach us the latest farming technology and learn how to apply it to farming for wildlife.”