To say you’re sustainable is one thing. But to put numbers to that statement — and numbers that show substantial improvement in using resources more efficiently — is quite another. USA Rice recently released the executive summary of its “2018 U.S. Rice Industry Sustainability Report” that cataloged the industry’s improvements during the past 36 years. We’re not talking small gains, ... Read More »
Tag Archives: Wildlife Habitat/Winter Flooding
California governor signs winter rice field habitat incentive bill
California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill 2348, also known as the “California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program.” Carried by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), the legislation authorizes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to contract with private landowners or lessees to flood rice ground for at least 70 days between Oct. 15 and March 15, according to the ... Read More »
Rice + Fish = Ecological Benefits
Farmers join with environmental groups on projects that benefit salmon and keep agriculture viable. Read More »
Study adds evidence that rice fields can aid salmon rearing
Idle rice fields in the winter can act as surrogate floodplains to help rear juvenile salmon, according to a recently published study. Read More »
A ‘ducky’ partnership
Rice-focused conservation program draws from public and private funding to help growers install on-the-ground improvements. Read More »
Rice-duck partnership to receive $15 million in USDA conservation funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to provide $225 million in funding to 88 Regional Conservation Partnership Programs, including two that involve a partnership between Ducks Unlimited and USA Rice. Read More »
NRCS to expand shorebird conservation efforts in Louisiana
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has added 11 new projects, including one that protects Louisiana shorebirds, to its efforts that help agricultural producers make wildlife-friendly improvements. Read More »
It’s wait and see on the 2017 Louisiana crawfish season
Crawfish may spend a good part of their life in water, but flooding at the wrong time could affect reproduction and survival. One of the keys to the 2017 season will be how fast producers are able to pump recent floodwaters, along with accompanying predacious fish, off their ponds. Read More »
NRCS opens RCPP sign-ups in Texas rice belt
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has begun taking applications for the National Rice Regional Conservation Partnership Program in Texas. Read More »
Ecosystem Services
CRC partnerships help fuel conservation in rice fields By Paul Buttner, Environmental Affairs Manager, California Rice Commission This was another eventful year as the California Rice Commission (CRC) successfully helped deliver programs to growers who willingly engage in wildlife conservation. It was especially gratifying that, in this third year of drought, our partnerships with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) ... Read More »