New CRC Blog- A Revolution, One Blog at a time

By Jim Morris

It might not seem destined for the history books like the industrial or high tech revolutions, but we are in the midst of a social media revolution. Information sharing is now largely done via a computer or smart phone.

Adaptation has been a key to success for California rice farmers. They use GPS technology to ensure fields are level to maximize efficiency, have shifted to shorter rice plants that produce more grain and largely changed from burning fields after harvest to flooding them to decompose straw.

The California rice industry has also been at the forefront of social media outreach. Twenty-five farmers and industry members contribute to the California Rice Blog. Popularity has grown dramatically. The blog page is the most viewed on our CalRice.org website and the number of people reading the blogs has more than doubled in the last year. In recent days we’ve heard from followers from Italy and Thailand, so the California rice story is definitely of global interest.

Family farmer Josh Sheppard was one of the first rice bloggers and has provided a steady number of written and video posts about life on the farm. He was recently honored by the Butte County Farm Bureau for his efforts.

Josh with his son, Jack

The Farm Bureau last night also recognized vital businesses celebrating milestones this year. The Rice Experiment Station, a critical link to commercial rice production, was acknowledged for their centennial.

Senator Doug LaMalfa congratulates RES Director Kent McKenzie

The Schohr Ranch was honored for their 150th anniversary and it was great to see thenumber of family members in attendance.

Butte County FB President Stacy Gore with the Schohr Family

And Lundberg & Lundberg, represented by their fourth generation of rice farmers, received recognition for their centennial.

Gore with the Lundbergs

These awards offer a glimpse at why California rice has prospered for the last century. It’s amazing what hardworking families willing to adapt to a changing world can do!

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Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.