Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes." describes the important role family farmers and ranchers have played in preserving the icon of the Sacramento Valley. Hubbartt conducts educational programs about the Buttes and was recognized with a Spirit of Freedom Award sponsored by the Marysville Appeal-Democrat for his dedication to the environment. He has collected images for this volume from the Community Memorial Hospital of Sutter County, the Sutter County Historical Society, neighboring libraries and many local families.Thursday, December 30, 2010
New Guest Blog Video: The Sutter Buttes, Part Three: Ranching Heritage
Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes," describes the generations of family farms and ranches that provide the backbone of the area economy.
Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes." describes the important role family farmers and ranchers have played in preserving the icon of the Sacramento Valley. Hubbartt conducts educational programs about the Buttes and was recognized with a Spirit of Freedom Award sponsored by the Marysville Appeal-Democrat for his dedication to the environment. He has collected images for this volume from the Community Memorial Hospital of Sutter County, the Sutter County Historical Society, neighboring libraries and many local families.
Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes." describes the important role family farmers and ranchers have played in preserving the icon of the Sacramento Valley. Hubbartt conducts educational programs about the Buttes and was recognized with a Spirit of Freedom Award sponsored by the Marysville Appeal-Democrat for his dedication to the environment. He has collected images for this volume from the Community Memorial Hospital of Sutter County, the Sutter County Historical Society, neighboring libraries and many local families.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Three videos from the 2010 Lincoln Christmas Bird Count
-Watch Overview VideoEd Pandolfino of the Audubon Society describes the 2010 Christmas Bird Count in Lincoln, which is part of a long tradition of bird counts conducted throughout the United States.
-Field Observations
Natural Resource Specialist Chris Conard discusses findings during a tour of rice fields and other rural areas, as part of the 2010 Christmas Bird Count in Lincoln.
-Find out the Results
Ed Pandolfino of the Audubon Society shares results from the 2010 Christmas Bird Count in Lincoln, which included spotting more than 130 wildlife species in ricelands and other rural areas.
Monday, December 27, 2010
New guest video blog: History in the Gold Country
Sacramento resident Marielle Tsukamoto tells the inspirational story of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony.
The California Rice Commission is a proud supporter of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Project.
The California Rice Commission is a proud supporter of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony Project.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
New Guest Blog - Learn about the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area from Dave Feliz of the State Department of Fish and Game
Partnership and innovation define the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
By Dave Feliz, Area Manager for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
The Central Valley was once the site of approximately four million acres of wetlands. This was the winter home for millions of waterfowl and shorebirds every year. Nowhere else on earth did such concentrations of waterfowl gather in one place. This was truly the jewel of the Pacific Flyway.
Government efforts to restore wetland habitats began with the creation of the Los Banos Wildlife Area in 1929. Locally, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was established in 1997. I arrived 12 months later.
In 2001, we were presented with an opportunity to purchase a large in holding within the Wildlife Area. This 3,000-acre set of parcels was part of the larger Glide holdings which included the Glide Tule Ranch. Incredibly, all of the Glide property in the Yolo Bypass was available for purchase. Of course we wanted it. The Tule Ranch contained vernal pools and historic duck hunting clubs. This was a golden opportunity to turn the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area into a world-class wildlife refuge.
The 3,000 acres south of Interstate 80 was called the Causeway Ranch. It was being used to grow tomatoes, safflower, milo and other row crops. During one wet spring, row cropping was delayed until it became impossible. That was the year wild rice was grown on the Causeway Ranch.
It is certain that rice is difficult to grow south of Interstate 80 because of its proximity to the Sacramento Delta. Cool evening breezes in the summer inhibit the maturation of rice, so extraordinarily long growing seasons are needed to grow a crop for market. To say the Causeway Ranch is substandard rice country would be an accurate description of its potential.
The acquisition of land is rarely accompanied by the money necessary to manage it. True to form, our acquisition of nearly 13,000 acres in 2001 came with no additional operating funds. However, this property was annually producing crops and other agricultural commodities. With the vague notion of somehow harnessing this income annually produced by farmers, we planned to incorporate agriculture into the business plan of managing the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
Enter the Dixon Resource Conservation District. Through a Master Ground Lease, they are able to sub lease parts of the Wildlife Area to sub tenants to grow agricultural crops. Lease payments are made to the RCD, 15 percent of these funds are kept by the RCD, and the remainder is available for the operation of the Wildlife Area.
So, nine years later, the government’s acquisition and management of sub prime rice ground in the floodway is a reality and it must be asked, was it a good idea? Is this the best use of this land?
One trip through the Causeway Ranch reveals our answer. Since the land is public, anyone can drive through the Causeway Ranch. A public tour route brings you right through a working rice farm, managed by Jack Dewit. If you make this trip in mid summer, you’ll see deep green fields of growing short grain rice, cool weather varieties bound for the markets of Southeast Asia. In other fields, chaotic tumbles of wild rice represent a more specialized crop. During autumn and winter months, the harvested fields are flooded and there may be a hundred thousand ducks and geese feeding in the stubble. This is habitat that more than pays for itself and contributes to the local economy.
Additionally, some fields are fallowed each year and managed for shorebirds during the mid summer south bound migration. This technique was invented right here at the Wildlife Area and now 200 acres of summer shorebird habitat is a regular part of the rice lease. There are advantages to the State managing this property. Unlike a private landowner, our bottom line is not monetary, but instead focuses on the development of wildlife habitat. In this case, we are willing to give up additional income in favor of being able to present 200 acres of shorebird habitat every summer. Within 6 weeks, these fields are drained. They are then dominated by alkali bull rush and watergrass. In other words, they are now fine waterfowl units.
The Wildlife Area is also home to a thriving population of Giant Garter Snake, a wide variety of birds of prey abound, and when the Yolo Bypass floods, it provides important flood plain habitat for juvenile salmon and adult splittail, a native minnow.
The property is open to the public for bird watching, hunting, hiking or just to take in the view. There are monthly tours led by expert docents and a successful environmental education program. This “Discover the Flyway “ program is administered by the Yolo Basin Foundation and hosts nearly 4,000 students a year. They learn about wildlife habitat created in wetlands and rice fields. More importantly, they learn about important land use decisions society has supported within the flood control system of Northern California. Together we have created a public asset for the Northern California community and a model for how Delta solutions can be developed.
By Dave Feliz, Area Manager for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
The Central Valley was once the site of approximately four million acres of wetlands. This was the winter home for millions of waterfowl and shorebirds every year. Nowhere else on earth did such concentrations of waterfowl gather in one place. This was truly the jewel of the Pacific Flyway.
Government efforts to restore wetland habitats began with the creation of the Los Banos Wildlife Area in 1929. Locally, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was established in 1997. I arrived 12 months later.
In 2001, we were presented with an opportunity to purchase a large in holding within the Wildlife Area. This 3,000-acre set of parcels was part of the larger Glide holdings which included the Glide Tule Ranch. Incredibly, all of the Glide property in the Yolo Bypass was available for purchase. Of course we wanted it. The Tule Ranch contained vernal pools and historic duck hunting clubs. This was a golden opportunity to turn the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area into a world-class wildlife refuge.
The 3,000 acres south of Interstate 80 was called the Causeway Ranch. It was being used to grow tomatoes, safflower, milo and other row crops. During one wet spring, row cropping was delayed until it became impossible. That was the year wild rice was grown on the Causeway Ranch.
It is certain that rice is difficult to grow south of Interstate 80 because of its proximity to the Sacramento Delta. Cool evening breezes in the summer inhibit the maturation of rice, so extraordinarily long growing seasons are needed to grow a crop for market. To say the Causeway Ranch is substandard rice country would be an accurate description of its potential.
The acquisition of land is rarely accompanied by the money necessary to manage it. True to form, our acquisition of nearly 13,000 acres in 2001 came with no additional operating funds. However, this property was annually producing crops and other agricultural commodities. With the vague notion of somehow harnessing this income annually produced by farmers, we planned to incorporate agriculture into the business plan of managing the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
Enter the Dixon Resource Conservation District. Through a Master Ground Lease, they are able to sub lease parts of the Wildlife Area to sub tenants to grow agricultural crops. Lease payments are made to the RCD, 15 percent of these funds are kept by the RCD, and the remainder is available for the operation of the Wildlife Area.
So, nine years later, the government’s acquisition and management of sub prime rice ground in the floodway is a reality and it must be asked, was it a good idea? Is this the best use of this land?
One trip through the Causeway Ranch reveals our answer. Since the land is public, anyone can drive through the Causeway Ranch. A public tour route brings you right through a working rice farm, managed by Jack Dewit. If you make this trip in mid summer, you’ll see deep green fields of growing short grain rice, cool weather varieties bound for the markets of Southeast Asia. In other fields, chaotic tumbles of wild rice represent a more specialized crop. During autumn and winter months, the harvested fields are flooded and there may be a hundred thousand ducks and geese feeding in the stubble. This is habitat that more than pays for itself and contributes to the local economy.
Additionally, some fields are fallowed each year and managed for shorebirds during the mid summer south bound migration. This technique was invented right here at the Wildlife Area and now 200 acres of summer shorebird habitat is a regular part of the rice lease. There are advantages to the State managing this property. Unlike a private landowner, our bottom line is not monetary, but instead focuses on the development of wildlife habitat. In this case, we are willing to give up additional income in favor of being able to present 200 acres of shorebird habitat every summer. Within 6 weeks, these fields are drained. They are then dominated by alkali bull rush and watergrass. In other words, they are now fine waterfowl units.
The Wildlife Area is also home to a thriving population of Giant Garter Snake, a wide variety of birds of prey abound, and when the Yolo Bypass floods, it provides important flood plain habitat for juvenile salmon and adult splittail, a native minnow.
The property is open to the public for bird watching, hunting, hiking or just to take in the view. There are monthly tours led by expert docents and a successful environmental education program. This “Discover the Flyway “ program is administered by the Yolo Basin Foundation and hosts nearly 4,000 students a year. They learn about wildlife habitat created in wetlands and rice fields. More importantly, they learn about important land use decisions society has supported within the flood control system of Northern California. Together we have created a public asset for the Northern California community and a model for how Delta solutions can be developed.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Guest video blog: The Wakamatsu Story
American River Conservancy Executive Director Alan Ehrgott outlines efforts to preserve history in California’s Gold Country.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Guest video blog: The Sutter Buttes, Part Two: Its History and Mystery
Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes." describes the important role family farmers and ranchers have played in preserving the icon of the Sacramento Valley. Hubbartt conducts educational programs about the Buttes and was recognized with a Spirit of Freedom Award sponsored by the Marysville Appeal-Democrat for his dedication to the environment. He has collected images for this volume from the Community Memorial Hospital of Sutter County, the Sutter County Historical Society, neighboring libraries and many local families.Thursday, December 16, 2010
New book- Rice Nutrient Management
New book- Rice Nutrient Management in California
As a flooded crop, rice presents unique fertility management problems. Fertilizer application benefits plant health and grain quality, however, misuse of fertilizers can damage crops, contaminate the environment, and waste money.
With increasing fertilizer prices, the need to focus on careful nutrient management is greater than ever. This guide walks you through the steps needed to analyze your situation so you can make more informed decisions about nutrient management for your crop.
Chapters cover the basics from soil types and how flooding affects soil fertility to a complete analysis of 7 nutrients along with salinity, pH and other toxicities. Also included is a chapter on nutrient management for organic rice.
This full-color manual is illustrated with 74 figures, illustrations, and photographs, and 23 tables. A measurement conversion table, a glossary, and extensive references round out this essential guide.
With increasing fertilizer prices, the need to focus on careful nutrient management is greater than ever. This guide walks you through the steps needed to analyze your situation so you can make more informed decisions about nutrient management for your crop.
Chapters cover the basics from soil types and how flooding affects soil fertility to a complete analysis of 7 nutrients along with salinity, pH and other toxicities. Also included is a chapter on nutrient management for organic rice.
This full-color manual is illustrated with 74 figures, illustrations, and photographs, and 23 tables. A measurement conversion table, a glossary, and extensive references round out this essential guide.
Blog post by Nicole Montna Van Vleck: A Lasting Legacy
The Leopold Award is a coveted conservation award given out to agriculturalists in eight different states each year, and is named after conservationist Aldo Leopold. My father, Al Montna, was this year's recipient of the award at the California Farm Bureau Convention.
The message of "sustaining agriculture and wildlife" that appears on the sign in front of our ranch at Montna Farms is pervasive throughout our farming operation because of his ideals to create a better environment for agriculture, waterfowl and people. He began as a leader in conservation practices such as the phasing out of the burning of rice fields and replacing that practice with flooding fields after harvest to provide valuable habitat for migrating waterfowl. Later, he enrolled over 2,000 acres into permanent agricultural easements that also greatly benefitted waterfowl in the winter. This land that currently is covered in Tundra Swans, duck and geese will never have a strip mall or housing development on it. My dad's vision will keep it in agriculture forever.
I believe Aldo Leopold would have been proud of his accomplishments just as I am.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.
Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
The message of "sustaining agriculture and wildlife" that appears on the sign in front of our ranch at Montna Farms is pervasive throughout our farming operation because of his ideals to create a better environment for agriculture, waterfowl and people. He began as a leader in conservation practices such as the phasing out of the burning of rice fields and replacing that practice with flooding fields after harvest to provide valuable habitat for migrating waterfowl. Later, he enrolled over 2,000 acres into permanent agricultural easements that also greatly benefitted waterfowl in the winter. This land that currently is covered in Tundra Swans, duck and geese will never have a strip mall or housing development on it. My dad's vision will keep it in agriculture forever.
I believe Aldo Leopold would have been proud of his accomplishments just as I am.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
UCCE Winter Rice Meeting Schedule
The University of California Cooperative Extension will hold their 2011 Winter Rice Meetings at four locations in January, including:
January 18:
8:00 AM – Noon Evangelical Free Church, Richvale
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Glenn Pheasant Hall
January 24:
8:00 AM – Noon Granzella’s, Williams
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Veteran’s Hall, Yuba City
Further information will be posted when available.
January 18:
8:00 AM – Noon Evangelical Free Church, Richvale
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Glenn Pheasant Hall
January 24:
8:00 AM – Noon Granzella’s, Williams
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Veteran’s Hall, Yuba City
Further information will be posted when available.
New blog post from Tom Butler: Back from Mississippi
I’m just back in the office after spending the last few days in Biloxi, Mississippi at the USA Rice Outlook Conference. This conference, open to anyone who is involved in the rice industry, is held yearly in one of the six states that provide nearly all of the rice grown in America. It is a time to meet with colleagues and old friends to share stories about the past year, for Federation committees to old their quarterly meetings, and to cover the issues facing our industry as a whole."Sustainability" was easily one of the top three words I kept hearing throughout the conference. Certainly a popular buzzword around all agricultural circles, it is an issue that is rapidly emerging among the most pressing in our industry. I heard a great report given by Jennifer James of the USA Rice Federation, who has spent a great deal of time trying to tackle the parameters and even the definition of sustainable rice farming for everyone. As you can imagine, the definition of sustainability varies so much that you could ask 13 people you met on the street what they thought it meant, and you could expect 13 different definitions. Being from an industry that prides itself on conservation, frugal water use, and giving back to the habitat and area we live, I feel confident that our message fits well with anyone's definition of sustainability.
As my week ended with the alumni dinner for current and past Rice Leadership class members, we got to welcome in the class of 2011. I've talked in the past what an outstanding program Rice Leadership is, and I was proud to see two more California guys make it into this select class this year. I know that they will enjoy the program as much as I have, and look forward to hearing about their experiences as well.
All in all, it was a great way to get away from the rainy season of the Sacramento Valley for a week.
More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Video blog post: Learn more about the Sutter Buttes from author Michael Hubbartt
Michael Hubbartt, author of "Images of America, The Sutter Buttes." describes the important role family farmers and ranchers have played in preserving the icon of the Sacramento Valley. Hubbartt conducts educational programs about the Buttes and was recognized with a Spirit of Freedom Award sponsored by the Marysville Appeal-Democrat for his dedication to the environment. He has collected images for this volume from the Community Memorial Hospital of Sutter County, the Sutter County Historical Society, neighboring libraries and many local families.Friday, December 10, 2010
Video post by Lauren LaGrande: Life in Maxwell, CA
Lauren LaGrande is the latest in a family farming tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. She is a sophomore at Maxwell High School and is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basketball and softball. When she’s on the farm, you’ll often see her with her trusted companion, Hank, the family dog. Lauren’s great-grandfather grew his first rice crop in the Sacramento Valley in 1916 and the family has continued this tradition ever since.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
News Release - RICE GROWER MONTNA WINS 2010 LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD
Sand County Foundation, the California Farm Bureau Federation and Sustainable Conservation, today named Al Montna of Yuba City as the 2010 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in California. New video from Lauren LaGrande: Winter preparations on the family rice farm
Lauren LaGrande is the latest in a family farming tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. She is a sophomore at Maxwell High School and is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basketball and softball. When she’s on the farm, you’ll often see her with her trusted companion, Hank, the family dog. Lauren’s great-grandfather grew his first rice crop in the Sacramento Valley in 1916 and the family has continued this tradition ever since.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Guest video blog from farmer Don Bransford: "Rice fields provide critical wildlife habitat"
Don Bransford: This fourth-generation family farmer has grown rice in Colusa County since 1980. Don has a long history of service to the community and agriculture, including nearly 30 years on the Board of Trustees and Governing Board for the Colusa Unified School District. He currently serves as President of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District. Don’s interests include photography, as he enjoys capturing the majestic wildlife often seen in his rice fields. Don and his wife Diane have four children.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Guest Blog Post: Family rice farm among the finalists for prestigious conservation award
Since 2006, Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the California Farm Bureau Federation and Sustainable Conservation, has identified outstanding landowner conservationists across California and recognized them with the Leopold Conservation Award (www.leopoldconservationaward.org). This year, we have the pleasure of adding a rice farmer, Al Montna, to the distinguished list of Leopold Conservation Award recipients.Aldo Leopold believed that farmers and ranchers best understood how to nurture the land that gives so much back to them. His perspective is still relevant today. One simply needs to look at Al Montna and the two finalists for this year’s award, Bill and Kay Burrows and Tim Koopmann, to realize that improvements to grassland, water quality and wildlife habitat can, indeed, go hand in hand with a successful agricultural operation.
Al Montna’s operation consists of over 2,500 acres of specialty short grain rice in Sutter County. His remarkable commitment to the enhancement of natural resources has led him to implement several conservation practices on his land. Among other efforts, he helped pioneer the practice of knocking rice stubble down into the flooded fields, rather than burning it, which creates winter habitat for many wildlife species. This process allowed Montna Farms to bank and sell Emission Reduction Credits for added revenue. He also monitors the quantity and quality of water on his farm and utilizes laser leveling of his fields, which results in lower herbicide costs due to better water management. In 2008, Al built a solar power facility to offset energy usage at Montna Farms Rice Dryer.
Bill and Kay Burrows employ Holistic Management techniques in the operation of their ranch. They work to improve the biodiversity on their land, increasing the productivity of the soil, plants and animals. The Burrows run cattle, as well as meat goats and sheep for brush control. Bill and Kay also engage in community outreach, hosting an annual “Stewardship Day” at the ranch.
Tim Koopmann is a third generation rancher who owns and operates a cow-calf operation, which he has been able to maintain due to conservation easements that were the first of their kind in Alameda County. Koopmann was instrumental in the creation and implementation of a pioneering approach to watershed management, which has improved water quality in the Alameda Creek watershed, as well as San Francisco Bay.
You likely know someone who deserves to be recognized in this manner. I ask that you take the time to honor their good work by nominating them for a Leopold Conservation Award in 2011. You will be doing your part to ensure that agricultural and environmental success continues to flourish in California.
Brent M. Haglund, Ph.D., is President of Sand County Foundation.
Monday, November 29, 2010
From Decoy to Art, by Master Carver Jim Burcio
Decoy carving is an original American art form. As such, it comes from no other continent or culture. The modern bird carvings that we enjoy today originated from the hand carved decoy. The path from decoy to art had several historical steps. In the early days European settlers observed the Indians using reed decoys to attract waterfowl closer to the shoreline. The European woodcrafters knew that they could fashion a sturdy decoy out of wood and get years of use out of it. In 1918 the Migratory Bird Act greatly reduced the number of bird species that could be harvested, and imposed hunting seasons and harvest limits. In the late 1930’s plastic became the material of choice and lightweight decoys were mass-produced. As the plastic era signaled the end of the wooden hand carved hunting decoy, it repositioned the handcrafted decoy into a piece of art. Now carvers began spending more time on their creations and charging more money as these pieces of art were headed for the place of honor on the mantel.
Over time, decoy carving expanded to include all of the North American birds that fascinate us. Man, art, and birds have long been connected… with the native environment acting as the glue. We are very fortunate to live in Northern California and enjoy an abundance of native birds. With our coastline and our rice lands, we can enjoy migrating shorebirds from November to May.
Bird carving brings the artist one step closer than the binoculars and the spotting scope. When a bird carver observes a Snipe in the wild, they go beyond the basic identification of the bird to include that the bill is 2.75 inches long and commonly held at a 30 degree angle, the eyes are 7 millimeter brown, the tail is almost invisible and compressed, the shafts of the primaries form a slight “sweep” when they fold in the rest position. Bird carvers have a passion for their subject matter. So much so, that they literally are holding it in their hand as they carve the project. Some carvers, myself included, visit vertebrate zoology labs at bay area colleges to examine specimens held in storage. This level of research is sometimes needed when the bird is highly reclusive, such as the Green Heron.
The wood used for a carving project may be a functional choice, such as Sugar Pine for a smooth project or Basswood for a textured project. Other popular carving woods include Redwood, Jelutong, and Tupelo.
We are very fortunate to have an annual Wildfowl Art Festival held in Sacramento. This show attracts entries from all over the United States and Canada. For more information about this unique event and the carving association that hosts it, go to www.pacificflyway.org
Jim Burcio is a master carver and has competed nationally in wildfowl carving shows. He has been the featured carver at the Academy of Arts and Sciences in San Francisco (2001), the Lynn House Museum in Antioch (2002), and displayed his work in the McHenry Museum in Modesto (2006). Jim was also one of three carvers who preformed an “Artist in Action” exhibit at the Randall Museum in San Francisco (2004). For the past fifteen years, Jim has annually taught decoy-carving seminars, and judged at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Wildfowl Art Festival in Sacramento. In addition to his carving accomplishments, Jim has written several articles for the California Waterfowl Magazine regarding how to carve and paint decoys.
Over time, decoy carving expanded to include all of the North American birds that fascinate us. Man, art, and birds have long been connected… with the native environment acting as the glue. We are very fortunate to live in Northern California and enjoy an abundance of native birds. With our coastline and our rice lands, we can enjoy migrating shorebirds from November to May.
Bird carving brings the artist one step closer than the binoculars and the spotting scope. When a bird carver observes a Snipe in the wild, they go beyond the basic identification of the bird to include that the bill is 2.75 inches long and commonly held at a 30 degree angle, the eyes are 7 millimeter brown, the tail is almost invisible and compressed, the shafts of the primaries form a slight “sweep” when they fold in the rest position. Bird carvers have a passion for their subject matter. So much so, that they literally are holding it in their hand as they carve the project. Some carvers, myself included, visit vertebrate zoology labs at bay area colleges to examine specimens held in storage. This level of research is sometimes needed when the bird is highly reclusive, such as the Green Heron.
The wood used for a carving project may be a functional choice, such as Sugar Pine for a smooth project or Basswood for a textured project. Other popular carving woods include Redwood, Jelutong, and Tupelo.
We are very fortunate to have an annual Wildfowl Art Festival held in Sacramento. This show attracts entries from all over the United States and Canada. For more information about this unique event and the carving association that hosts it, go to www.pacificflyway.org
Jim Burcio is a master carver and has competed nationally in wildfowl carving shows. He has been the featured carver at the Academy of Arts and Sciences in San Francisco (2001), the Lynn House Museum in Antioch (2002), and displayed his work in the McHenry Museum in Modesto (2006). Jim was also one of three carvers who preformed an “Artist in Action” exhibit at the Randall Museum in San Francisco (2004). For the past fifteen years, Jim has annually taught decoy-carving seminars, and judged at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Wildfowl Art Festival in Sacramento. In addition to his carving accomplishments, Jim has written several articles for the California Waterfowl Magazine regarding how to carve and paint decoys.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving blog post by Nicole Van Vleck: Holiday Traditions
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. My husband, Stan, and I adopted it as "ours" when we got married. Selfishly, we thought it would save us driving all over the Sacramento Valley for multiple Thanksgiving dinners.
Many of our traditions started from that first year. I have always set the table the weekend before. I prepare the turkey, which is locally raised by a friend. I prepare my mother-in-law's stuffing with walnuts from my parents' orchard. I must admit that I have always bought canned cranberries (until this year). Others always contribute to the feast; my father-in-law brings a Celebrations Salad with walnuts and fresh cranberries (to make up for my canned ones). My mom brings her famous mashed potatoes and my brother-in-law makes the gravy on the stove once the bird comes out.
Some new traditions have come about with the kids getting older. My daughter and I make pies the day before. My family and many of our friends participate in the Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento on Thanksgiving morning. We have to split up between the timed runners (my husband and son) and the lingering walkers (my daughter and me). It is a wonderful event to help feed those that need extra assistance and it draws participants from six Sacramento Valley counties. It also helps relieve the guilt later that evening when I go back for seconds.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.
Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Many of our traditions started from that first year. I have always set the table the weekend before. I prepare the turkey, which is locally raised by a friend. I prepare my mother-in-law's stuffing with walnuts from my parents' orchard. I must admit that I have always bought canned cranberries (until this year). Others always contribute to the feast; my father-in-law brings a Celebrations Salad with walnuts and fresh cranberries (to make up for my canned ones). My mom brings her famous mashed potatoes and my brother-in-law makes the gravy on the stove once the bird comes out.
Some new traditions have come about with the kids getting older. My daughter and I make pies the day before. My family and many of our friends participate in the Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento on Thanksgiving morning. We have to split up between the timed runners (my husband and son) and the lingering walkers (my daughter and me). It is a wonderful event to help feed those that need extra assistance and it draws participants from six Sacramento Valley counties. It also helps relieve the guilt later that evening when I go back for seconds.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Monday, November 22, 2010
New recipe by Chef Russell Michel ~ Slow braised beef short rib with Hoisin demi and California Koshihikari Rice
Russell Michel, Executive Chef at the Sheraton Hotel Sacramento and Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro, located on the 2nd floor, has 25 years of experience preparing California cuisine sharing his passion for great tasting food, beautiful presentations, and using natural foods that enhance vibrancy and rejuvenate the body.View Recipe
Blog post by Sean Doherty: Finally done
Rice harvest is done! If I never see another year like this one again it will be too soon. It seemed to be a perfect storm of bad spring, summer and fall weather, all in the same year. Thankfully I did not fare too badly, and I’m very grateful to have finished up harvest with few difficulties - and most importantly - no accidents.
Throughout the rice producing areas of the state I’ve heard the crop mostly faired okay with just a few disappointments. After such a trying year, to have this happen is quite a testament to the exceptional rice varieties we have in California. All of the credit belongs to the rice breeders and staff at the California Rice Experiment Station. If not for their varieties, a year like this could spell doom for growers like us.
All that is left now is to clean and put away all the equipment, and start in on the office work of budgets and expenses, and planning for next year.
Throughout the rice producing areas of the state I’ve heard the crop mostly faired okay with just a few disappointments. After such a trying year, to have this happen is quite a testament to the exceptional rice varieties we have in California. All of the credit belongs to the rice breeders and staff at the California Rice Experiment Station. If not for their varieties, a year like this could spell doom for growers like us.
All that is left now is to clean and put away all the equipment, and start in on the office work of budgets and expenses, and planning for next year.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
New guest blog by Dr. Charles Duncan
Dr. Charles Duncan is Director of Manomet’s Shorebird Recovery Project (SRP) and of the Executive Office of WHSRN. Prior to joining Manomet in 2003, he worked for The Nature Conservancy’s Migratory Bird Program. He previously had a long career in academia at the University of Maine at Machias, where he founded and ran the Institute for Field Ornithology. In 2002, the American Birding Association honored him with the Chandler Robbins Award for Education and Conservation.Read Blog
Monday, November 15, 2010
Video post by Michael Bosworth: Using water efficiently
Michael Bosworth is the latest in a long family farming history at Rue & Forsman Ranch, which started operations in 1946 in Sutter County about 10 miles south of Marysville.After earning a Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics at UC Davis, Michael returned to his family farm, which produces both conventional and organic rice.
He created and operates Next Generation Foods, a growing business that provides locally grown foods to businesses throughout Northern California.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys fly-fishing, the outdoors and spending time with his family, girlfriend and his dog, Drake.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Blog post by Riley "Punch" Haskell: A season like no other
To my relief, we wrapped things up with Tuesday’s harvest of our last 91-acres.
This season will go down as the most unusual I’ve experienced since I planted my first rice in 1985. Because of the cool, wet weather, nothing in the planting or crop development was normal this year. Harvest normally takes me from 11 to 15 days and I am wrapped up by mid October. This season I didn’t even start until October. When you harvest rice later in the fall, the hours you are able to work each day become shorter and shorter. It takes more time and resources to finish the job.
It looks like my production will be off a bit from normal, but considering the strange nature of the season it could have been a lot worse. My heart really goes out to those growers who still have rice in the field.
We’re getting water in the fields to help decompose the straw, which will be welcome news to all of those beautiful migrating birds and other wildlife in the area. It’s also a time to get all of the harvesters and equipment back in, including any repairs and tune up work that may be necessary.
It’s nice to have harvest completed and have the pace slow down a beat, but I can’t help but think we’re only about 90 to 100 days away from starting this process all over again. This year certainly required a lot of patience to let Mother Nature take her course.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
This season will go down as the most unusual I’ve experienced since I planted my first rice in 1985. Because of the cool, wet weather, nothing in the planting or crop development was normal this year. Harvest normally takes me from 11 to 15 days and I am wrapped up by mid October. This season I didn’t even start until October. When you harvest rice later in the fall, the hours you are able to work each day become shorter and shorter. It takes more time and resources to finish the job.
It looks like my production will be off a bit from normal, but considering the strange nature of the season it could have been a lot worse. My heart really goes out to those growers who still have rice in the field.
We’re getting water in the fields to help decompose the straw, which will be welcome news to all of those beautiful migrating birds and other wildlife in the area. It’s also a time to get all of the harvesters and equipment back in, including any repairs and tune up work that may be necessary.
It’s nice to have harvest completed and have the pace slow down a beat, but I can’t help but think we’re only about 90 to 100 days away from starting this process all over again. This year certainly required a lot of patience to let Mother Nature take her course.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
News Release: Major step taken to preserve historic Wakamatsu site
AMERICAN RIVER CONSERVANCY ACQUIRES FIRST JAPANESE COLONY SITE (view pdf)
New blogs from our California family farmers
The long season is coming to a close. Find out what our farmers are thinking: Tom Butler-
"Good finish to a long season"
Josh Sheppard (Video)-
"Home stretch"
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New post by Jessica Lundberg: Trade Mission Day 4: Putting our rice to the test
"This is our last day in Istanbul, Turkey with the USA Rice Leadership Program. The week has gone quickly and we have experienced so much..."Friday, November 5, 2010
FPPC Requirements
New section includes links to Ethics Training Courses for State Officials, and many helpful documents available for download.
Visit FPPC Requirements page.
Visit FPPC Requirements page.
"Visiting the Countryside" - New post by Jessica Lundberg: Middle East Trade Mission ~ Day 3
Follow Jessica on the Middle East Trade Mission in Instanbul, Turkey.
Jessica Lundberg chairs the Board of Directors of Lundberg Family Farms, the United States' leading producer of organic rice and rice products.
Go to Jessica's Blog
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
New post by Jessica Lundberg: Middle East Trade Mission ~ Day Two
Jessica Lundberg chairs the Board of Directors of Lundberg Family Farms, the United States' leading producer of organic rice and rice products. Follow her journey through Istanbul, Turkey for the Middle East Trade mission.
New post by Jessica Lundberg: Middle East Trade Mission ~ Day One
Jessica Lundberg chairs the Board of Directors of Lundberg Family Farms, the USA’s leading producer of organic rice and rice products. She is in Instanbul, Turkey for a Middle East Trade Mission.
Go to Jessica's Blog
Go to Jessica's Blog
Monday, November 1, 2010
Harvest update- Reports from California rice farmers
Check out the latest progress reports from local California rice farmers.
Dennis Lindberg - "Another season in the books"
Michael Bosworth (Video)- "Late start but progress being made in CA rice harvest"
Friday, October 29, 2010
New video reports: Preparing fields for wildlife
Learn more about how CA rice farmers prepare harvested fields for their eventual role as wildlife habitat.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
New Recipe - Chicken & Rice Won Ton Cups
By Russell Okubo, Executive ChefFat’s Family Restaurants
This graduate from the California Culinary Academy has been preparing innovative and satisfying cuisine in Sacramento for the past twenty-five years. View Recipe
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Blog post by Sean Doherty: Challenging Season
I can't wait to finish rice harvest this year. Unfortunately, that is quite far off.Mother Nature has not being as kind as she usually is and it is creating a very difficult harvest. The lateness of this year’s crop means that my harvest window is even more exposed to the late fall, early winter storms...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Blog post by Tom Butler: Of Rice and Rain
It has been hard to complain too much about the harvest season, once it got started of course. We were rolling along, getting over 100 acres a day harvested, the yields were above my expectations given the conditions of the year, and no real delays brought on by weather or broken equipment. However, last night, as everyone finished for the day, I went home knowing that the run of luck was probably going to end overnight.
Sadly I was right. The forecast for rain was correct, and a shower passed through overnight. Although it wasn't much, a few tenths of an inch, it brought enough moisture to make the rice too damp to efficiently harvest and dry for at least until late afternoon today, if at all.
To make matters worse, this was the first wave of three days of unsettled weather. We're two-thirds done with our rice harvest, but we probably won't make any progress over the weekend. There are a few things to do today, get the truckloads of rice left in the field overnight hauled to the dryer, the daily service and repairs of the combines and tractors, but after that, we'll do what every other rice grower will do over the weekend, wait.
More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.
When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.
Sadly I was right. The forecast for rain was correct, and a shower passed through overnight. Although it wasn't much, a few tenths of an inch, it brought enough moisture to make the rice too damp to efficiently harvest and dry for at least until late afternoon today, if at all.
To make matters worse, this was the first wave of three days of unsettled weather. We're two-thirds done with our rice harvest, but we probably won't make any progress over the weekend. There are a few things to do today, get the truckloads of rice left in the field overnight hauled to the dryer, the daily service and repairs of the combines and tractors, but after that, we'll do what every other rice grower will do over the weekend, wait.
More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Guest video post: Japanese cooking contest winner tours CA rice fields
Mr. Kaoru Tanaka of Japan comments on his trip to California rice fields, as one of three grand prize winners in USA Rice Federation's Jambalaya Rice Recipe Contest.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Video post by Josh Sheppard: "Rice harvest making good progress"
Josh Sheppard is proud to be part of the fourth generation of his family that have been farming rice in Butte County for many generations. After receiving degrees in Agribusiness and Water Science from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in 1997 he returned to the 3,000 acre family rice operation with his parents, a brother, and a sister. Josh and his wife, Kathryn, have two children.When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys time as a volunteer for the California Waterfowl Association and his children's youth basketball programs.
Friday, October 15, 2010
New Blog Posts
Check out the latest posts from our California family rice farmers.
Tom Butler-
"Seeking the finishing line"
Lauren LaGrande-
"Exciting Times"
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Video: U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer comments on California Rice Farming
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer visited a rice field in Live Oak, Sutter County, today and spoke about the tremendous work family rice farmers are doing to help the environment.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Blog post by Sean Doherty: Red Light, Green Light
I don't want to hear a single disparaging word about the north wind. Here’s why: Remember the kid’s game "Red Light, Green Light?” I’ve been playing a real life version since my last posting.
The rice that took forever to mature is - surprise surprise- taking forever to dry down. The warehouses up and down the valley typically don't like to receive rice with the moisture of the kernels over 24 percent because it is to costly and labor intensive to dry to a stable 14 percent level.
For the last two weeks I’ve been cutting samples of different fields hoping for a number under 24 percent. When I have found that rare field, I would start the harvest only to be shut down soon after as the moisture climbs back up in a different portion of the field. Green Light, Red Light.
The big hot north wind currently blowing through the valley is just what the doctor ordered to solve this ongoing problem. Nothing will dry a rice field down faster than a north wind, and I love every minute of it because it means the end of all the starting and stopping.
Hopefully.
Sean Doherty is a 3rd generation rice farmer living out his dream, being a rice farmer in Dunnigan.
He farms in Yolo, Colusa, and Sutter Counties with his wife Melissa, and three kids, Hannah, Gus, and Mary. He enjoys being in the fields, watching the seasons, and sharing it with his family.
The rice that took forever to mature is - surprise surprise- taking forever to dry down. The warehouses up and down the valley typically don't like to receive rice with the moisture of the kernels over 24 percent because it is to costly and labor intensive to dry to a stable 14 percent level.
For the last two weeks I’ve been cutting samples of different fields hoping for a number under 24 percent. When I have found that rare field, I would start the harvest only to be shut down soon after as the moisture climbs back up in a different portion of the field. Green Light, Red Light.
The big hot north wind currently blowing through the valley is just what the doctor ordered to solve this ongoing problem. Nothing will dry a rice field down faster than a north wind, and I love every minute of it because it means the end of all the starting and stopping.
Hopefully.
Sean Doherty is a 3rd generation rice farmer living out his dream, being a rice farmer in Dunnigan.He farms in Yolo, Colusa, and Sutter Counties with his wife Melissa, and three kids, Hannah, Gus, and Mary. He enjoys being in the fields, watching the seasons, and sharing it with his family.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Video post by Tom Butler: Rice season gets rolling
More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Video post by Charley Mathews
Fifth-generation farmer Charley Mathews is continuing a family a legacy that began in the 1850s. Their first rice fields were planted in the 1940s and are still going strong in Yuba County. Charley is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Hillary have two sons, Parker and Adam.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Featured Recipe by Chef Antonio Villagomez
Grilled ling cod served with a tomato chipotle cream sauce, cilantro cream, and a California rice cake.You can serve this dish with some grilled asparagus or almost any other vegetable that you might prefer. Enjoy.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Video posts by featured guests: Helping Wildlife Flourish
California rice growers are working with conservation groups to enhance habitat for the already abundant wildlife living in rice fields.View comments from Khara Strum of PRBO Conservation Science and Jon O’Brien of Audubon California.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Video post by Charley Mathews: First rice of the season
Fifth-generation farmer Charley Mathews is continuing a family a legacy that began in the 1850s. Their first rice fields were planted in the 1940s and are still going strong in Yuba County. Charley is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Hillary have two sons, Parker and Adam.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Video post by Dennis Lindberg: Welcome to Richvale
Dennis Lindberg has grown rice in Butte County for nearly 70 consecutive years.He’s a well-known author and metal artist, taking scrap metal and creating beautiful animal sculptures. His civic work and love of community is evidenced by his being honored as “Outstanding Citizen of the 20th Century” by Lundberg Family Farms. He and his wife Charlotte have two children – Gary and Sherry. Gary farms with his father in the historic community of Richvale, which recently celebrated its centennial.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Blog post by Lauren LaGrande: Heating up
Saturday morning turned hot as we started our first day of rice harvest. Our first field was sweet rice. The weather is predicted to remain hot, which I may not enjoy during volleyball practice in the gym, but it'll help ripen the rice fields in California.
Growing up on a family farm definitely has its advantages, as well as its disadvantages. For instance, not every kid can say that their family helps to feed the world. Although, some people don't have impatient dads to come home to due to the late harvest year that has just begun. But winning our volleyball game tomorrow might cheer him up, so I’ll pray we win!
Lauren LaGrande is the latest in a family farming tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. She is a sophomore at Maxwell High School and is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basketball and softball. When she’s on the farm, you’ll often see her with her trusted companion, Hank, the family dog. Lauren’s great-grandfather grew his first rice crop in the Sacramento Valley in 1916 and the family has continued this tradition ever since.
Growing up on a family farm definitely has its advantages, as well as its disadvantages. For instance, not every kid can say that their family helps to feed the world. Although, some people don't have impatient dads to come home to due to the late harvest year that has just begun. But winning our volleyball game tomorrow might cheer him up, so I’ll pray we win!
Lauren LaGrande is the latest in a family farming tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. She is a sophomore at Maxwell High School and is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basketball and softball. When she’s on the farm, you’ll often see her with her trusted companion, Hank, the family dog. Lauren’s great-grandfather grew his first rice crop in the Sacramento Valley in 1916 and the family has continued this tradition ever since.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Blog post by Sean Doherty: Success
24th of September, finally! Today I started to harvest my 2010 rice crop, 12 days later than last year. That might not seem like a lot of time to you, but in harvest it is a huge amount. Harvest conditions are good right now, but I couldn't help but think about what the conditions will be like as I harvest our last field. That's what has me worried right now.The rest of the farm is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than usual as well. We have finished harvesting our sunflower fields, the beans are getting cut and windrowed (put in rows to dry and then they are picked up a combine), and hopefully we will get to the corn in about a week.
I hope it all turns out okay. We will know soon enough.
Sean Doherty is a 3rd generation rice farmer living out his dream, being a rice farmer in Dunnigan.He farms in Yolo, Colusa, and Sutter Counties with his wife Melissa, and three kids, Hannah, Gus, and Mary. He enjoys being in the fields, watching the seasons, and sharing it with his family.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Video post by Lauren LaGrande: Maxwell Panther Pride
Lauren LaGrande is the latest in a family farming tradition that began nearly 100 years ago. She is a sophomore at Maxwell High School and is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basketball and softball. When she’s on the farm, you’ll often see her with her trusted companion, Hank, the family dog. Lauren’s great-grandfather grew his first rice crop in the Sacramento Valley in 1916 and the family has continued this tradition ever since.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Blog Posts- Harvest update
This season’s rice harvest gets underway in earnest shortly. Read the latest blogs:Dennis Lindberg-
“Nearing the finish line”
Punch Haskell-
“Working the fields”
“Working the fields”
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Blog post from Nicole Van Vleck: A True Modern Marvel
I always love how fascinated people who are not involved in agriculture are to see the rice harvest. Some of my earliest memories were driving a harvester on my dad’s lap. Thus, I don’t often think about the sheer size of the harvester or the amount of logistics involved in the entire process.
Even if most of the shots end up on the cutting room floor, I am looking forward sharing with Modern Marvel fans everywhere a little bit about California’s rice harvest.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.
Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
The History Channel even has taken notice of rice production and harvest in California and is doing an episode on the long running Modern Marvels series. I spent all day with the producer, photographer, sound guy and director helping them capture harvest at Montna Farms. It was a bit of a challenge just scheduling them. The cool summer has made harvest touch and go since we started, because the rice has been barely dry enough to cut. The crew did arrive on a day that we were harvesting and had more cameras than people to run them. They even attached a camera to one of the harvesters themselves. This proved a bad idea as it fell off and was lost in the straw covered field. Just as they were fascinated with harvest, I was interested in seeing them capture it all for TV.
Even if most of the shots end up on the cutting room floor, I am looking forward sharing with Modern Marvel fans everywhere a little bit about California’s rice harvest.
Nicole Montna Van Vleck is a third generation rice farmer who farms with her parents and sister in Sutter County. Nicole is Managing Partner of Montna Farms which grows, dries and stores super premium short grain rice. Montna Farms partners with many waterfowl organizations to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat primarily on its working rice lands.Nicole is a graduate of UCLA and The California Agricultural Leadership Program. Nicole and her husband Stan have two school-aged children.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Video post by Jessica Lundberg: Rice research
Jessica Lundberg chairs the Board of Directors of Lundberg Family Farms, the United States’ leading producer of organic rice and rice products. A member of the Lundberg family’s third generation, she also manages the seed nursery, overseeing the maintenance, purity and development of their proprietary rice varieties.
The Lundbergs have practiced sustainable farming techniques since 1937 and today the company leads the eco-positive agricultural movement with a commitment to organic production and renewable energy.
Jessica manages Lundberg Family Farms as a true family business, collaborating with her father, uncles, cousins, and siblings to reach consensus on key business decisions. A pre-med student in college, Jessica’s interest in business, ecology and agriculture inevitably drew her back to the farm, where, in addition to organic and eco-farmed rice, she cultivates the bedrock values of respecting the land, honoring tradition, and producing the highest quality products. Jessica holds a degree in Biological Sciences from California State University at Chico and a certificate in Plant Breeding from University of California at Davis. She makes her home in Chico near the family farm.
Friday, September 17, 2010
New blog post by Tom Butler: "By the Book"
"...It goes without saying that here in California, where agriculture is such an important factor, there are rules and regulations. Our state is known for producing the most diverse and safest crops in the world. This has been accomplished through careful work between growers and the state of California. Of course there are disagreements, and many hurdles to cross to produce to the best of your ability, but the ability to adapt has to be a farmer's strongest traits if he hopes to last..."Read Blog
Thursday, September 16, 2010
New featured recipe from Chef Deneb Williams of Firehouse Restaurant
THAI-STYLE SALMON WITH SWEET CHILI-CURRY GLAZE
CALIFORNIA BROWN RICE-VEGETABLE SALAD AND LYCHEE FRUIT VINAIGRETTE
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blog post by Sean Doherty: Killing Time
With harvest being delayed this year so much, we ended up having to do something we never, ever do. Kill time.
In this photo Harrison (left) and Ray pose with a new combine platform trailer. Since we had some time and also the necessity, we decided to go ahead and build one ourselves in the shop. It is painted yellow now and turned out fantastic, and it saved me a couple thousand bucks over buying a new one from a dealership.
With any luck at all it will start to really heat up and bring the rice to harvest faster. As it sits now I think September 27 might be the day we start. That’s 15 days later than last year, 15 fewer days to harvest in before the weather could get nasty in November.
Sean Doherty is a 3rd generation rice farmer living out his dream, being a rice farmer in Dunnigan.
He farms in Yolo, Colusa, and Sutter Counties with his wife Melissa, and three kids, Hannah, Gus, and Mary. He enjoys being in the fields, watching the seasons, and sharing it with his family.
In this photo Harrison (left) and Ray pose with a new combine platform trailer. Since we had some time and also the necessity, we decided to go ahead and build one ourselves in the shop. It is painted yellow now and turned out fantastic, and it saved me a couple thousand bucks over buying a new one from a dealership.With any luck at all it will start to really heat up and bring the rice to harvest faster. As it sits now I think September 27 might be the day we start. That’s 15 days later than last year, 15 fewer days to harvest in before the weather could get nasty in November.
Sean Doherty is a 3rd generation rice farmer living out his dream, being a rice farmer in Dunnigan.He farms in Yolo, Colusa, and Sutter Counties with his wife Melissa, and three kids, Hannah, Gus, and Mary. He enjoys being in the fields, watching the seasons, and sharing it with his family.
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