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.
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