Being involved in the rice industry is more a lifestyle than a job for Don Traynham. In addition to growing rice in the Sacramento Valley, primarily in Colusa County, Don serves as Field Representative for Sun Valley Rice Company. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters – Allison and Whitney. Don is a graduate of Chico State University, with a degree in Agricultural Business.
Friday, September 30, 2011
New blogger Don Traynham- Early thoughts on the 2011 CA rice harvest
Family farmer Don Traynham comments on the opening days of this season’s rice harvest.
Being involved in the rice industry is more a lifestyle than a job for Don Traynham. In addition to growing rice in the Sacramento Valley, primarily in Colusa County, Don serves as Field Representative for Sun Valley Rice Company. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters – Allison and Whitney. Don is a graduate of Chico State University, with a degree in Agricultural Business.
Being involved in the rice industry is more a lifestyle than a job for Don Traynham. In addition to growing rice in the Sacramento Valley, primarily in Colusa County, Don serves as Field Representative for Sun Valley Rice Company. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters – Allison and Whitney. Don is a graduate of Chico State University, with a degree in Agricultural Business.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Video post: A Century of Tradition
Rice grower Peter Rystrom in Butte County describes how much he values his multi-generational family farm.
After completing his college education, Peter Rystrom is happily back at work as a fourth-generation farmer in Butte County. Working alongside his father Steve, grandfather Don, uncle Gary and several cousins, this family has a century-long tradition of rice farming in the Sacramento Valley.
After graduating from UC Davis with an International Relations and Spanish double major, he worked with Community Enterprise Solutions in Guatemala and lead tours across the United States for Trek America.
Peter enjoys the change in seasons on the farm and the freedom of being outside all day.
When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys backpacking trips into the mountains as well as world travel. Other passions include being involved in the lives of others through church small groups and friendships, both at home and abroad.
After completing his college education, Peter Rystrom is happily back at work as a fourth-generation farmer in Butte County. Working alongside his father Steve, grandfather Don, uncle Gary and several cousins, this family has a century-long tradition of rice farming in the Sacramento Valley.After graduating from UC Davis with an International Relations and Spanish double major, he worked with Community Enterprise Solutions in Guatemala and lead tours across the United States for Trek America.
Peter enjoys the change in seasons on the farm and the freedom of being outside all day.
When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys backpacking trips into the mountains as well as world travel. Other passions include being involved in the lives of others through church small groups and friendships, both at home and abroad.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Video from Nicole Van Vleck: Rice harvest brings excitement
Nicole Van Vleck of Montna Farms near Yuba City describes the start of the 2011 rice harvest and what happens to fields once the grain is removed.
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.
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.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Josh Sheppard- Maintaining rice equipment
Family farmer Josh Sheppard of Butte County shows some of the maintenance for his fleet of harvesting equipment.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
2011 California Rice harvest underway
Premium short grain Akita Komachi rice being harvested at Gorrill Ranch in Nelson, Butte County. California rice spans more than 550,000 acres. Harvest will continue into November.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Video from new blogger Peter Rystrom: Varied background helps young farmer
Rice grower Peter Rystrom of Butte County describes how a diverse background will help on the family farm.
After completing his college education, Peter Rystrom is happily back at work as a fourth-generation farmer in Butte County. Working alongside his father Steve, grandfather Don, uncle Gary and several cousins, this family has a century-long tradition of rice farming in the Sacramento Valley.
After graduating from UC Davis with an International Relations and Spanish double major, he worked with Community Enterprise Solutions in Guatemala and lead tours across the United States for Trek America.
Peter enjoys the change in seasons on the farm and the freedom of being outside all day.
When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys backpacking trips into the mountains as well as world travel. Other passions include being involved in the lives of others through church small groups and friendships, both at home and abroad.
After completing his college education, Peter Rystrom is happily back at work as a fourth-generation farmer in Butte County. Working alongside his father Steve, grandfather Don, uncle Gary and several cousins, this family has a century-long tradition of rice farming in the Sacramento Valley.After graduating from UC Davis with an International Relations and Spanish double major, he worked with Community Enterprise Solutions in Guatemala and lead tours across the United States for Trek America.
Peter enjoys the change in seasons on the farm and the freedom of being outside all day.
When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys backpacking trips into the mountains as well as world travel. Other passions include being involved in the lives of others through church small groups and friendships, both at home and abroad.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Guest blog post: Appreciating America
My name is Emily Melton. I have lived in Biggs my whole life. Biggs is a tiny town off of Highway 99 in the Sacramento Valley with a strong sense of community and pride. Everyone practically knows everyone. My love for art is known and that is how I was commissioned to do this flag mural on the concession stand wall of the Biggs/Richvale Little League field.
I have always enjoyed art, whether I am painting, taking classes or just appreciating it. This mural was done just in time for the 4th of July celebration and was featured in The Gridley Herald Newspaper (add link). I hope that it will not only be a great remembrance to others of our great country but also of the people that fight for our rights each and every day. I am extremely grateful for the amazing men and women that God has given such a high calling. I know that no words or images could ever live up to their heroic stories, but I hope that my flag mural will make people stop and think of the bravery and courageousness of those who sacrifice so much for us. Without them we wouldn’t have many of the basic privileges that we have every day. We should never take for granted our rights that these fine Americans put their lives on the line for every day. I know that I speak for my whole community when I say nothing could ever express how grateful we are for our service men and women.
We are extremely appreciative and honored to live in America. God bless you.
~ Emily Melton
I have always enjoyed art, whether I am painting, taking classes or just appreciating it. This mural was done just in time for the 4th of July celebration and was featured in The Gridley Herald Newspaper (add link). I hope that it will not only be a great remembrance to others of our great country but also of the people that fight for our rights each and every day. I am extremely grateful for the amazing men and women that God has given such a high calling. I know that no words or images could ever live up to their heroic stories, but I hope that my flag mural will make people stop and think of the bravery and courageousness of those who sacrifice so much for us. Without them we wouldn’t have many of the basic privileges that we have every day. We should never take for granted our rights that these fine Americans put their lives on the line for every day. I know that I speak for my whole community when I say nothing could ever express how grateful we are for our service men and women.
We are extremely appreciative and honored to live in America. God bless you.~ Emily Melton
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Video from Debra DeWit: Season of change
Debra DeWit of a family rice farm in the Sacramento Valley describes two big fall events- her return to high school and the upcoming rice harvest.
Debra DeWit: "I grew up in Davis and have been around both my grandpa’s and dad’s rice farms most of my life. My grandpa was the one that started farming and passed the tradition on to my dad. My dad farms rice in Yolo County and my grandpa farms rice in Sutter, Yolo and Sacramento counties. I enjoy talking to my dad and grandpa about their days in the fields and gaining more knowledge about the crop and the business. Currently, my family and I live in Davis, and I go to the high school there. I like to hang out with friends, write, draw, go hunting with my dad and my grandpa, teach Sunday school and going to youth group."
Debra DeWit: "I grew up in Davis and have been around both my grandpa’s and dad’s rice farms most of my life. My grandpa was the one that started farming and passed the tradition on to my dad. My dad farms rice in Yolo County and my grandpa farms rice in Sutter, Yolo and Sacramento counties. I enjoy talking to my dad and grandpa about their days in the fields and gaining more knowledge about the crop and the business. Currently, my family and I live in Davis, and I go to the high school there. I like to hang out with friends, write, draw, go hunting with my dad and my grandpa, teach Sunday school and going to youth group."Monday, September 12, 2011
Video blog post: Draining California rice fields before harvest
Family farmer Josh Sheppard in Butte County shows how rice fields are drained prior to harvest.
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.
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, September 9, 2011
Blog from Sean Doherty- Changing Gears
Jeez, the days go by faster every year. We started draining the water off of our earliest fields at the end of last month. They are two of our earlier maturing rice varieties, M-104 and CM-101.
I like to plant these varieties first because it allows us to get the harvest going sooner. Rice is always easier to harvest in September as opposed to November! Even planting quick varieties up front in the schedule it still looks like we won't be able to start till maybe the 1st of October. That is a long ways away from our best start date ever, five years ago, on the 6th of September.
As you can see in the above photo, the front of our shop is crowded with harvest equipment in various states of repair. We usually start in on repairing or rebuilding the harvest machines in August, and no matter what we always finish just in the nick of time. Even as I'm typing this post on my phone, the guys are banging away on a stubborn old bearing that needs to be replaced.
We better hurry up, September moves even faster than August if memory serves me correctly.
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.
I like to plant these varieties first because it allows us to get the harvest going sooner. Rice is always easier to harvest in September as opposed to November! Even planting quick varieties up front in the schedule it still looks like we won't be able to start till maybe the 1st of October. That is a long ways away from our best start date ever, five years ago, on the 6th of September.
As you can see in the above photo, the front of our shop is crowded with harvest equipment in various states of repair. We usually start in on repairing or rebuilding the harvest machines in August, and no matter what we always finish just in the nick of time. Even as I'm typing this post on my phone, the guys are banging away on a stubborn old bearing that needs to be replaced.
We better hurry up, September moves even faster than August if memory serves me correctly.
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.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Blog from Punch Haskell- Nearing the Summit
After months of caring for my rice fields, I’m finally closing in on the final steps before harvest. With the fields fully mature, this week I started pulling my boards to drain the water from them.
About three weeks after boards are pulled, my rice fields should be sufficiently dried for harvest. Between now and the start of harvest, I’ll make the final adjustments to make sure my equipment is ready for the busy stretch ahead.
Except for the cool spring that led to delays, weather has been near ideal. Rice plants thrive in consistently temperatures. All of the days we’ve had with 90 plus degree highs and nights that weren’t too cool really helped out. It was a real blessing to avoid highs well in excess of 100 degrees that can often strike in the summer months.
As I look over my fields, I see an excellent crop. It’s a gratifying feeling to see all of the makings of a bountiful harvest – although I’ll feel even better when the last of the grain has been harvested.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
About three weeks after boards are pulled, my rice fields should be sufficiently dried for harvest. Between now and the start of harvest, I’ll make the final adjustments to make sure my equipment is ready for the busy stretch ahead.
Except for the cool spring that led to delays, weather has been near ideal. Rice plants thrive in consistently temperatures. All of the days we’ve had with 90 plus degree highs and nights that weren’t too cool really helped out. It was a real blessing to avoid highs well in excess of 100 degrees that can often strike in the summer months.
As I look over my fields, I see an excellent crop. It’s a gratifying feeling to see all of the makings of a bountiful harvest – although I’ll feel even better when the last of the grain has been harvested.
Punch Haskell grows rice in Colusa County and is part of a family farming operation that began approximately 60 years ago.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Video from farmer Sandy Denn: The Sacramento Valley - Unique, Scenic and Serene
Family farmer Sandy Denn in Glenn County comments on the unique qualities of the Sacramento Valley.
Sandy Denn and her husband Wally own and operate Snow Goose Farms near Willows in Glenn County. She holds a law degree and has served on numerous boards and committees dealing with water in the North State. Sandy and Wally have six grown children. Her passions include hunting and fishing, and she used to fly a hot air balloon and a stunt plane for relaxation.
Sandy Denn and her husband Wally own and operate Snow Goose Farms near Willows in Glenn County. She holds a law degree and has served on numerous boards and committees dealing with water in the North State. Sandy and Wally have six grown children. Her passions include hunting and fishing, and she used to fly a hot air balloon and a stunt plane for relaxation.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Video blog post: California Rice Field Day a winner for growers
Family farmer Dennis Lindberg comments on the value of the annual Rice Field Day in Biggs.
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.
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.
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