We have passed the 60-day mark since planting and we are beginning the panicle initiation stage. During the next two weeks, the rice will be pollinating. Rice is a self-pollinator, and to protect the plants, we raise our water level in a field a few inches to shield the rice. The higher water level provides a boost of up to five degrees, which can be valuable because we don’t want to see temperatures dip below 55 degrees. When it gets that cold, it can lead to blanking and immature rice kernels. Fortunately, good farm management and usually cooperative California weather lead to nice plump rice kernels come harvest time.
The rice crop looks pretty good right now. There have been some weed issues here and there, but growers are controlling them.
As we approach the halfway mark of crop development, many farmers are making final repairs on harvesters. It’s never too early to get ready for harvest. This will be my 71st consecutive rice harvest. Sharing this experience with my family and growing a wonderful crop are tremendous rewards for the hard work.
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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