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.
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
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