Content Banner

Author

December 31, 1969

By:

Comments

Cousin Gaby said:
Did you have to use the word stubborn in conjuction with the rice. Isn't it enough, that it is in our blood. Now rice is added to mix. Can't one thing just go smoothly.
May 27, 2010

nathan w. said:
sean get back to work and help me out
May 28, 2010

free keylogger said:
I hope you will keep updating your content constantly as you have one dedicated reader here.
May 29, 2010

Gene chamberlain said:
I worked for 30 years in the food processing business. It is always interesting to see how other processers do their work and the special equipment they use.
May 29, 2010

Wholesale sunglasses said:
Good
May 30, 2010

Christian Louboutin Shoes said:
Thans for the nice post.
May 30, 2010

Linda W. said:
I'v never quite understood about the barriers needed to keep the water in the fields. Are they several feet high? If I'm driving throught the area can I see rice fields from the road, or do I need to find an elevated spot to observe them? I'm wondering if I've driven by rice fields and just not recognized the crop. Thanks
Jun 01, 2010

ChristianLouboutin said:
Yes... i also really like to visit new place, your idea is good.
Jun 02, 2010

Sean D. said:
re; Linda W. If you drive around the valley right now you will see a lot of open water everywhere. Take a drive up highway 99 or I-5 and you will see a lot of the heart of rice country. As to the barriers, or "levees" as we call them, all the ground and water on the ground surrounded by the levees is the same elevation. Without the levees to control the water levels, all the water would run down to the bottom of the field and into the ditch. The levees block the water back and keep the rice wet.
Jun 03, 2010

Christian Louboutin said:
Thans for the nice post.
Jun 04, 2010

sunglasses shop said:
Good article Thank you so much
Jun 04, 2010

sunglasses shop said:
Thank you very much for the information great post, found it on Yahoo.
Jun 05, 2010

electronic cig said:
Very useful post. Bookmarked. Thanks for it!
Jun 07, 2010

Christian Louboutin said:
wow.. i'm very enjoy reading your post. great.
Jun 08, 2010

Christian Louboutin said:
great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you.
Jun 09, 2010

Christian Louboutin said:
thanks for this great post wow... it's very wonderful
Jun 13, 2010

Christian Louboutin said:
Thanks for good news!
Jun 13, 2010

Rajit said:
How do u sow rice
Jun 30, 2010

California Rice Commission said:
Rajit, Thanks for your question. California rice fields are planted during spring. Once fields are laser leveled, five inches of water is added and seeds are applied via airplanes equipped with GPS. A less common method involves drill-seeding.
Jun 30, 2010

Carter said:
Sean, thats a beautiful Lexion you have there.
Jul 01, 2010

mbt tataga said:
Thanks for this article. There are definitely tips in here that I will use.
Jul 10, 2010

mbt tataga said:
Good
Jul 10, 2010

nathan said:
why aren't we working?
Jul 24, 2010

BirdLover said:
Its nice to see that California Rice Farmers can provide such a lush habitat for the birds migrating through the Pacific Flyway and the Sacramento area. As a photographer, I love driving around the rice fields and photographing the many species of birds visiting in the winter as well as those in spring raising their families and even throughout the summer as some species stay year round!
Jul 30, 2010

Johanne Owens said:
Love both the educational component of the blog and the personal insight into the history and lives of the families who still manage to make a livelihood from farming.
Aug 11, 2010

Bird Lover said:
Glad that the pilot was not hurt, sorry to hear that they lost a plane.
Aug 13, 2010

shakil shams said:
i loveing rice cultivation.
Aug 21, 2010

jaime bagtas said:
i would like to get into rice farming in the philippines, i am retiring soon from a county job. i would like to find out what machineries i can use over there, from combines to milling machines. which site can avail of these info.?
Aug 24, 2010

RiceNews said:
Jaime- You have the International Rice Research Institute right in your home country that could offer help: http://beta.irri.org/index.php/Home/Welcome/Frontpage.html Thanks for your interest and we wish you luck.
Aug 24, 2010

Eileen Sargent said:
I wonder why it is so hard to find 5 pound bags of California-grown brown rice. It seems that lately my local stores do not carry the bigger bags. Can you tell me how your rice is distributed? Is it available to the general public? I do like to support our California farmers.
Sep 20, 2010

RiceNews said:
Thanks for your interest, Eileen. California-grown rice is available in many different quantities. Here's a good resource in going to your grocery store - a listing of the different brands of our rice: http://www.calrice.org/pdf/Brands.pdf. We appreciate your interest.
Sep 20, 2010

Tony Dunn said:
I'm an agricultural photographer and I'm hoping to do an aerial shoot of the harvest this year. Maybe I'll fly over one of your fields!
Sep 23, 2010

RiceNews said:
There's a lot to see in the rice fields right now. Safe travels and good luck!
Sep 23, 2010

Ram said:
My Name is Ram, I am from a farming family in India, My father has been growing rice since last 60 years and he is currently here in san franciso on a vist from India, He is very intrested in visitng the rice farms to learn about the newer modern techniques. I would appriciate if you can respond and let me kow If we can visit your rice farm. Thanks Ram
Sep 25, 2010

RiceNews said:
Ram- A good starting point to learn more about rice production is offered by the University of California: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/Items/3514.aspx You are welcome to contact our office is you would like to learn more. Thanks for your interest.
Sep 25, 2010

Dan LaGrande said:
A big Howdy to you and your folks from your city cousin up in Portland! Great job on your blog...well-written, informative, engaging. All the best for a good rice harvest, and good luck in your volleyball game! Cheers, Dan
Sep 29, 2010

Mary Jemsion said:
WOW, I am so happy to read your blog and to see just a little of what this class is learning. I must admit I am a little jealous! What a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing... Mary
Nov 03, 2010

Grant Lundberg said:
Jessica, Thanks for sharing your observations. I look forward to hearing about it when you get home. Grant
Nov 03, 2010

Jacob Litoff said:
Thanks for the great rices you sell. I've bought your produce for years. Especially the organic ones. Lately I've really been enjoying your Organic Brown Jasmine Rice. It is so nice to see variety of rice. I also like your short grain brown rice, and your wild rice. Do you ever grow forbidden rice?
Nov 05, 2010

Chris Crutchfield said:
Jessica, I'm really enjoying following along on your trip via your blogs. Very interesting stuff, and I wish I was tagging along as originally planned! Have you guys been enjoying Raki together in the evenings??
Nov 05, 2010

Mark Jenkins said:
Good grief, Jessica, I was in Istanbul earlier this summer and didn't realize the rice industry was so close (comparatively). Wish I had known that, so I could experience it more closely. Remind me the next time we meet to tell you about my exciting times in Istanbul jail
Nov 05, 2010

Al Montna said:
Mike, This is an excellent video and it presents the water efficiency issue for all to understand. Well done and keep up the involvement in Cal Rice. Congratulations to you and Suzanne and have a great holiday season. Al Montna
Dec 02, 2010

reinnyFerse said:
Thanks, nice post. Keep up the good work
Dec 04, 2010

Rick Geddes said:
Don, Nice blog and good explanation of what you do with the straw. Am looking at the CRC blogs for the first time...very informative.
Dec 08, 2010

Rob Wixson said:
Nice looking dog. I look forward to seeing you at the wedding. Perhaps you and the girlfriend will visit her aunt and fly fish in southern Wisconsin.
Dec 09, 2010

Rice News said:
For those who watched this video, a brief follow up. Lauren mentioned that Maxwell was about to play Quincy in the football championship game. Her school prevailed 14-6.
Dec 10, 2010

Mike said:
Dear Mr Haskell, I'm glad your hard work has paid off. I'm considering to buy a rice field. What would be your advice to a new rice farmer, who is thinking of custom farming (e.g. hiring different services for the necessary farm operations)?
Dec 14, 2010

Rice News said:
Dear Mike, A good starting point in farming rice is understanding all that it takes to produce a crop. The University of California has produced books covering rice quality and nutrient management that can be found here: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/Items/3516PROMO.aspx Understanding the complexities of rice farming may help your decision.
Dec 15, 2010

toronto star newspaper said:
Really love all these stories.. have been reading them daily. Please add more if you have any… Thanks a lot again for this awesome work.
Dec 17, 2010

M. Agah Bingul said:
Dear Ms. Jessica , First of all we want to thank you for your kind interest and sincere approach to us and our company. Giving such a detailed and appreciating information about our company is very kind of you. You are anytime welcome and our guest in Turkey . Best Regards and take care , Bingul Group of Companies M. Agah Bingul
Dec 20, 2010

Linda Snow said:
I had no idea something this awesome existed so close to our home. Thank you for the info! Most of us have no idea the wonders of creation that exist so close to where we live. We need to appreciate all of this more for sure!
Dec 27, 2010

Ann Burris said:
Thanks for the great article and thanks for all the work you have done to make the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area the amazing place that it is.
Dec 27, 2010

Rick Hanshew said:
Have you ever considered a pivot or lateral irrigation system? Is there a place for this type of system in rice production?
Dec 28, 2010

Rice News said:
Rick, Thanks for your questions. California rice farmers are fortunate to have world-class researchers working on their behalf. Water is a highly-valued resource and irrigation decisions are done with an eye towards being as efficient with irrigation as possible. Research on water use in rice is active in a number of areas including determining actual water use efficiency, earlier maturing varieties, flooding and drainage managements. Sprinklers, intermittent irrigation, furrow irrigation all have some very significant issues in the hot dry California environment and rice production system including delaying maturity, weed problems, disease problems, quality problems, and significantly lower productivity (yield). Rice is a semi-aquatic plant that evolved and thrives in the heavy clay impermeable soils of Northern California.
Dec 29, 2010

Charles Christian said:
Being an old farm boy raised up in Oregon, I can understand the worry a rice farmer lives with and the work he has to put into his place. I really enjoy taking Hwy 20 to Williams from Santa Rosa to see the fields of rice at different times of the year and also realize what an important crop you raise for domestic and foreign use. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Dec 30, 2010

Cass Mutters, U.C. Cooperative Extension said:
Rick, UC researchers are exploring the possibility of field testing such a system in rice. In general, only lateral systems would be an option because of the existing field design and infrastructure . From a production standpoint, there are a number of important questions that must be considered before an overhead system could be used in California rice. Here are just a few: What is the critical soil moisture level that must be maintained?; How does shifting from an anaerobic to aerobic soil affect nitrogen management?; Will overhead irrigation increase disease pressure?; How will California public rice varieties perform under periodic irrigation(aerobic rice)? From an economic standpoint, California rice is irrigated with gravity delivered water. An overhead system requires pumping to pressurize the system which uses more energy and adds to the cost of production. The cost of the center pivot is around $350 per acre excluding cost of water, pumps, energy, maintenance and repairs. It would take a substantial increase in yield with such an irrigation system to make it a economically viable option at this time on rice only soils. It may have a place where rice is rotated with other crops.
Dec 30, 2010

Christina Kaufman said:
This is so fantastic! Congratulations to you all. Aldo Leopold was a man ahead of his time, just as your father is, and now you can caring on this legacy. Great photos too.
Jan 06, 2011

Jeremiah Ridenour said:
Can you tell me when the majority of Rice is planted in California? I am unfamiliar with the seasonality of Rice.
Jan 20, 2011

Rice News said:
Jeremiah, Thank you for your inquiry. Rice is planted, primarily by airplane, during the spring. Harvest is in the fall. More than 95 percent of the California rice crop is found in the Sacramento Valley.
Jan 20, 2011

Donnie Bull said:
If i had a million dollars, i'd farm til it was all gone(1960's).
Feb 25, 2011

www.calrice.org said:
CRC Blog.. Ho-o-o-o-t :)
Mar 31, 2011

Debora Edholm said:
You should do very well with this year...............
Apr 01, 2011

Debora Edholm said:
What a great idea. Here in Costa Rica in my sons school we are trying to teach about the importance of agriculture. Wonderful teaching and I love it.........
Apr 01, 2011

John said:
When is the rice harvest in California?
Apr 01, 2011

Rice News said:
John- Thanks for your interest. Rice harvest is in the fall, typically beginning in September.
Apr 01, 2011

Strange Angel said:
I actually have family property near one of these refuges! My grandfather's property sits in Princeton, Ca. I love seeing the birds on the way in. :)
May 01, 2011

maggie senn said:
hey thats meh teacher!!! shes AWSOME!!
May 03, 2011

troy merrill said:
hope your trip to tokyo goes well. safe travels, troy
May 16, 2011

Chris Crutchfield said:
Great pic Sean, keep up the good work!!
May 17, 2011

Daneé said:
not only is Marc an incredibly hard working rice farmer & a great conversationalist... he is an awesome guy to know and a great friend to have!
Jun 30, 2011

Jeane Mey said:
I have rice land in Pleasant Grove. I have lived in Oregon for 30 years now. We have the rice land leased out to a rice farmer. One year organic rice was planted. Being a long distant farm owner, your video explaining weeding of organic rice was enlightening. Thank you.
Jul 07, 2011

piero ferrari said:
Hi There I run a rice farm in northern Italy. I discovered your blog: it's really nice! I've got a couple of question. I am interested in knowing how do you manage dikes. While talking to a US colleague I have heard about a diking machines digging a bio plastic film inside the dike to prevent water leakage. Have you ever heard it or are you using such equiment? Second question is more about the technique you are following up there: what is your standard working sequence? All the best from Novara! Piero Ferrari
Jul 11, 2011

Sean Doherty said:
Ciao Piero, greetings from California! I had heard of a dike (levee) device you mentioned but I'm not aware of anyone using one in California. The disc ridger is what is predominately used. You can probably find a picture on the website for Sutter Welding & Equipment Co.( SWECO ). They manufacture the most widely used model, although there are a couple of other brands. We typically don't worry about seepage because.the levee takes 3 - 4 passes to make and with each pass our heavy clay soils get compacted even more by the weight of the ridging tractor. As to our working sequence I assume you mean planting. Over ninety percent of California rice is water seeded from about April 10 through May 20 being the preferred time frame. We begin our seedbed preparation usually in March sometime when the soils begin to dry out. It starts with a couple of passes by a chisel plow usually 8 - 9 in. deep to facilitate faster soil drying and it is our primary deep tillage source. This is followed by a few passes of a disc to breakup the soil and give a finer seedbed. Next comes an implement to level off the field, sometimes elevation controlled by GPS or laser technology. GPS is the newer technology. Then base nitrogen is applied into the soil followed by a dry or liquid starter fertilizer, usually a field specific blend, applied onto the soil surface prior to flooding. The starter fertilizer is applied with a rice roller that leaves grooves in the seedbed where the starter is laid in because when the seed is flown on, it settles in the valley created by the roller where a little bit of fertilizer is waiting for it. Feel free to email any more questions you have and I would be happy to answer them if I can. Good luck with your crop.
Jul 11, 2011

Rene said:
Mr. Mathews : What do you do with the straw after harvest rice? Thanks
Jul 13, 2011

Charley Mathews said:
Rene, After harvest, the straw is incorporated back into the soil. The field is flooded with five inches of water and the straw decomposes. This provides two benefits: it's a great environment for wildlife, like migrating geese and ducks. Secondly, organic material is created which helps rebuild the soil.
Jul 13, 2011

Yusuf Gorgec said:
Wow! That robot is fast and accurate :)
Aug 15, 2011

Yusuf Gorgec said:
Very ironic that the little dog was called pepsi! There must be a story behind it...
Aug 15, 2011

Yusuf Gorgec said:
I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and I am part of rice miller family. I discovered these blogs by chance and have been reading a lot here. This article was by far the most interesting for me because I am originally from Turkey and my family still runs a rice mill in Samsun, Turkey. I should a have a trip to California to visit rice mills.
Aug 15, 2011

Anne Benoit said:
Wow, wonderful paintings that celebrate our county's main crop!
Aug 25, 2011

Dave Cowan said:
What an exotic and beautiful portrayal of our hard-working rice fields!
Aug 25, 2011

Marilyn said:
These are awesome paintings! I'm really impressed!!!
Aug 25, 2011

Elizabeth (AKA Liz) Daniels said:
Wonderful Work......very, very stunning!
Aug 28, 2011

Lloree Ellsworth said:
Love seeing the subjects you choose to paint. Inspiring.
Aug 29, 2011

Carol Kruger said:
Vibrant colors on subjects that could be plain! Love your work.
Aug 30, 2011

Elizabeth Devereaux said:
The paintings are rich, luminous, and celebratory of this PLACE! You really get a sense of peace, and the conversational sounds of nature surrounding you. I have long wanted to do just what you are doing...
Aug 30, 2011

said:
i love the light, the glow in your paintings, it takes me beyond the canvas, feeling the air and ground. they also make me long for that horizon, that adventure!
Sep 01, 2011

astrid johannes said:
forgot to put my name with the last comment! sorry ...
Sep 01, 2011

Melinda Rist said:
elores: You know how much we love your paintings here at the Chico Museum! We are looking forward to your chat on September 25th...I'm sure it will be inspiring! You really must see Delores' paintings in person to get the full effect. Visit her at the Avenue 9 Gallery or come see a few of her select works here at the museum, as well as the rest of our "Amazing Grains" rice exhibit.
Sep 01, 2011

Melinda Rist said:
Thank you for your beautiful artistry. As the manager of the Chico Museum, I often need to send thank-you notes. As our current exhibit is all about rice, "Amazing Grains: The Story of Rice in Californai and Beyond",we've been working closely with the California Rice Commission. They gave me some notecards that picture your 2009 "California Ricelands" collage on the front. I now get "thank you's" for my thank you's! Everyone loves the cards, so I can only imagine how incredible your work is in person. Thank you for your re-creations of an amazing landscape!
Sep 01, 2011

mary kay benson said:
Rice fields have great crop of color yields, under your brush, Dolores! Beautiful. Yes, in person viewing is a must - fortunately we are blessed our local gallery faves carry your art for us.
Sep 02, 2011

Julie Shaw said:
Your paintings, Dolores, are ALWAYS inspiring--these go there AND beyond that....are truly touching!!!
Sep 03, 2011

Maria Phillips said:
Dolores, I come on this page at least 3 times a day just to refresh and recreate!!! I love it! Am trying to tell the world! You have quite a following and I'm so glad you're now on Facebook so we may actually in fact do just that: tell the world!
Sep 04, 2011

Frank Wilson said:
Delores, you are truly a modern master with the emotional impact you create using complimentary colors with an unreserved boldness!
Sep 11, 2011

Phyllis Cullen said:
Wow, Delores. I could say all sorts of things about your incredible use of light and color and how you bring out the essence of nature with your brush and your eye. But what I really want to say is, I love your paintings because they make me feel like I want to be in that warm and welcoming and cozy place and that the world is wonderful!
Sep 11, 2011

Sue Matheson said:
Dolores, You have made rice landscapes look as if they are filled with precious jewels. I want to wear these visions!
Sep 12, 2011

Judy Carter said:
Fantastic paintings of the rice fields. The Light, and dramatic color and tecture create stunning Field scenes.
Sep 13, 2011

Charlie Osborn said:
More fantastic work from one of my most favorite artists, and people!
Sep 13, 2011

Jim said:
yes.I would agree marc is a great conversationalist
Sep 15, 2011

Susan Peirce said:
Beautiful light-filled colorful landscapes Delores. You are such a fine painter. Sorry we won't be there for your opening.
Sep 16, 2011

Sanldy Lee said:
Dolores has amazing compositional skills and command of color. I have been collecting Dolores’ work for a while now, and never, ever tire of them. I am always discovering something new to appreciate and enjoy.
Sep 24, 2011

Rice Maker said:
Really interesting, thanks
Sep 28, 2011

Tracy Titus said:
Working with the California Rice Commission is a real pleasure. Tim Johnson and Jim Morris always provide great initial information which helps us to design with clear goals in mind. We look forward to creating many more successful projects with the commission. California Rice really IS the environmental crop!
Oct 04, 2011

Mark said:
Good stuff. It would be great if you could also mention at some point the benefits of hunted fields in terms of additional income for rice farmer, delicious food for the table, important tradition/heritage, wildlife funding via purchase of hunting licenses and stamps, etc.
Oct 05, 2011

Linda Sieh said:
Gorgeous. I love the imagery, emphasizing the positive relationship between rice farming and the natural environment. California is obviously a great place for growing artists as well as rice!
Oct 07, 2011

lynn said:
I am working on a paper for school that is focused on how we can increase rice trade with Japan and wanted to your input... thanks:)
Oct 23, 2011

RiceNews said:
Lynn, We will try to help you learn more about California rice exports. Give our office a call if you want to know more - (916) 387-2264.
Oct 23, 2011

Noelle said:
Peter! Great post, I have to say though, if you guys ever moved to southern california no girl would shun the 'stache!
Nov 08, 2011

Lena said:
I'm loving the fake stache on gramps! black suits him
Nov 08, 2011

jamie said:
should have kept the 'stache! didn't know visitors were allowed/welcomed during harvest craziness...thanks for granting us desk-jobbers (ones who pine for an outdoorsy job) a peak into the harvest life.
Nov 09, 2011

Kristi Davids said:
I love your post. Perhaps you should put a caveat to your rule that not males visited the farm. I'm pretty sure there was a 3 year old boy that was out there, ha! Does that count?
Nov 09, 2011

Mitchell said:
Next up; Decembeard!!!
Nov 09, 2011

Annie said:
Wow, what a neat find.
Dec 05, 2011

Leslie said:
That is an amazing fine. Beautiful birds.
Dec 05, 2011

Gregg Jungers said:
I really love this.
Dec 05, 2011

Bonnie said:
Its a true albino burrowing owl, found all over the desert. The albino part is rarest. Kwel picture, take the picture to the nearest BLM office to show them they can confirm.
Dec 05, 2011

Donna Earnhardt said:
Cool beans! I never knew there were burrowing owls until I saw the movie, HOOT. These are gorgeous pics and a very neat find.
Dec 05, 2011

Elizabeth P. said:
Very cool! Beautiful little creature..
Dec 05, 2011

Les Clairmont said:
Love wild life. Great pictures. Thank you .
Dec 05, 2011

Gretchen said:
How wonderful!
Dec 06, 2011

Wendy said:
Those photos are simply beautiful in every way. And you also write beautifully, Don. Nice to make your acquaintance. :)
Dec 06, 2011

Lee Crete Ekland said:
Thank you Don for taking the time to share this fascinating find!
Dec 07, 2011

Cousin Ruthie said:
Awesome!
Dec 07, 2011

Cape Owls said:
Wow! I've seen thousands of Burrowing Owls but this is the first leucistic Burrowing Owl. Thank you for sharing that photo!
Dec 07, 2011

Rebecca Feind said:
Thank you so much for sharing these photos!
Dec 07, 2011

Michael Moran said:
I read Paddy Cakes. I loved it. It's a great story, nicely told and cleverly illustrated. Everyone should have a copy to read or to give as a gift.
Dec 07, 2011

Carrie Ann said:
Robin has done an excellent job at combining education with a fun-to-read story for young people in her book "Paddy Cakes". It is so important to connect with and teach the children in our lives about our food, our earth and the importance of conservation and "Paddy Cakes" does just that.
Dec 07, 2011

Judy Jennings said:
I was very impressed with Patty Cakes. As a Butte County resident most of my life, I could relate with the experiences with Patty Cakes. As children, we played in neighbors rice fields. It was fun to knock down the rice and make trails. Now I realize how kind the neighbors were not to complain. I am also looking forward to more books from this author.
Dec 07, 2011

Heather said:
I love that you took the time to get your camera out and document this moment... it is so easy to let moments like this go by!
Dec 08, 2011

Michelle said:
Don-What a great find! I'm a grad student at Chico State studying Burrowing Owls. I would love to talk to you about this owl. You can contact me at mocken@mail.csuchico.edu. I hope to hear from you.
Dec 14, 2011

Sherry LaMalfa Smith said:
You rock, Uncle Denny!!! Love you bunches and I'll see you Christmas Eve!
Dec 21, 2011

Doug Beames said:
You are RIGHT ON, Punch!
Jan 20, 2012

Rita said:
That is very interesting. Nice article Lori & Brenna.
Jan 20, 2012

Shanu said:
Just started experimenting with CA wild rice. Wouls like to visit your farm some day.
Jan 23, 2012

grandpa . said:
I am so very proud of you and the wonderful young woman you have become. Your ability to write so well.truly amazes me. I.especially enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great flow of information abou the rice industry.
Jan 23, 2012

Cathy Busch said:
Good job Sean, what a great family you have!!
Jan 30, 2012

SushiFan007 said:
Thanks for setting up this blog. I'm interested in the health benefits of brown rice, but can it be used as a substitute for white rice in all cases? For example, is brown rice sushi even possible?
Mar 02, 2012

Brendan O'Donnell said:
Brown Rice Sushi is possible! Although it is in much smaller quantities, we currently sell brown rice to sushi restaurants and sushi manufacturing companies. I’m not exactly how they prepare it differently and it may take some experimentation with the vinegar content among other things, but I know it’s being done. You absolutely could use brown rice in place of white rice in just about every type of food. The only time I can think of has to so with industrial uses like brewing where the oil content of the brown rice affects fermentation of the beer and / or Sake. One type of rice that is really gaining popularity is the “haiga” rice, or the “lightly milled” brown rice. It retains the germ and most of the nutrition of brown rice, but by milling part of the bran away, it cooks and tastes more like white rice. Unfortunately this isn’t quite as easy to find (yet) but I believe it will be a very popular item in the near future.
Mar 05, 2012

DHSRiceGuy said:
This is a fascinating post! I'd be interested in serving dinner guests some of the odder types of rice to really showcase just how wide-ranging this grain is (different colors, textures, flavors), or perhaps preparing rice in an unusual way. Do you have any suggestions?
Mar 16, 2012

Brendan O'Donnell said:
For color, I would look for red rice and black rice, which are pretty common. I think both Lundberg Family Farms and Hinode Rice are doing that now. You could always look for some of the multi grain blends too, which usually carry both black and red rice. Indian Harvest in Woodland is doing some pretty interesting stuff with color- they have green bamboo rice (It’s infused with bamboo). Here are a few links to help you find some of these specialty rices: http://www.indianharvest.com/products-specialty-rice-6 http://www.lundberg.com/Products/Rice.aspx http://www.hinode.us/our-products http://products.ntcltdusa.com/categories/rice/ (these brands can be found at most Asian markets) Regards, Brendan
Mar 16, 2012

Looking4BulkRice said:
Hey -- I just stumbled onto your blog. My family and I eat a lot of rice, especially with stir fries. In fact, we eat so much rice that I want to start buying in greater bulk. So my question is, with all the kinds of rice out there, which kinds of rice should I buy in bulk? How much should I buy at at a time? Does dried rice go ever bad? Also, do you have recommended sources for bulk rice?
Mar 25, 2012

Rice News said:
Thanks for your interest. All types of rice can be an important part of your diet, but the type you decide on depends on the kinds of dishes you intend on preparing. Many stir fry dishes involve long grain rice because of its fluffy consistency. Medium and short grain rices have a sticky consistency and can be used in stir fry, but are more commonly used for dishes with a creamier consistency, including rice bowls, sushi, pudding and Mediterranean cuisine. Once you decide on the type of rice, you can find larger packages at retailers like Costco, Asian specialty stores or even online retailers such as Amazon.com. Thanks again for being a fan of rice!
Mar 25, 2012

Kay Cecil said:
Interesting. We will have to try this. Wish someone around here would give a class on cooking with rice. We love rice but I am never sure which to use for what?
Apr 16, 2012

Debra said:
Thanks Julie, This looks delissimo! It will taste wonderful with some Gold Hill port,:)
Apr 20, 2012

Owen Taylor said:
Great piece. Looks good. Wish he'd come back to Mississippi and thin out the population some here, too!
Apr 27, 2012

Bob Wisner said:
Grant, How are rice farmers doing financially. Are there stresses from water issues, rising input costs, regulations, etc? Are these any different than in recent years?
May 08, 2012

Chuck Wilson said:
Great article. Really enjoyed reading about your trip so far.
May 08, 2012

Chuck Wilson said:
Tom, Good job. Steve Powell and Elaine Wootten would be proud of you, as I am too. Keep up the good work.
May 08, 2012

Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd said:
Great reading and excellent photos! Enjoy!
May 08, 2012

jeff dyer said:
Hi Sean Thanks for the great planting job on the sunflowers. Who does your video's. Look like they are in high def. Jeff
May 08, 2012

Grant Lundberg said:
This year with the late rains most rice farmers will be planting without restrictions. The biggest challenge in the last three years has been the heavy rains in the spring. This has focused rice growers on figuring out how to plant rice in the shortest time possible. Farmers have rethought each step in the planting process to minimize time. At harvest this means that a lot of rice comes in at the same time to the dryers and storage facilities. This can place a great amount of stress on the receiving capacity. Sometimes growers will need to slow down their harvest to match their storage and drying capabilities.
May 08, 2012

Sherry Maltby said:
I toured the Wakamatsu Colony in April and it is well worth the time to make the trip up there. Call ahead or check online for docent lead tours, they are well trained and very knowledgeable about the history of this hidden jewel.
May 22, 2012

Leslie Morris said:
Phil, its great to get to know you a bit more! I enjoy your images very much. Thank you for your help identifying the birds in some of my images.
Aug 01, 2012

Bonnie Magill said:
Good Job Margery!
Aug 03, 2012

Gary Cena said:
This is a great collective effort. Marysville FFA and the Mathews Family Farm working together toward the benefit of Yuba County, educating our community, and feeding the world. We are very proud of you Margery. Nice job!
Aug 03, 2012

Sondra Durden said:
So happy for you .for your many accomplishments . You are an inspiration for many others who also love nature.
Aug 03, 2012

Dad said:
Another great job! Always impressive!
Aug 04, 2012

Shevaun Mathews said:
Great job Margery! We really enjoyed this project. Thank you to Marysville FFA for letting us be a part of the exhibit!
Aug 07, 2012

rocky lano said:
Don,I enjoyed your investigating discovery. Your photo of the little borrowing owl are cool. My dad ELL, introduced me to one out on a piece of ground he had in tomatoes. It was standing on the levy road near an old squirrel hole.
Aug 20, 2012

Joyce Bisbee said:
Wonderful pictures and a great narrative! Thank you Phil.
Sep 12, 2012

Jim said:
Thanks Phil for your insight. Terrific photos!
Sep 12, 2012

Thomas Roach said:
Great photos!
Sep 12, 2012

DeAtley Cahill said:
Great photos Phil! Thanks you for your contributions about this magical place.
Sep 19, 2012

Jeff said:
Is there a visitor center for rice growing in California? Can someone suggest an area where we could see some rice fields before this years harvest?
Sep 22, 2012

Jim, California Rice Commission said:
Thanks for your interest Jeff- There isn't a visitor center for rice, but there are plenty of good opportunities to see it. The Sacramento Valley is where 97 percent of the state's crop is grown. From Sacramento, head north on I-5 or Highway 99/70 and you will see rice fields from Natomas and Pleasant Grove to Willows and Chico. California is home to more than 550,000 acres of rice.
Sep 22, 2012

hashim mohd sedik said:
I would like to know whether any research to enable rice could be planted in an ordinary field without using plenty of water.Thank you.
Sep 25, 2012

Jim - California Rice Commission said:
Dear Hashim, There is continual research to maximize water efficiency in rice. In fact, over the past few decades, water use efficiency has increased dramatically in California rice fields. The plants grow shorter but produce more grain. Rice uses a lot less water than many people think.
Sep 25, 2012

hashim mohd sedik said:
Thank you for your immidiate respons,I am very happy if the rice could grow consuming less water as same as wheat.Thank you.
Sep 26, 2012

Bruce Johnson said:
I have never been to that wild life place south of Sacramento--what is the best time of the yr to be there for Birds?
Sep 27, 2012

Leslie Morris said:
Hi Bruce, Right now! I was just out this morning and had another first there, got great photographs of a mink. Since they are now flooding the fields, many species are arriving. I saw there are lots of Sandhill Cranes, Pintails and a myriad of other duck species, a variety of shorebirds with a solitary White-faced Ibis among them, several raptor species and I could go on and on, it's looking good! It will only continue to get better as more and more migrants arrive. Hope you get a great visit in, Leslie
Sep 27, 2012

hashim mohd sedik said:
could you please to explain how irrigation done in your region to plant a very vast area of rice.Thank you.
Oct 01, 2012

Jim- California Rice Commission said:
Hashim- Good question. Several of the other blogs explain water use in rice fields. In short, growers are fortunate to have relatively abundant water from the Sacramento Valley. They built systems in which water is diverted when needed. Fields are only flooded with a few inches of water. Fully one-third of the water applied to rice is returned to the river to be used for other crops, environmental purposes and as drinking water. To learn more, we have a guest blog from Glenn Colusa Irrigation District and a video post from farmer Josh Sheppard who explains rice boxes, which are in important part of the irrigation process.
Oct 01, 2012

hashim mohd sedik said:
There are thousands of snow geese in your region,are these birds not getting harm to rice industry?If so how the right way to face the problem?Thank you.
Oct 07, 2012

California Rice Commission - Jim said:
Hashim, Birds do eat rice, but their peak time in the fields is after harvest. Their beauty and the environmental benefits of rice cultivation in California outweigh the fact that they eat some of the grain.
Oct 07, 2012

Anjaiah Srirangam said:
This is excellent article how important to work place and waht we do at work to children and family members. They not only appreciate and they feel proud of their parents. Thanks,
Oct 09, 2012

Phil Robertson said:
Can't wait to see it!
Nov 06, 2012

BirdBro said:
Congratulations on your FIFTH California marathon--run in such wild weather! OK, it is time for me to try Rice Pasta!!
Dec 05, 2012

Paul Chamlee said:
Jim, congratulations on a job well done. As a vet and a proud American I thank you.
Dec 05, 2012

Jim Morris said:
I had more incentive running on behalf of veterans. I hope the money raised from my sponsors makes a tangible difference. It would be a great day if our country came to a greater realization of what veterans mean to the freedom we enjoy every day.
Dec 05, 2012

Doug Beames said:
Punch, spend as much time in the saddle as you can. After the work is done, of course, ha, ha!
Dec 05, 2012

Joe O'Donnell said:
I didn't know that stuff. Great article! GO CRC.
Dec 16, 2012

Brandon Schmiedeberg said:
It was a fantastic float, and the leadership of these students was shown through to the final decorations. Very good job and congratulations on the win. Being California Grown is also a very "cool" addition this year. **Design 2008-2011**
Jan 03, 2013

Joyce Noack said:
how can we support all of this rice growing with our short water suply...is not rice a great water user???
Jan 07, 2013

Jim Morris, California Rice Commission said:
Joyce, Thank you for your comments. Rice is much more water efficient than many people realize. It takes about the same amount of water to grow a serving of rice as it does oranges and broccoli. Also, one should factor in the environmental benefits of rice farming - nearly 230 wildlife species rely on rice fields for habitat. I understand you may have additional questions on this or other topics. You are welcome to e-mail me at: jmorris@calrice.org.
Jan 07, 2013

Seosamh O'Domhnaill said:
Great information and insights! Thanks
Jan 11, 2013

Dad said:
Great picture! What is the name of the next generation?
Jan 22, 2013

RiceNews said:
The youngest generation includes Blake and Cole. It's great to see the generations of families involved in California Rice!
Jan 22, 2013

Judi said:
I enjoy seeing everyday the birds that are out along the Yolo bypass and the 102 route to Yuba City. This is the first year that I have really enjoyed the birds, it seems there are more than usual.
Feb 28, 2013

Chris Crutchfield said:
Great blog, Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing your classroom agriculture adventures with us! My wife and I own a rice, dryer, mill, and packaging facility in Williams. A lot of the rice we process comes from Sutter County. If you ever get a chance for a field trip, we'd love to give your kids a tour!
Mar 19, 2013

Kian Ong said:
Your rice fields are awesome and I missed rice fields so much since I come to America in 1990. Growing up in a rice field in Malaysia, I wonder why I never have a chance to visit one in California. Can you provide me some information about how to visit one or even get a job as a rice grower ! Planting rice is still in my blood. Thank you ! email: onglaikian@yahoo.com
Mar 28, 2013

Amy said:
How can I buy the American Wild seed to plan?
Apr 08, 2013

RiceNews said:
Amy- there are major differences between rice and wild rice. If you seek wild rice seed, one starting point would be asking the California Wild Rice Advisory Board: cawildrice.com
Apr 08, 2013

Cindy Paine said:
Thanks, interesting information. I was just writing alot of what you said to Fox 40 today.I am trying to get them to do a morning show from my new adventure-The Teegarden House on Plumas Street Downtown Yuba City. There is a lot to see around our community. Thanks again Cindy Paine
Apr 15, 2013

Tracy Titus said:
Thanks for sharing, Jim. I enjoy the Sutter Buttes from afar every day on my commute back to Y.C. from Sacramento. And, I enjoy going to the Buttes every chance I get. They are my favorite icon of the area.
Apr 17, 2013

Jim Morris said:
Tracy- thanks for sharing your comments. It was a morning our family won't soon forget!
Apr 17, 2013

Linda Henigan said:
How lovely to see my dear friend Denny posting his latest news today from the California Rice Commission. He is passionate about rice and those early rice farmers that came before him!
Apr 23, 2013

Brian Teal (Five Star Bank) said:
Wonderful to see the strongest industry in California having a good year. Thank you all for helping in the North State economy and working hard year over year to make it happen...
Apr 24, 2013

Richard Immoos said:
Nice harvester. I like my equipment yellow. I ran a Cat Challenger MT 755D in spring plant.
May 07, 2013

Eric Item said:
What are your views on Jerry Brown's legacy goal of Tunnels diverting fresh water and selling it to so. Cal Almond growers?
May 20, 2013

RiceNews said:
Eric, Water is a complex and critical subject. Our entire industry is watching this issue closely. We are working hard to have those outside of rice country understand the value of water in the Sacramento Valley, including rice farms. Maintaining water for rice not only benefits our economy and food supply, as this blog illustrates it's a big benefit for our environment. Rest assured we are working hard to get these messages delivered.
May 20, 2013

Add a Comment






Check us out on YouTube Get a firsthand look at all things California Rice through hundreds of videos. left arrow left arrow YouTube