View of rice research plots from the cool shade of the tour wagon
Aug 29, 2024
BIGGS, CA – Braving near triple-digit heat, hundreds of farmers and other rice industry folks turned out yesterday for the 2024 California Rice Field Day, held at the Rice Experiment Station here. The annual field day is an opportunity for researchers at the cooperative extension to showcase their work, and this year’s event once again proved to be a cornerstone for innovation in the industry.
The day kicked off with a general session that included updates from state rice committees and boards, a meeting of the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation, and an award presentation.
Charley Mathews Jr., a fifth-generation grower from Yuba County, received the 2024 California Rice Industry Award for his dedication and continued commitment to the rice industry. Mathews has served as chair of the California Rice Commission, USA Rice Council, and USA Rice. He also serves on the USA Rice Farmers Board and is current chair of the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative Board, where he has been a member for 33 years.
USA Rice staff then joined a tour of the facility’s experimental rice plots, where attendees had a chance to see rice research in action. Station scientists thoroughly explained their projects on pest control, weed management, and new rice varieties at each stop—keeping their presentations to the point as the temperatures climbed into the high nineties.
A study on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) led by UC Davis Professor of Plant Sciences Bruce Linquist was one of this year’s highlights. Linquist's team, including researchers Telha Rehman, Henry Perry, and Mary Marfisee, has shown that AWD has the potential to cut methane emissions from rice fields by up to 50 percent without sacrificing yield, which could majorly impact sustainable rice farming practices.
Although drought conditions in California are much improved from recent years, discussions around water usage, policy, and infrastructure remained at the forefront throughout the day. The last few years have posed significant challenges for rice farmers due to water restrictions, and it’s clear that these issues will continue to be a critical concern.
The tour was followed by lunch featuring local sushi made with California rice, as well as a sampling of six rice varieties grown at the station for attendees to taste and compare.
“This was my first California field day, and it’s clear how important events like this are for fostering connections and sharing knowledge in the industry,” said Karah Janevicius, USA Rice director of international trade policy. “It was a wonderful introduction to California rice country.”