As it was briefly mentioned in the last blog post (Monday), Valmont Irrigation is currently hosting a small T.V. crew from Brazil. The three gentlemen accompanied we Rice Team members on our Field Day trip last week, and got some great footage! Please view this newscast that was aired in Brazil on August 9. Thank you to Patrick Hulshof and Dr. Earl Vories for making an appearance!
Disclaimer: Video is in Portuguese.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Circles for Rice Field Days | August 3-5, 2010
Disclaimer: I apologize ahead of time. This post is super long, but I wanted to make sure to squeeze everything in about our Field Days from last week!
August 3-5, 2010, Valmont Irrigation hosted three Field Days dedicated to the Circles for Rice project. Each Field Day was a success, and we could not have pulled them off without our cooperating rice growers, partners, and staff. Each Field Day had a similar agenda, which included presentations on:
Tuesday | August 3, 2010 | Sikeston
We started the day by participating in a rice under center pivot Field Day hosted by the University of Missouri Delta Research Center. Though the weather was hot (even at 8:30 in the morning!), the Field Day presenters persevered and delivered great information, including some newer research on rice breeding. Presenters included Dr. Gene Stevens (UM Delta Center), Dr. Earl Vories (USDA-ARS), Dr. Anna McClung (USDA-ARS), Dr. Don Beighley (SE Missouri State U), Dr. Joe Henggeler (UM Delta Center), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), and Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation).
Later that afternoon, we gathered at the Clinton Building in Sikeston, MO, for our first Field Day. Following registration and a short meet-and-greet, we piled into a well-chilled bus and headed to Donny Deline's rice field. Presenters included Donny Deline (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), Fred Ferrell (Mid-Valley Irrigation, Valley dealership), Jerry Gerdes (Valmont Irrigation), and Dr. Gene Stevens (UM Delta Center).
After the presentations, we boarded the bus and headed for Patrick Hulshof's rice field, also in Sikeston. Presenters included Patrick Hulshof (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), Dr. Earl Vories (UM Delta Center), and Barry Barnett (RiceTec).
Both Donny Deline and Patrick Hulshof participated in the 2010 Circles for Rice project in hopes of finding an alternative crop.
We concluded the Field Day with a WONDERFUL supper, catered by Tasteful Creations. Rice was not a main dish, but the Butterfinger cake was to die for!
Wednesday | August 4, 2010 | Neelyville
The Valmont crew regrouped Wednesday morning in Neelyville, MO, for the second of three Field Days at Dennis Robison's rice field. We brought with us plenty of cold water and pastries from Rowland Stollen Bakery and Deli.
Unlike traditional rice fields (which are flat), Dennis's field is rolling. Because it is a nontraditional rice field, Dennis's participation is one that helps illustrate the ability to produce a good rice crop in new areas of the world.
The Circles for Rice Team collectively felt this Field Day was the most successful of the three. Despite the terrible heat, the attendees were quite interested in our project and asked a lot of good questions! Presenters included Dennis Robison (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Dr. Earl Vories (USDA-ARS), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), Fred Ferrell (Mid-Valley Irrigation, Valley dealership), Jerry Gerdes (Valmont Irrigation), and Dr. Gene Stevens (UM Delta Center).
Thursday | August 5, 2010 | Scott
After a trip down to Little Rock, AR, we held a Field Day at David Feilke's rice field in Scott, AR. We provided bagels, muffins, cookies, and coffee from the San Francisco Bread Co. (the BEST cookies ever, I give my recommendation) at the field. Presenters included David Feilke (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Dr. Paul Counce (University of Arkansas), Mark Maier (crop consultant), Randy Powell (Ag H2O, Valley dealership), Jerry Gerdes (Valmont Irrigation), and Whitney Jones (RiceTec).
A long-time rice grower, David decided to participate in the 2010 Circles for Rice project in order to grow rice on a budget.
We would like to thank Sid Cameron, our Mid-South Valmont Territory Manager, for his unwavering support of this project and participation in our Field Days.
We had some last-minute visitors tag along for most of the trip - a T.V. crew from Brazil! We'd like to thank Marcelo, Danilo, and Jose for putting up with the heat and our crazy schedule.
Now that we're back in the office, expect to see more frequent updates on the Circles for Rice blog! I will be updating the rest of the Circles for Rice website (www.circlesforrice.com) throughout the next several weeks, please visit us for detailed field information.
August 3-5, 2010, Valmont Irrigation hosted three Field Days dedicated to the Circles for Rice project. Each Field Day was a success, and we could not have pulled them off without our cooperating rice growers, partners, and staff. Each Field Day had a similar agenda, which included presentations on:
- Weed control
- Irrigation equipment and controls
- Application of water and fertilizer
- Yield potential under center pivots
- Field and crop information
- Irrigation management
Tuesday | August 3, 2010 | Sikeston
 |
| Donny Deline's rice field | Sikeston, MO |
Later that afternoon, we gathered at the Clinton Building in Sikeston, MO, for our first Field Day. Following registration and a short meet-and-greet, we piled into a well-chilled bus and headed to Donny Deline's rice field. Presenters included Donny Deline (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), Fred Ferrell (Mid-Valley Irrigation, Valley dealership), Jerry Gerdes (Valmont Irrigation), and Dr. Gene Stevens (UM Delta Center).
 |
| Patrick Hulshof's rice field | Sikeston, MO |
Both Donny Deline and Patrick Hulshof participated in the 2010 Circles for Rice project in hopes of finding an alternative crop.
We concluded the Field Day with a WONDERFUL supper, catered by Tasteful Creations. Rice was not a main dish, but the Butterfinger cake was to die for!
Wednesday | August 4, 2010 | Neelyville
 |
| Dennis Robison's rice field | Neelyville, MO |
Unlike traditional rice fields (which are flat), Dennis's field is rolling. Because it is a nontraditional rice field, Dennis's participation is one that helps illustrate the ability to produce a good rice crop in new areas of the world.
The Circles for Rice Team collectively felt this Field Day was the most successful of the three. Despite the terrible heat, the attendees were quite interested in our project and asked a lot of good questions! Presenters included Dennis Robison (rice grower), Jake LaRue (Valmont Irrigation), Dr. Earl Vories (USDA-ARS), Jim Heiser (UM Delta Center), Fred Ferrell (Mid-Valley Irrigation, Valley dealership), Jerry Gerdes (Valmont Irrigation), and Dr. Gene Stevens (UM Delta Center).
Thursday | August 5, 2010 | Scott
 |
| David Feilke's rice field | Scott, AR |
A long-time rice grower, David decided to participate in the 2010 Circles for Rice project in order to grow rice on a budget.
We would like to thank Sid Cameron, our Mid-South Valmont Territory Manager, for his unwavering support of this project and participation in our Field Days.
We had some last-minute visitors tag along for most of the trip - a T.V. crew from Brazil! We'd like to thank Marcelo, Danilo, and Jose for putting up with the heat and our crazy schedule.
Now that we're back in the office, expect to see more frequent updates on the Circles for Rice blog! I will be updating the rest of the Circles for Rice website (www.circlesforrice.com) throughout the next several weeks, please visit us for detailed field information.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Circles for Rice | Weekly Update
In the last week, four of the fields have had applications of Karate for army worms, plus Quadris for possible disease issues.
We need to keep watching closely for insects, disease, and development of wheel tracks.
Everyone is asking when we can start slowing the irrigation, but most fields are at least seven to ten days away from cutting back.
To maintain quality, we believe center pivot irrigators need to keep relatively good moisture (less than 30% depletion) in the root zone through early soft dough, and then gradually allow the depletion to increase. All of this does depend on temperature and moisture-holding capacity.
I hope to see some of you next week at our field days in Missouri and Arkansas!
We need to keep watching closely for insects, disease, and development of wheel tracks.
Everyone is asking when we can start slowing the irrigation, but most fields are at least seven to ten days away from cutting back.
To maintain quality, we believe center pivot irrigators need to keep relatively good moisture (less than 30% depletion) in the root zone through early soft dough, and then gradually allow the depletion to increase. All of this does depend on temperature and moisture-holding capacity.
I hope to see some of you next week at our field days in Missouri and Arkansas!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Circles for Rice | Weekly Update
I am back in the U.S. after traveling for two weeks in France and Spain. I visited farmers, customers, and Valley Dealers.Now, I personally need to catch back up on the rice project, and I will be visiting the fields this week. Kelly Downing has done a great job following the crop development.
Current situations growers are facing include:
- Potential damage from army worms
- Have seen some signs of damage; everyone needs to be watching their fields
- Extension service recommended using Karate
- Developing "spots" in fields believed to be related to nutrient issues
- Soil and plant samples have been collected
- Reviewing the analysis as little data exists for nutrient levels for center pivot or linear irrigated rice
- No confirmed brown spot or blast in any fields
- One pivot has gotten stuck and the grower has worked through this with the Valley Rice Team. A number of reasons contributed to this situation.
All fields are in various stages of heading.
The rice under center pivot in Texas is beginning to mature and we have begun to reduce the water applications. Unlike flooded fields, where there may be a couple of inches of water on the soil surface and the soil profile is saturated, we are typically operating between 5% to 30% depleted with a center pivot. This means there is not as much water "stored" in the soil profile and irrigation must continue to ensure a good quality crop.
Our Mid-South Field Days are next week! Come visit us in Missouri and Arkansas on August 3-5. For more information, and to register for one or more field days, please visit www.CirclesForRice.com .
Monday, July 19, 2010
Attention Rice Growers! Field Day Reminder
Valmont Irrigation, RiceTec, and the University of Missouri Delta Research Center will be hosting rice Field Days in August!
What: Rice under center pivot Field Days
Where: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
University of Missouri Delta Research Center
147 Highway T
Portageville, Arkansas, USA 63873
LAT 36 25' 19.8516", LONG -89 41' 56.3928"
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 | Registration @ 3:00 PM, Presentations @ 4:00 PM
Clinton Building/Donny Deline and Patrick Hulshof's fields
501 Campanella Drive
Sikeston, Missouri, USA 63801
LAT 36 53' 24.3816", LONG -89 34' 3.6042"
Meet and greet at the Clinton Building Community Center.
Field-to-field transportation will be made available.
Dinner at the Clinton Building will follow presentations.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
Dennis Robison's field
Neelyville, Arkansas, USA
County Road W5. 5 miles straight south of Naylor. Turn west on County Road W5.
LAT 36 30' 01.08396", LONG -90 37' 01.6716"
Continental breakfast will be available at the field.
Thursday, August 5, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
David Feilke's field
Scott, Arkansas, USA
LAT 34 35' 27.8196", LONG -92 07' 55.6782"
Continental breakfast will be available at the field.
To Register: rice@valmont.com | +1-800-825-6668 ext 6032 or ext 3505 | www.circlesforrice.com
Rice Growers: Donny Deline, Patrick Hulshof, Dennis Robison, David Feilke
Valley Dealers: MidValley, Ag H2O
All Field Days are open to the public. However, we do request that you please pre-register! Register by July 21 and receive a welcome gift at the Field Day!
We look forward to seeing you down South in August!
What: Rice under center pivot Field Days
Where: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
University of Missouri Delta Research Center
147 Highway T
Portageville, Arkansas, USA 63873
LAT 36 25' 19.8516", LONG -89 41' 56.3928"
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 | Registration @ 3:00 PM, Presentations @ 4:00 PM
Clinton Building/Donny Deline and Patrick Hulshof's fields
501 Campanella Drive
Sikeston, Missouri, USA 63801
LAT 36 53' 24.3816", LONG -89 34' 3.6042"
Meet and greet at the Clinton Building Community Center.
Field-to-field transportation will be made available.
Dinner at the Clinton Building will follow presentations.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
Dennis Robison's field
Neelyville, Arkansas, USA
County Road W5. 5 miles straight south of Naylor. Turn west on County Road W5.
LAT 36 30' 01.08396", LONG -90 37' 01.6716"
Continental breakfast will be available at the field.
Thursday, August 5, 2010 | Registration @ 8:30 AM, Presentations @ 9:00 AM
David Feilke's field
Scott, Arkansas, USA
LAT 34 35' 27.8196", LONG -92 07' 55.6782"
Continental breakfast will be available at the field.
To Register: rice@valmont.com | +1-800-825-6668 ext 6032 or ext 3505 | www.circlesforrice.com
Rice Growers: Donny Deline, Patrick Hulshof, Dennis Robison, David Feilke
Valley Dealers: MidValley, Ag H2O
All Field Days are open to the public. However, we do request that you please pre-register! Register by July 21 and receive a welcome gift at the Field Day!
We look forward to seeing you down South in August!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Another Article about Rice Blogs
The Delta Farm Press published an article earlier this week about the debut of rice blogs.
"Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, said the blogs are good examples of using technology to distribute research-based information to producers. 'Innovations such as these blogs are cheaper than mailing material to farmers and accessible 24 hours a day to anyone,' Coreil said."To read the article in its entirety, please visit www.DeltaFarmPress.com.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Circles for Rice | Weekly Update
United States
Last week, I visited the rice fields down South. Some observations have been made:
One field is about 3% headed, and several are in early-to-mid boot stage. Some fields have received over 12" of irrigation this growing season from the center pivot.
Valley is coming a to a rice field near you! If you live near Sikeston, MO, Corning, AR, or Scott, AR, come visit us at one of our Field Days in August! Updates and reminders will be posted to the blog; registration is available by phone (402-359-6032), email (rice@valmont.com), and web (www.CirclesForRice.com).
Last week, I visited the rice fields down South. Some observations have been made:- We need to watch the wheel track depth in a couple of fields, as a couple of spots in some of the fields are deeper than we would like. In each case, this is occurring on drive units using 14.9 x 24 or smaller size tires.
- Dr. Gene Stevens at the University of Missouri Delta Research Center has advised that they have seen some brown spot and are going to treat appropriately.
- We have another field that may have brown spot and we are currently reviewing this thoroughly. If we do treat this field for brown spot, we will use between 12 and 15 ounces of Quadris per acre.
- One field continues to run with lower-than-optimum pivot pressure, which is causing fairly poor sprinkler patterns. The flow is lower than we expected, running about 6.1 gpm/acre, which is more than likely too low for this particular field.
- Fertility questions have continued to pop up, so we are sampling more fields by collecting soil and tissue from areas that look "good" and from areas that look "poor." This sampling will provide us with a comparison since there is very little data both for rice production under center pivots and rice production on light-textured soils.
- The yellowing field from last week is definitely looking better since having ammonium sulphate applied.
- As stated before, we need to closely watch the depth of water being applied.
One field is about 3% headed, and several are in early-to-mid boot stage. Some fields have received over 12" of irrigation this growing season from the center pivot.
Valley is coming a to a rice field near you! If you live near Sikeston, MO, Corning, AR, or Scott, AR, come visit us at one of our Field Days in August! Updates and reminders will be posted to the blog; registration is available by phone (402-359-6032), email (rice@valmont.com), and web (www.CirclesForRice.com).
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