About this Session

US Rice Sustainability Programs and Rice Leadership Development Programs

Presented by: Dr. Steve Linscombe, Executive Director, USA Rice Federation

The US Rice Industry has a rich history of sustainability throughout the field production and processing sectors. From 1980-2015 the industry reduced environmental impacts by increasing land use efficiency by 39%, decreasing water use by 52%, decreasing energy use by 34%, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 41% and decreasing soil loss by 28%. The industry has established additional goals to continue to make improvements in each of these metrics over the next 15 years. The progress and goals will be discussed as well as all programs such as webinars, podcasts, and social media that is being used to convey the rice sustainability story. The Rice Leadership Development Program will also be discussed.

Sustainable Practices For Raising Zero-Grade Continuous Rice

Presented by: Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Farmer: Rice, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton

Whitaker will discuss whether row rice can add benefits to rice farming and keep it more sustainable. He will discuss the pros and highlights the cons of row rice. He also will explain “Why we do what we do” and how little efforts add up to not only help the environment but also put dollars in your bottom line. He described some of the “little things” as no-till or minimum till, nutrient management and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). He has seven years of experience with AWD and together with his brother, Sam, they raise rice, soybeans, cotton, and corn. He has been farming for 27 years.