Jim Whitaker shares his sustainability story
Feb 05, 2020
MEMPHIS, TN -- Producers and industry representatives from across the mid-south gathered here last week for the 23rd Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference. The day and a half-long conference featured discussions on the latest in conservation practices. Topics included rice variety updates, water management, cover crops, herbicides, trade, and much more.
Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of The Rice Foundation and Rice Leadership Development Program, gave an update on USA Rice sustainability programs. He discussed the series of webinars that USA Rice is presenting to further spread the word on the outstanding sustainability story the U.S. rice industry has to tell. The next webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, at 11 a.m. CST. (Keep up with the USA Rice Daily for additional information.)
Speaking alongside Linscombe was Jim Whitaker, a rice farmer from Desha County, Arkansas. Whitaker spoke about the economic and environmental benefits that sustainability practices have on his operation. “These conservation practices are very practical and sustainable for your operation. They allow you to maintain quality and yields, and usually pay for themselves within a couple of years.”
On-farm rice conservation opportunities were discussed by USA Rice’s Josh Hankins and Ducks Unlimited’s Scott Manley. A key point during their presentation was the Conservation Program Search available on the USA Rice website. Attendees were urged to stop by the USA Rice booth to receive more information and an in-person tutorial on how to navigate the website to learn more about the array of programs and resources available.
In addition to the presentations, Ambassador Gregg Doud from the Office of the United States Trade Representative was the keynote speaker, and attendees were able to visit with 50 exhibitors at the trade show.