BIGGS, CA – USA Rice staff joined more than 200 rice industry participants at the rice research station here this week for the annual field day as well as the annual business meeting for the grower-owners of the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation (CCRRF).
During the annual business meeting, CCRRF Chair and California rice farmer Kim Gallagher provided opening remarks, and Rice Experiment Station Director Dr. Dustin Harrell gave an update on variety line advancements, including the upcoming retirement of M-211 in 2029 and the release of its successor, M-212: a higher yield, lower chalk formation Calrose variety.
Newly-elected Congressman James Gallagher (R-CA) gave a special recognition for the center’s dedication of the LaMalfa Seed Cleaning Facility in memory of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who passed away earlier this year. USA Rice Council Vice Chair and California rice farmer Tom Butler presented the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation Rice Industry Award to USA Rice Council Immediate Past Chair State Chair and California Rice Commission Chairman Josh Sheppard. Unable to attend the event, his son Jack accepted the award on his behalf.
“I have witnessed Josh’s remarkable leadership and dedication firsthand. Josh is an exceptional farmer,” Butler said. “From the first farming operation he built with his wife, Kathryn, to the custom application work he does with his family, he has made his presence and expertise felt across this entire valley. I know he would tell you his proudest achievements are farming his family’s ground, with his son Jack working right alongside him while building his own business, in addition to watching his daughter Claire flourish in her career… But I will tell you, his leadership beyond the field – whether serving on the Western Canal Water District, as State Chair for the USA Rice Council, or in his current role as CRC Chairman – is just as impressive.”
After the meeting, attendees participated in field tours to learn about ways to manage herbicide-resistant grasses, integrating drone-based herbicide applications in water-seeded rice production systems and optimal nitrogen rates for California’s current rice varieties.
Following a beautiful day in the field, attendees were treated to a lunch that included California rice and sushi. They were also given samples of aromatic Calrose rice to cook at home.
USA Rice staff attending the field day also made several stops to visit with farmer members, marketers, and the California Rice Commission.