WASHINGTON, DC – USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited welcomed more than 200 congressional staff, government officials, and industry representatives to the annual Federal Duck Stamp Reception last week, celebrating the important role of working ricelands in supporting waterfowl habitat and advancing conservation.
The event celebrated the 13th anniversary of the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership, a unique alliance through which both organizations work to help rice farmers address water quantity, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working ricelands.
Guests enjoyed sushi and rice-based beverages and had the opportunity to purchase their 2026-27 Federal Duck Stamps. Required for waterfowl hunters age 16 and older, Duck Stamps also provide free admission to national wildlife refuges across the country. Ninety-eight percent of proceeds go directly toward conservation, supporting the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and the protection of critical habitat for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds.
The Rice Stewardship Partnership has forged a historic model of collaboration between a farm group and a conservation organization. Since its inception in 2013, the Partnership has impacted more than a million acres of rice and rice rotation ground.
“The USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Federal Duck Stamp Reception is an annual highlight on Capitol Hill,” said Jake Westlin, USA Rice vice president of government affairs. “It is a great opportunity to showcase the stewardship efforts of rice farmers and celebrate how partnerships like ours are helping secure a more sustainable future for both agriculture and wildlife. We appreciate all who attended to celebrate the monumental successes of the Rice Stewardship Partnership and the beneficial impacts it has had during its 13-year tenure.”