Industry News

Upcoming meetings include focus on Weed Management in Rice

Upcoming meetings include focus on Weed Management in Rice

University of California Cooperative Extension Sutter-Yuba-Colusa is holding grower meetings this month to provide research updates on some of the major crops in the Sacramento Valley. The classes are relevant to growers throughout California and are primarily focused on pest management and pesticide safety. Here’s a link to find out more on the meetings, which will provide the option of attending via Zoom or in person.  

Whitney Brim-DeForest, Rice and Wild Rice Advisor, will present October 11. “The presentation will cover the latest research updates on specific weed species, resistance management, and new herbicides in rice,” she said. The information is relevant to both organic and conventional rice growers, so all are encouraged to attend. 

An in-person meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 20, at the UCCE Sutter-Yuba office, 142A Garden Hwy, Yuba City, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All four speakers will present on the same topics as they are covering in the webinars (CE credits are only available for either the in-person meeting OR for the webinars, not both).

Enrollment is limited, so register early. The cost for the webinars is $25 for 1, $40 for 2, $50 for 3, and $55 for 4 webinars. The in-person local event is FREE. For more details or to register, visit http://ucanr.edu/2021growermeeting. For the webinar, DPR CE credits are pending (4 “other” hours total, 1 per class), and CCA credits are pending for IPM credits (4 hours total, 1 per class). The in-person event has DPR CE credits pending (3 “other” hours), and CCA credits are pending for IPM credits (3 hours). 

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.