Industry News

USDA Undersecretary Bonnie gets Firsthand Look at Drought Impacts Across Sac Valley’s Rice Country

USDA Undersecretary Bonnie gets Firsthand Look at Drought Impacts Across Sac Valley’s Rice Country

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, along with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross, Jeff Yasui with USDA/RMA and Carlos Suarez with the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) spent the day on a tour of the Sacramento Valley co-hosted by the CRC and NCWA. They heard from biologists and conservationists on environmental impacts due to drought as well as met with local businesses that are key in California’s rice production process.

US Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, tours the Sacramento valley and rice growing areas

In the first stop, Undersecretary Bonnie got a firsthand look at the unique relationship California rice has with the environment, seeing rice fields in production within the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, which is managed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

Luke Matthews giving a presentation during the field tour

CRC’s Wildlife Programs Manager Luke Matthews and Environmental Affairs Manager Paul Buttner spoke about the collaborative efforts underway to maximize winter habitat for the millions of migratory waterfowl that travel the Pacific Flyway annually, relying on the nutrients from the decomposed rice straw during the winter months. 

Paul Buttner giving a presentation during the tour

Jeff McCreary and Marc Engstrom with Ducks Unlimited and Jacob Katz with CalTrout also highlighted the role rice plays in conservation for wildlife. Other important topics included ongoing efforts to reconnect the floodplain with David Guy and Todd Manley with the Northern California Water Association (NCWA). Also in attendance was Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), who earlier this year introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing the decades of work California’s rice industry has done to support our environment.

US Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie

The next stop on the tour was Williams, Colusa County, just one of the many rural ag communities within the Sac Valley that has faced devasting work and job loss due to drought. From the farm, to dryers, to the mills, stories of concern and extreme hardships were shared by those who play a vital role in California’s rice production workforce, including Rick Rhody with Farmers Rice Cooperative, Carl Hoff with Butte County Rice Growers Association, Molly Dennis with De Pue Warehouse rice drying & storage, and rice grower and Colusa County Supervisor Denise Carter. 

US Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie with rice seeding pilot Rick Richter

In a sobering moment showing the reality of just how unprecedented this year has been, pilot Rick Richter presented Undersecretary Bonnie with an engraved model ag aircraft. The yellow planes are synonymous with Sacramento Valley agriculture and have not been seen or heard flying over the region as frequently this year. Richter shared how he and his wife have spent four decades building up their ag aircraft company, Richter Aviation, based in Colusa County. This year, their family business is operating at just 20% of normal, forcing planes to be grounded and positions typically held by skilled pilots to go unfilled. 

Others who shared how job loss has hit their Sac Valley businesses included Barry Powell with North Valley Ag Services, Emily Rooney of the Ag Council of CA, Mike Montna with the CA Tomato Growers Association, and Renee Pinel with Western Plant Health Association.

US Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie with Tim Johnson and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross

We are appreciative of USDA Undersecretary Bonnie taking the time to see and hear the effects this drought crisis is having on the California Rice industry, Sacramento Valley ag businesses and our environment.

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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.