Industry News

In Memory: Henry Kalfsbeek

The California and U.S. Rice industry extends condolences to the family and friends of Henry Kalfsbeek, who passed away Wednesday, January 24, as the result of a hunting accident.

“Henry had an amazing ability to connect with people,” said fellow California rice farmer Josh Sheppard.  “His positive, gracious, caring, and humble persona, along with his tireless work ethic, was admirable.  We are all better off for knowing Henry and having him be a part of our lives.  He will be missed dearly.”

Henry farmed in the Arbuckle area and was a pest control advisor for Grow West for the past 24 years.  He was 49 years old and had been married to his wife, Renee, for 16 years.  They have a son, Tyler (13), and a daughter, Blake (11).  Henry was a family man; his wife and kids meant everything to him.  Their life revolved around activities and vacations for the whole family.  They visited national parks, hiked, fished, hunted, and golfed together. 

A 2008 graduate of the Rice Leadership Development Program, Henry will be remembered as “a great asset to the rice industry.”  Dr. Steve Linscombe, current director of the Leadership Program, got to know Henry well over the last few years and says, “Henry facilitated leadership class trips to California.  He was such a nice guy who was so willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.”

A Rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, February 5 at McNary-Moore Funeral Chapel, 107 Fifth Street, Colusa. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on February 6 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 408 Laurel Street, Arbuckle with a private burial immediately following at the Arbuckle Cemetery. A celebration of Henry’s life will follow at the Yolo Fliers Golf Course, 17980 Road 94B, Woodland.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Henry Kalfsbeek Family Trust in c/o Umpqua Bank, PO Box 1218, Arbuckle CA 95912; Arbuckle Golf Course or Arbuckle Fire Department.

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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.