Hundreds of growers and others connected to the California rice industry gathered at the Rice Experiment Station (RES) in Biggs today for the annual Rice Field Day event.

This year’s 2024 California Rice Industry Award winner was recognized for his dedication and continued commitment to our industry, fifth-generation grower of Yuba County, Charley Mathews Jr. 

In addition to his dedication to rice farming, Charley has served as Chairman of the California Rice Commission, USA Rice Council and USA Rice Federation. Charley serves on the USA Rice Farmers Board and is current Chairman of the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative Board, where he has been a member for 33 years.

“He has served our industry in just about every possible way,” said Rick Rhody, Chairman of CRC and President of FRC. “Whether out in the field, in the board room, or advocating for rice in the oval office, he adds value, exudes leadership, and put the needs of our industry first wherever he is and in whatever he does.”

“Charley has provided decades of leadership at the California Rice Commission as chair of the board, chair of the Certification Committee and an active leader in the development of numerous farm bills. Charley is a wiz at numbers and always a great person to bring to a meeting on the farm bill or crop insurance. Most impressive is Charley’s leadership. He is inclusive, seeks to find common ground and is always willing to tackle the hardest problems,” said Tim Johnson, President & CEO of the California Rice Commission.

Charley is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to farming, he also owns and operates District 10 Dryers LLC. 

He and his wife Hilliary have two sons, Parker and Adam.

Congratulations Charley!