Rice Outlook: Award winners honored

The following is from a USA Rice Federation release from this week's rice conference:

LAS VEGAS — Gibb Steele, Chuck Wilson and John Denison, the winners of the 2006 Rice Awards, were honored here today at the USA Rice Outlook Conference for their significant contributions to the rice industry.

“There are many individuals who contribute to the success of the rice industry, but the accomplishment of these three men sets them apart as leaders,” USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor said. “The USA Rice Federation is pleased work with these individuals and honor their achievements and dedication.”

Denison, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, has worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of Louisiana’s rice growers. Even as a young farmer, Denison recognized the importance of agricultural research and promotion. He was a founding member of the Louisiana Rice Research Board and served as chairman from 1974-1982 and 1987-1998.

“Much of the new technology and many of the varieties in use by the industry today are largely a result of the important funding decisions made by this board,” said Dr. Steve Linscombe, rice breeder with LSU AgCenter.

As a passionate and energetic young leader from southwest Louisiana, Denison easily made the transition from production to politics when it came to the rice industry.

During the 1970s, Denison was part of the Louisiana leadership that convinced farmers it was time to switch over to a market-oriented farm program that allowed some support levels but also allowed unlimited production.

The Rice Industry Award recipient, Wilson from DeWitt, AR, has worked on the rice industry’s behalf for nearly 30 years, starting with the USA Rice Council in 1977. The award reflects his willingness to take on numerous leadership roles and his continued dedication to the U.S. rice industry. In 2003 he became the director of the Rice Foundation in addition to his fulltime responsibilities as the USA Rice Federation director of Arkansas field services. Wilson also helps out on the family farm whenever he can – especially during planting and harvest seasons.

Rice Farmer of the Year award recipient Gibb Steele from Hollandale, MS, has shown determination and innovation in growing his crop. Steele began farming rice and soybeans in 1973 and with the “buckshot” mud of the Mississippi Delta, he soon found out that the heavy clay soils were often rutted up at harvest, making it difficult to get planted in a timely manner in the spring.

Steele met the challenges with innovation instead of frustration. He started using full track Claas combines in the early 1990s, later switched to combines and grain carts with flotation tires for more surface area on the ground and continued to precision level his fields to improve drainage. Fifteen years ago he adopted no-till and minimum till rice production.

Syngenta, Rice Farming magazine and the USA Rice Federation sponsor the Rice Awards.