farming

Family rice farmer Charley Mathews Jr. provides an update on this year's planting season. Fifth-generation farmer Charley Mathews is continuing a family a legacy that began in the 1850s. Their first rice fields were planted in the 1940s and are still g...

I wrapped up my trip to Japan by doing something I always enjoy, but rarely get to indulge in -- getting outside of Tokyo. The country of Japan has so much more to offer than the hustle and bustle of one of the world's largest cities. The problem is ...

Today we had the two major promotion activities, which are the primary reason for the delegation's trip to Japan. Yesterday we heard from many different sources in meetings (MAFF included) that interest in imported rice has been growing sharply in Jap...

After sleeping off some jet lag, our entire delegation woke up this morning rested and ready for a full day's worth of meetings.First up was getting together with the USA Rice Federation's promotion contractor here in Japan -- Ms. Yumi Kojima. Yumi's ...

Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty comment after visiting a family rice farm in Sutter County during planting season.Click here for photos

Family farmer Tom Butler of Robbins describes planting season in Sacramento Valley rice country.More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.When he’s no...

It's now May and I'm just now opening up the last few fields for the first time. I should have my first fields planted in three or four days and we’re on our way to the finish line, albeit late as usual- the lateness being courtesy of April showers....

I’m spending this week in Japan along with California rice grower Michael Rue, and Sun Valley Rice Milling Sr. VP Akira "Jim" Higa, both of which serve on important trade committees with the USA Rice Federation. Traveling with us are USA Rice trade ...

Just like last year, our rice farm and others throughout the Sacramento Valley are getting a later than ideal start to the planting season.Ideally we’d like seeds in the ground in late April, but the calendar has shifted to May and we are still worki...

Professional photographer Geoff Fricker comments on some of his favorite subjects to capture: the Sacramento Valley and rice country.