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Managing Rice for DucksA conservation education program linking youth, rice farmers, county Extension agents, and wildlife biologists in managing Arkansas' natural resources Introduction
Harvested rice field management is the centerpiece of the waterfowl/private lands program in Arkansas for several reasons.
First, rice is a common crop in the region of the state used most by ducks. Also, rice left after harvest provides a good, durable source of food that does not rot on wet or flooded ground as quickly as other cultivated seeds. Further, the stubble supports protein-rich invertebrate populations (e.g. insect larvae) in late winter when ducks need good nutrition for their flight to the breeding grounds and for egg production. Finally, contour levees or other water control structures are already in place to hold rainfall over the winter. In most rice growing areas, it's simply a case of "if you flood it, they will come." The primary objective of Managing Rice for Ducks is to teach youth about managing rice fields in such a way that it both maximizes rice production and benefits wildlife. This requires building a relationship with a rice farmer. Farmers are justifiably concerned about the lack of knowledge or misinformation about agriculture among the general public. This program provides farmers an opportunity to educate, first hand, participating youth who subsequently educate their peers, families, and the community at large. Publicity generated from Managing Rice for Ducks educates the public about the compatibility of farming practices and wildlife habitat management. In addition to teaching youth, farmers benefit from learning about farming practices that support waterfowl and other wildlife, and that conserve soil as well. First, by rolling their rice stubble down rather than burning it, nutrients are added to the soil. Second, the water coverage reduces erosion and compaction, and third, ducks provide a "biological control" by consuming red rice, the primary culprit of reduced rice production. The most successful Managing Rice for Ducks projects are those in which youth and farmer(s) are willing to be creative toward reaching a common goal. Youth should work with farmers who allow at least part of their fields to remain flooded throughout the winter. These flooded fields serve as havens for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Youth are responsible for cooperating with a farmer(s) on developing a plan, assisting the farmer(s) with maintenance activities (e.g., keeping levees in good repair), and recording field notes in a log book. Youth can work as individuals or on a team. Those who have the best project at the county level are eligible to enter the state competition. Awards are given to the top three individual and team projects. In the past, award winners have received wildlife art prints by professional artists, shotguns, savings bonds, and an all-expenses-paid tour of the waterfowl nesting grounds in the Dakotas. Youth who are enrolled in 4-H can use this activity as the foundation for their waterfowl advanced record book. Previous winners received a $1500 scholarship to an Arkansas university of their choice.
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© 2006 |
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
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EEO
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Managing
Rice for Ducks is a conservation education program where youth (ages 9 to 19)
learn about managing rice fields for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife.
It is a short-term (six month) activity. Youth and farmers learn about
integrating agricultural practices for rice production with wildlife management
goals. Managing Rice for Ducks strikes a balance between agricultural economics
and the need for wildlife habitat. 
