About Us
County Impact Statements - Arkansas County
Rice for Ducks Program Develops Leadership Skills
Red rice is a very competitive weed in a rice field. Red rice
infestations can dramatically affect a farmer’s income, resulting in price
dockage of $30/acre. Wintering waterfowl which feed on rice fields help farmers
by consuming large quantities of red rice.
The Rice for Ducks program is promoted to all youth in our
county, but 4-H’ers in the county are especially encouraged to participate.
Participating youth have to arrange for fields to be managed in the RFD program.
This is done by contacting and working with local farmers who agree to let the
youth use their fields for this project. The youth then inspect the fields
during the winter and record observations of waterfowl use of the field. The
participants then write a narrative report and compete in county and state
competition.
Arkansas County 4-H’ers were state winners in 2004 Rice for
Ducks competition. Trevor Nelson, an active 4-H member won 3rd place in State
senior competition. Lauren Hodge, another member won 1st place in Junior state
competition. Each member presented a talk to their 4-H club. They also had
articles published in local newspapers explaining the RFD program. Participating
youth understand more about rice farming as a result of working with the
farmers. They also have an understanding of the important role waterfowl
management has in controlling red rice.
Lauren Hodge and Trevor Nelson participated in a Rice for Ducks
awards program with Governor Huckabee.
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Impacts
- Managing Rice for Ducks develops leadership in the youth participants.
- The youth who participate understand more about rice farming as a result
of working with the farmers.
- Farmers develop a better understanding of the important role waterfowl
management has in controlling red rice.
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