Horizon Ag Adds New Rice Breeder at LSU AgCenter

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<p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong></p>

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<h1>Horizon Ag Adds New Rice Breeder at LSU AgCenter</h1>

<p><em><strong>Hiring is part of a recent partnership supporting collaborative breeding efforts</strong></em><br><br></p>

<p>MEMPHIS, Tennessee (May 7, 2024) – Horizon Ag is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel for the newly created position of Rice Breeder for the company’s independent lab located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Rice Research Station at Crowley.</p>

<p>The position was created as part of a recent partnership between Horizon Ag and the LSU AgCenter to support enhanced collaborative breeding efforts. In her new role, Dr. Montiel will have access to the AgCenter’s elite rice-breeding germplasm, and any new varieties released by Horizon Ag will be in addition to the AgCenter’s breeding activities.</p>

<p>“We are extremely happy to have María in this important role as we initiate this innovative, promising partnership between Horizon Ag and the LSU AgCenter,” said Dr. Tim Walker, CEO of Horizon Ag. “There is tremendous value in having more breeders working collaboratively to improve grain yields and quality, both of which are very important to southern U.S. rice farmers.”</p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/e7f8cb53-87cc-d973-f795-b33a1fe9d6d7.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/e7f8cb53-87cc-d973-f795-b33a1fe9d6d7.jpg" alt="Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel, Horizon Ag Rice Breeder" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel, Horizon Ag Rice Breeder"></a>

<div style="width:560px;"><p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel, Horizon Ag Rice Breeder</em></p></div>

<p>Dr. Montiel graduated as an engineer in agronomy from the University of Buenos Aires and has just recently completed all of her requirements for her doctoral degree at LSU (Soil, Plants and Environmental Management), with concentrations in plant breeding and genetics.</p>

<p>She began her career in plant breeding in 2005 and has specialized in rice breeding since 2015. As Rice Breeder and Seed Production Manager at Adecoagro in Argentina, Dr. Montiel managed seed production for over 60,000 hectares per year and developed rice varieties tailored for the main export markets worldwide.</p>

<p>“I am excited to have this opportunity to work alongside the world-renowned rice breeding team at the LSU AgCenter to develop new varieties that will help rice farmers and the southern rice industry be more profitable and sustainable,” said Dr. Montiel. “Horizon Ag has long been a leader in the southern U.S. rice industry, and I look forward to adding my contributions to that effort.”</p>

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<p>©2024 Horizon Ag, LLC. All Rights Reserved.</p>

<p><u>Media Contact:</u><br>
Scott McClure<br>
314-505-5279<br>
Scott.McClure@Brightonagency.com</p>

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MEMPHIS, Tennessee (May 7, 2024) – Horizon Ag is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel for the newly created position of Rice Breeder for the company’s independent lab located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Rice Research Station at Crowley.

Rice Acres Up in Many Areas

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<p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>REGIONAL REPORT</strong></p>
<h1>Rice Acres Up in Many Areas</h1>

<p>May 2, 2024<br><br></p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/0c68c9e5-8a3e-b4ca-6639-7c0471fb70e1.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/0c68c9e5-8a3e-b4ca-6639-7c0471fb70e1.jpg" alt="Grower J.P. Armstrong in Clarksdale Mississippi" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Grower J.P. Armstrong in Clarksdale Mississippi"></a>

<div style="width:560px;"><p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Grower J.P. Armstrong in Clarksdale Mississippi in a field of CLL18 just coming out of the ground. It was planted on April 5 at 60 lbs. per acre.</em></p></div>

<h3>Mississippi</h3>

<p>Rice acres are up in the Mississippi Delta this year compared to last year. Farmers started planting at the end of March. The most popular variety this season is <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll18" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL18</strong></a>, with <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll16" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL16</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll19" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL19</strong></a> tied for second.</p>

<p>From Cleveland, Mississippi south, farmers are either done or wrapping up planting. They have had some timely rains, as well as big rains dropping around 4–5 inches on April 10. I talked to a farmer in Cleveland who said rainfall had slowed down planting and that strong winds have posed problems for them in getting their pre-emerge and post-emerge spraying done.</p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/3e17e1ab-9c05-2e87-b9bd-4638f7b06038.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/3e17e1ab-9c05-2e87-b9bd-4638f7b06038.jpg" alt="Grower Michael Aguzzi’s CLL19 field near Cleveland, Mississippi" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Grower Michael Aguzzi’s CLL19 field near Cleveland, Mississippi"></a>

<div style="width:560px;"><p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Grower Michael Aguzzi’s CLL19 field near Cleveland, Mississippi. It was planted on March 29 at 60 lbs. per acre.</em></p></div>

<p>While the south Mississippi Delta is finishing up, north Delta farmers are around 75% done planting. They have caught some rain showers that kept them out of the field, but it also is helping get the seed out of the ground.</p>

<p>We had a big rain chance last Monday, but the system broke up and it didn’t rain as much as expected. This will get the farmers back in the field to finish planting and get their pre/post spraying done before the next rain chance on Friday.</p>

<p>If you have any questions or concerns don’t be afraid to call, text, or email me.</p>


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<td><a target="_blank"><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/b6e2ad2c-85b9-809b-a882-3e07bb694810.png" alt="Garland Melton" style="display: block; font-size: 12px;" width="126" title="Garland Melton"></a></td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Garland Metlton<br>District Field Representative<br><a target="_blank" href="tel:662-671-2465" style="text-decoration: none; color: #70b543;">(662) 671-2465</a></strong></td>
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<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br></p>

<h3>Northeast Arkansas and Missouri</h3>

<p>The majority of rice acres have been planted in my territory.</p>

<p>The most recent USDA NASS crop report stated that Arkansas was 83% planted and Missouri was 68% planted. I think the Arkansas number is good and these last increases have come from more planting progress in the southern half of the state. However, I believe we are more than 68 percent planted in Missouri and somewhere north of 80%.</p>

<p>We had a good run through the first three weeks of April, missing most of the significant rain events. This is very reminiscent of the progress we had in 2023, where we also outpaced some of our regions to the south.</p>

<p>Although we did get planted in a timely manner, some areas could have used a good rain during that period. Unfortunately, this led to some growers making the call to flush rice during the last week of April. If anything has impacted rice seedling development thus far, it has been those areas that had to endure extremely dry conditions.</p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/126e344f-17d2-8eac-9a63-f24a1412bbef.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/126e344f-17d2-8eac-9a63-f24a1412bbef.jpg" alt="Variety CLL18 growing in Craighead County, Arkansas." style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Variety CLL18 growing in Craighead County, Arkansas."></a>

<div style="width:560px;"><p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Variety CLL18 growing in Craighead County, Arkansas.</em></p></div>

<p>Besides one cold snap last month, we experienced minimal cold weather which has allowed good emergence and growth in fields where there has been adequate moisture. I’m really pleased with the <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll18" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL18</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/cll19" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL19</strong></a> I have looked at thus far. There will be a lot of rice going to flood in May, which will only add to the performance of our varieties this season.</p>

<p>I reached out to my counterpart Corey Connor in South Louisiana for a brief update from our southernmost rice growing region. He reports the crop is 90-95% planted and all of the February and early March rice has gone to permanent flood. Overall, the crop looks good and is moving along nicely with the improved weather conditions.</p>

<p>As a reminder for those of you growing <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/pvl03" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>PVL03</strong></a> or <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/variety/pvl04" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>PVL04</strong></a> this season, we are recommending a max labeled rate of a triazole fungicide at ½-inch internode elongation to 4-inch panicle formation as a preventative to help mitigate stem Cercospora.</p>

<p>Please call if you have any questions regarding variety management this season.</p>

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<td><a target="_blank"><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/ccf9b76d-99d7-6f5b-a598-8fa4294d682e.png" alt="Jason Satterfield" style="display: block; font-size: 12px;" width="126" title="Jason Satterfield"></a></td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Jason Satterfield<br>Senior District Field Representative<br><a target="_blank" href="tel:901-347-9715" style="text-decoration: none; color: #70b543;">(901) 347-9715</a></strong></td>
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<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/420efae1-1bda-a479-a4dc-6e0831815903.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/420efae1-1bda-a479-a4dc-6e0831815903.jpg" alt="LSU AgCenter + Horizon Ag" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="LSU AgCenter + Horizon Ag"></a>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>New Partnership between LSU AgCenter and Horizon Ag</h3>

<p>The LSU AgCenter is partnering with Horizon Ag to initiate a new rice breeding program focused on varieties for southern rice-producing areas. This partnership will give Horizon Ag access to the AgCenter’s elite rice breeding germplasm and result in collaborative breeding efforts. 

LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Adam Famoso said the partnership offers tangible benefits to the two partners, the rice industry and rice producers. 

“The contract research activities will be leveraged to support our existing and future station research and breeding efforts and will enable expanded testing within the LSU breeding program,” Famoso said. “The AgCenter will provide contract research services such as field testing and evaluation of Horizon’s breeding materials.”</p>

<p>The initial agreement is set for five years, beginning this year. New varieties released by Horizon will be in addition to the AgCenter’s breeding activities.</p>

<p>Horizon Ag’s CEO Tim Walker says the partnership is a way to invest in the LSU AgCenter’s breeding program while working alongside it for the betterment of the rice industry.</p>

<p>“We see this as an opportunity and a need and a mutual benefit,” Walker said. “The industry will be better having more breeders working towards a common goal of improving grain yields and quality, both of which are very important to southern USA rice farmers.”</p>

<p>The AgCenter will receive royalties from varieties released by Horizon Ag, helping sustain the size and scale of its rice research efforts.</p>

<p>“We are excited for this groundbreaking public-private partnership with Horizon Ag. This collaboration is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the Louisiana rice industry, bringing substantial benefits to our rural communities,” said Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture. “It is designed to bolster economic development through employment and the local procurement of materials and supplies. Together, we are poised to lead in agricultural innovation and research, establishing new benchmarks for success and sustainability in the rice industry.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br></p>

<h3>Horizon Ag Rice Breeder</h3>

<p>As part of its new partnership with the LSU AgCenter, Horizon Ag is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel to the newly created position of Rice Breeder for the company’s independent lab located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Rice Research Station at Crowley.</p>

<p>The position was created as part of a recent partnership between Horizon Ag and the LSU AgCenter to support enhanced collaborative breeding efforts. In her new role, Dr. Montiel will have access to the AgCenter’s elite rice-breeding germplasm, and any new varieties released by Horizon Ag will be in addition to the AgCenter’s breeding activities.</p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/e7f8cb53-87cc-d973-f795-b33a1fe9d6d7.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/e7f8cb53-87cc-d973-f795-b33a1fe9d6d7.jpg" alt="Dr. Maria Guadalupe Montiel" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Dr. Maria Guadalupe Montiel"></a>

<div style="width:560px;"><p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Dr. Maria Guadalupe Montiel</em></p></div>

<p>“We are extremely happy to have María in this important role as we initiate this innovative, promising partnership between Horizon Ag and the LSU AgCenter,” says Dr. Tim Walker, CEO of Horizon Ag.</p>

<p>“I am excited to have this opportunity to work alongside the world-renowned rice breeding team at the LSU AgCenter to develop new varieties that will help rice farmers and the southern rice industry be more profitable and sustainable,” says Dr. Montiel. “Horizon Ag has long been a leader in the southern U.S. rice industry, and I look forward to adding my contributions to that effort.”</p>

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Rice acres are up in the Mississippi Delta this year compared to last year. Farmers started planting at the end of March. The most popular variety this season is CLL18, with CLL16 and CLL19 tied for second.

New Partnership Between LSU AgCenter, Horizon Ag to Benefit Rice Industry

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<h1>New Partnership Between LSU AgCenter, Horizon Ag to Benefit Rice Industry</h1>

<p>By Tobie Blanchard, LSU AgCenter<br><br></p>

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<td style="width:50%;"><p>(04/29/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter is partnering with Horizon Ag, a seed marketing and variety development company, to initiate a new rice breeding program focused on varieties for southern rice-producing areas, which include Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas.</p>

<p>This partnership will give Horizon Ag access to the AgCenter’s elite rice breeding germplasm and result in collaborative breeding efforts.</p>

<p>LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Adam Famoso said the partnership offers tangible benefits to the two partners—the rice industry and rice producers.</p>

<p>“The contract research activities will be leveraged to support our existing and future station research and breeding efforts, and will enable expanded testing within the LSU breeding program,” Famoso said. “The AgCenter will provide contract research services such as field testing and evaluation of Horizon’s breeding materials.”</p>

<p>The initial agreement is set for five years, beginning this year. Horizon Ag will hire a rice breeder and support staff who will be housed in an independent lab at the Rice Research Station. New varieties released by Horizon will be in addition to the AgCenter’s breeding activities.</p>

<p>Horizon Ag’s CEO Tim Walker said the company saw decreasing financial support for rice breeding programs in the southern rice-growing region and sees this partnership as a way to invest in the LSU AgCenter’s breeding program while working alongside it for the betterment of the rice industry.</p>

<p>“We see this as an opportunity, a need and a mutual benefit,” Walker said. “The industry will be better having more breeders working towards a common goal of improving grain yields and quality, both of which are very important to southern USA rice farmers.”</p>

<p>The AgCenter will receive royalties from varieties released by Horizon Ag, helping sustain the size and scale of its rice research efforts.</p>

<p>The AgCenter’s rice breeding program also will have the opportunity to test its experimental lines in wider geographies and environments through additional testing networks that Horizon Ag will establish.</p>

<p>“We are excited for this groundbreaking public-private partnership with Horizon Ag. This collaboration is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the Louisiana rice industry, bringing substantial benefits to our rural communities,” said Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture. “It is designed to bolster economic development through employment and the local procurement of materials and supplies. Together, we are poised to lead in agricultural innovation and research, establishing new benchmarks for success and sustainability in the rice industry."</p>

<p>While this partnership is unique, Horizon Ag has worked with the AgCenter before.</p>

<p>“We worked closely with LSU and our partners when we really revolutionized the industry with Clearfield rice. Then we did the same thing launching the important Provisia technology, and they were both launched as LSU varieties,” Walker said. “This is the evolution of that relationship and a unique and innovative step for the rice industry.”</p>

<p>The LSU AgCenter has long been a leader in rice breeding, releasing 63 varieties through its program at the Crowley station, the world’s oldest rice research station. Groundbreaking technologies developed at the station have been pivotal in combating weedy rice, enhancing crop yields and sustainability.</p>

<p>John Denison, chair of the Louisiana Rice Research Board, offered his support of the agreement.</p>

<p>“As the costs of research continue to rise, I am excited to see additional investment into the rice breeding program,” Denison said, “Louisiana’s breeding program and our Rice Research Station have been world-renowned for decades, in large part because of the investment from our Louisiana growers through our checkoff. We hope this partnership complements the breeding program overall and continues to yield advancements and new varieties in the market that help keep Louisiana rice farmers successful and sustainable.”</p></td>

<td style="padding-left:20px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/4/7/3/8/47383f4d3ab8335e8f8636a010b6756d/adam%20in%20the%20greenhousejpgjpg.jpg?h=2892&la=en&w=4113"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/4/7/3/8/47383f4d3ab8335e8f8636a010b6756d/adam%20in%20the%20greenhousejpgjpg.jpg?h=2892&la=en&w=4113" alt="Adam Famoso" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Adam Famoso"></a>

<div><p style="font-size: 12px;"><br><em>LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso working in the greenhouse of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. Famoso will collaborate with Horizon Ag on a new rice breeding program. LSU AgCenter file photo</em></p></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/4/7/3/8/47383f4d3ab8335e8f8636a010b6756d/mafg%202023%20_5149jpg.jpg?h=5616&la=en&w=3744"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/4/7/3/8/47383f4d3ab8335e8f8636a010b6756d/mafg%202023%20_5149jpg.jpg?h=5616&la=en&w=3744" alt="Tim Walker, CEO of Horizon Ag" style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Tim Walker, CEO of Horizon Ag"></a>

<div><p style="font-size: 12px;"><br><em>Tim Walker, CEO of Horizon Ag. Horizon Ag is partnering with the LSU AgCenter to initiate a new rice breeding program focused on varieties for southern rice-producing areas. Photo provided</em></p></div></td>
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Planting Progress Continues Despite Rain Delays

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<p style="color:#70b543;"><strong>REGIONAL REPORT</strong></p>
<h1>Planting Progress Continues Despite Rain Delays</h1>

<p>April 18, 2024<br><br></p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/03e05864-502c-f39e-d1e2-9ffcd83469bb.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_0af76175a9096d0b2fa07421a6abad4513cadfdcb9bde5ade8a03d4de1fc14de/images/heroregionalreportapr1824560x178x2.png" alt="Planting continues..." style="display: block !important; width: 100%; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Planting continues..."></a>

<p><br><br>As the 2024 season gains momentum, we look forward to bringing you bi-weekly Regional Crop Reports on fieldwork status, crop conditions, pests and upcoming events like our Horizon Ag Field Days in Louisiana and Arkansas.</p>

<p>We also want to hear from you! Let us know what you like about the Horizon Ag e-newsletter and what we can do to make it an even more valuable tool for your operation. It’s part of our commitment to supporting our growers and industry partners. Our email is <a href="mailto:scott.mcclure@brightonagency.com?20Report%20Reader&amp;subject=From%20a%20Horizon%20Ag%20Website" target="_blank" style="color:#70b543;" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Scott.McClure@Brightonagency.com.</strong></a></p>

<p>Also, feel free to <a href="https://us13.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07&id=e75f4e9558&e=f7a222d9cc" target="_blank"  style="color:#70b543;" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>share our Regional Reports</strong></a> with your rice grower friends.</p>
<p>&nbsp;<br><br></p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/03e05864-502c-f39e-d1e2-9ffcd83469bb.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_0af76175a9096d0b2fa07421a6abad4513cadfdcb9bde5ade8a03d4de1fc14de/images/prarieardemo560x318x2.png" alt="Recently Planted Rice field" style="width: 100%; display: block !important; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto !important;" width="560" title="Recently Planted Rice field"></a>
<p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>CLL18 demo in Prairie County, Arkansas, planted on April 4 and just starting to emerge.</em></p>

<h3>Grand Prairie And South Arkansas</h3>

<p>My territory has had a good run at planting the past couple of weeks and the counties from along I-40 down to about Pine Bluff made pretty decent progress.</p>

<p>I have spoken with growers, consultants, and retailers on the prairie who believe rice planting progress is about 50-60% at this point, with a handful of growers who possibly could be done. Rain total amounts as of April 11 were around 5 inches in this region.</p>

<p>South Central and Southeast Arkansas just cannot catch a break. These areas have received every rain that has gone through the state. Growers, consultants, and retailers there believe rice planting progress is 15-30% at best, and as of April 11, rain totals ranged from 5-10 inches. We are now waiting for the ground to dry to get back to planting. Once that happens, growers will try to make up for lost time and quickly get the crop into the ground.</p>

<p>The Arkansas River Valley is around 10-15% planted. Most growers had delayed planting due to heavy rain in the forecast but only ended up with about 2 inches.</p>

<p>The high rain chances we had this past week had growers slowing planting over the weekend to get some levees up in the fields they had already planted, as well as making some pre-emerge herbicide applications. Having the rain to activate the chemicals can definitely help with weed control.</p>

<p>As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.</p>

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<td><a target="_blank"><img src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_0af76175a9096d0b2fa07421a6abad4513cadfdcb9bde5ade8a03d4de1fc14de/images/regionalrephutch126x169x2.png" alt="Corey Conner" style="display: block; font-size: 12px;" width="126" title="Corey Conner"></a></td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td><strong>William “Hutch” Hutchens<br>District Field Representative<br><a target="_blank" href="tel:870-273-9291" style="text-decoration: none; color: #70b543;">870-273-9291</a></strong></td>
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<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br></p>

<a target="_blank" href="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/03e05864-502c-f39e-d1e2-9ffcd83469bb.jpg"><img class="adapt-img esdev-stretch-width" src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_0af76175a9096d0b2fa07421a6abad4513cadfdcb9bde5ade8a03d4de1fc14de/images/fieldshot560x375x2.png" alt="Rice field" style="width: 100%; display: block; max-width: 560px !important; height: auto;" width="560" title="Rice field"></a>
<p style="font-size: 12px;"><em>CLL18 demo in Prairie County, Arkansas, planted on April 4 and just starting to emerge.</em></p>

<h3>Louisiana And Texas</h3>

<p>The rice <strong>west of Houston</strong> is 75-80% finished being planted and the majority of the crop is at a growth stage where farmers are putting out the permanent flood. <strong>East of Houston</strong> is about 60-65% planted. While some growers have finished, others haven’t started planting yet. Still, I expect we will be close to finished planting in the region by the end of the month.</p>

<p>As far as our varieties, both <a href="https://prismic-nextjs-horizon-ag-nine.vercel.app/variety/pvl03" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>PVL03</strong></a> and <a href="https://prismic-nextjs-horizon-ag-nine.vercel.app/variety/cll19" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL19</strong></a> are on a roll and, overall, appear to have outgrown everything else. I’m excited to see how they perform this season.</p>

<p><strong>North Louisiana</strong> growers are around 50% finished with rice planting, with most of the progress being made in the southernmost part of my territory. Further north, many growers are just getting started planting. Parts of North Louisiana had terrible weather last week, with a storm that came through dumping 14 inches of rain in some areas.</p>

<p>In addition, my counterpart in South Louisiana reports that rice is 80-85% planted in that region. The oldest rice is advancing to a stage where a permanent flood can be applied. The crop has perked up with favorable weather conditions the past week or so.</p>

<table>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank"><img src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_0af76175a9096d0b2fa07421a6abad4513cadfdcb9bde5ade8a03d4de1fc14de/images/hunter_126x169x2.png" alt="Hunter Brown" style="display: block; font-size: 12px;" width="126" title="Hunter Brown"></a></td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Hunter Brown<br>District Field Representative<br><a target="_blank" href="tel:337-546-7288" style="text-decoration: none; color: #70b543;">337-546-7288</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</table>

<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br></p>

<h3>Provisia Best Management</h3>

<p>As a supporter of stewardship and best management for the Provisia technology, we’re committed to providing timely, valuable management recommendations that have come from our collaboration as a member of the Provisia Working Group and with university weed scientists like Dr. Jason Norsworthy in Arkansas and Dr. Connor Webster in Louisiana.</p>

<p>During a recent panel presentation on the topic of minimizing the risk of accase-tolerant rice crossing with weedy rice, Dr. Norsworthy recommended growers consider applying Rogue SC® herbicide, a new HPPD-inhibiting herbicide that has a fit in some environments to provide chemical control of weedy rice that germinated between the time of the pre-flood Provisia spray application and the actual time the field reaches permanent flood. We recommend consulting your crop advisor or Gowan representative for further details.</p>


<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br></p>

<h3>Up-To-Date Production Info</h3>

<p>The Horizon Ag Productivity App is an easy way to access critical management recommendations and tools. The app has been updated to make it even more valuable for rice farmers seeking information about Provisia and Clearfield varieties for 2024.</p>

<p>The Horizon Ag Productivity App is available in the App Store or Google Play.</p>

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<tr>
<td><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/ed33f193-72e5-d172-6a62-30adf12ef2c2.png" alt="HorizAg App on mobile - with up to date production info" style="font-size: 12px; width: 88%; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 300px !important;" width="300" title="HorizAg App on mobile - with up to date production info"></td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td><a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/horizon-ag/id1614880264"><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/37270e12-3ead-9af3-ca7c-e3ef7712da10.png" alt="Download on the App Store" style="display: block; max-width: 203px !important;" width="203" title="Download on the App Store"></a><br><br><a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horizonag.app"><img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/5ee9a035-6a14-6413-6844-8fb9dcf4caeb.png" alt="Get it on Google Play" style="display: block; max-width: 203px !important;" width="203" title="Get it on Google Play"></a></td>
</tr>
</table>

<p><br><br></p></div>
</div>

As the 2024 season gains momentum, we look forward to bringing you bi-weekly Regional Crop Reports on fieldwork status, crop conditions, pests and upcoming events like our Horizon Ag Field Days in Louisiana and Arkansas. 

Managing for Success with Clearfield and Provisia Varieties

Rice fields in South Louisiana are about 40% planted, according to Louisiana extension rice specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy. “Planting started off good, with warm weather and good rice emergence,” he says. “Rain this past weekend throughout the state put planting on hold, however. Most of the state will resume or start planting as soon as it gets dry.”

He says acres are anticipated to increase to almost 500,000 from last year’s 462,000 acres. “Demand to plant medium grain rice acres is low while long grain rice seed availability is in short supply.”

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<td style="padding-right:20px;"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_1feac6de5ce93006789b9d6a51ab4e1fa24edfcd7ed1e9f689501e8e17af25b6/images/corey_126x169x2.png" alt="Corey Conner" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:126px !important" width="126"></td>
<td>Corey Conner, Horizon Ag District Field Representative in South Louisiana, adds that planting in his area “got cranked up around Feb. 20, with dry and warmer than average weather. Planting then slowed in March due to rains and cooler temperatures. <a href="/variety/pvl03" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>PVL03</strong></a> has been the most popular variety, followed by <a href="/variety/cll19" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CLL19</strong></a>.”</td>
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<td style="padding-right:20px;padding-top:40px;"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_1feac6de5ce93006789b9d6a51ab4e1fa24edfcd7ed1e9f689501e8e17af25b6/images/hunter_126x169x2.png" alt="Hunter Brown" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:126px !important" width="126"></td>
<td style="padding-top:40px;">Texas farmers started planting rice around the last week of February to early March, says Hunter Brown, Horizon Ag District Field Area for Texas and North Louisiana. “<a href="/variety/cl153" style="color:#70b543;"><strong>CL153</strong></a> has been the most popular variety here, with PVL03 trailing behind it,” says Brown. “East Texas is about 30% planted and, as you go further west, they are closer to 40% finished.”</td>
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Planting in North Louisiana and other southern rice-producing regions will begin as the weather warms.

If you missed the recent Arkansas Rice Best Management Practices webinar or the earlier webinar in Louisiana, they are available to view at your convenience on the the varieties page.

With significant acreages planted in new varieties like CLL19 and PVL04 this season, the webinars provide valuable insights from university and industry specialists that you can use to steward the Provisia® and Clearfield® systems while maximizing your production potential.

Horizon Ag conventional-statured varieties like CLL16 and CLL18 typically need less nitrogen than our semi-dwarf varieties. We recommend applying 120 to 150 lbs. of nitrogen per acre for each. Or, if you’re on very coarse-textured soils, you can go with 120 to 130 lbs. per acre of nitrogen, applied early in the season before flood.

For a semi-dwarf variety like CLL19, increase your nitrogen rate per acre by an additional 20 to 30 lbs. per acre to set the variety up to perform at the top end of its yield potential.

With all Horizon Ag varieties, we recommend having a final population of 15 to 20 plants per square foot when you start flood establishment. How to best achieve that population can vary based on your planting system.

In the North Delta, for instance, where the majority of the rice is drill-seeded, use a recommended seed treatment and then drill 55 to 65 lbs. of seed per acre for both Clearfield and Provisia varieties.

Note that while CLL18 and CLL16 have both proven their flexibility to perform across a range of planting dates and geographies, semi-dwarf varieties like CLL19, PVL03 and PVL04, will perform best when planted earlier in the planting period.

Most of the more recently released Horizon Ag varieties contain both the Pi-ta and Pi-ks blast resistance genes. An exception, however, is CLL18, which only contains the Pi-ks gene. With CLL18, if conditions are favorable for blast development when the rice is approaching maturity, a prophylactic application of a strobilurin fungicide is recommended.

A critical disease management practice for both PVL03 and PVL04 is to make a timely triazole fungicide application to protect against the risk of yield losses from Cercospora on the stem.

“Our strong recommendation is to make a prophylactic fungicide application using your triazole fungicide of choice when the crop is at ½-inch to 4-inch panicle formation,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “It’s best if the treatment goes out early, no more than two weeks after mid-season. And the high rate of the triazole fungicide is needed. When we did that in South Louisiana, our Provisia rice yields became much more stable.” 

The high demand for quality rice seed this season is resulting in a lot of calls and questions about availability. We still have some PVL03 available for planting, but are in a sold-out status for PVL04, CLL16, CLL18 and CLL19. As requests come in, we are putting them on backorder. We plan to fill as many of those orders as possible if we find seed is available from returns or cancellations.

If you are interested in PVL03 seed or another elite variety, please contact your Horizon Ag District Field Representative or authorized Horizon Ag seed retailer. If you have questions about Horizon Ag Clearfield or Provisia variety management, detailed information is available by downloading the Horizon Ag Productivity App.

We’re expecting a big crop, and we wish you a safe season and a bountiful harvest. We’re proud to be a part of Rice Country and look forward to working with you.

The Horizon Ag Productivity App is the place to access critical management recommendations and tools. The app has been updated to make it even more valuable for rice farmers seeking information about Provisia and Clearfield varieties for 2024.

In addition to detailed variety information and suggested management practices, the app features calculators for drill calibration, milling yields, and return on investment.

The Horizon Ag Productivity App is available in the App Store or Google Play.

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<td style="padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:50px;" rowspan="4"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/ed33f193-72e5-d172-6a62-30adf12ef2c2.png" alt="Horizon Ag Productivity App" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:202px !important" width="202"></td></tr>
<tr>
<td><p><strong>Download the Horizon Ag<br>Productivity App</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/horizon-ag/id1614880264" target="_blank"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/37270e12-3ead-9af3-ca7c-e3ef7712da10.png" alt="Get it on Apple Store" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:203px !important" width="203"></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-bottom:50px;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horizonag.app" target="_blank"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/5ee9a035-6a14-6413-6844-8fb9dcf4caeb.png" alt="Get it on Google Play" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:203px !important" width="203"></a></td>
</tr>
</table>
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Adjust Management to Maximize Variety Potential

This season’s strong demand for top-performing rice lines means you may be planting varieties that are new or unfamiliar.  If you are moving from a hybrid to a high-yielding, high-quality variety like CLL19 or CLL18, there may be adjustments to make. We want to encourage you to contact one of our district field representatives with any questions or to look at something in your field.

For example, hybrid rice types often require a “boot” application of nitrogen. However, farmers who traditionally plant hybrids but who are growing varieties this season will want to apply all the recommended nitrogen for the season by the time the plant reaches ½-inch internode elongation, versus applying nitrogen to our varieties that late.

The following is general background on some of our top varieties:

CLL19 is a Clearfield® rice variety with excellent yield potential and stability. It has very good seedling vigor. A semidwarf type, it is a few inches shorter than CLL16 and CLL18 and is moderately resistant to lodging. It is very early, with a heading date similar to CL111, and is four to eight days earlier than CLL18 and CLL16, respectively.

It contains the Pita blast resistance gene. It also contains the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot, while being moderately susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem. It is moderately susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight.

<center>
<table>
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<td style="padding: 40px;">
<p><strong>Characteristics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Plant Height: 38 inches</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">50% Heading: 78 days</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Lodging: Moderately Resistant</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Agronomics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seed/lb: 18,027</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seeding rate: 55–65 lbs/A</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Total Nitrogen rate for the season: 140–160 lbs/A</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
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<td colspan=2 style="padding: 40px;"></td>
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</table>
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CLL18: A conventional height Clearfield rice variety with excellent yield potential and stability. It has excellent seedling vigor and is moderately resistant to lodging.

CLL18 does not contain the Pita blast resistance gene and is moderately susceptible to blast. It contains the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot and moderately susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem. It is moderately susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight.

Since CLL18 is later maturing than CLL19 and a few days earlier maturing than CLL16, it is a good planting partner with these other elite Horizon Ag varieties, allowing farmers to stretch out their harvest.

<center>
<table>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 40px;">
<p><strong>Characteristics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Plant Height: 42 inches</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">50% Heading: 85 days</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Lodging: Moderately Susceptible</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Agronomics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seed/lb: 18,712</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seeding rate: 55–65 lbs/A</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Total Nitrogen rate for the season: 120–160 lbs/A</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
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<td colspan=2 style="padding: 40px;"></td>
</tr>
</table>
</center>

CLL16: A conventional-height Clearfield rice variety with excellent yield potential and stability, CLL16 has proven to maintain strong yield potential, even with later planting dates. It also has excellent seedling vigor and is moderately resistant to lodging.

The variety contains the Pita blast resistance gene and is resistant to blast. It also contains the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot and moderately susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem. It is moderately susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight.

<center>
<table>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 40px;">
<p><strong>Characteristics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Plant Height: 42 inches</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">50% Heading: 85 days</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Lodging: Moderately Susceptible</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Agronomics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seed/lb: 18,727</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seeding rate: 55–65 lbs/A</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Total Nitrogen rate for the season: 120–160 lbs/A</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 style="padding: 40px;"></td>
</tr>
</table>
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New PVL04 is the first Provisia® Rice System variety developed by the University of Arkansas breeding program.

It contains the Pita blast resistance gene. It also has the CRSP2.1 gene and is resistant to narrow brown leaf spot, but is susceptible to Cercospora infection on the stem. We recommend applying a triazole fungicide at ½-inch internode elongation to 4-inch panicle formation. For rice planted in March, the timing usually is 2-inch to 4-inch panicle formation in the boot. For later planted rice, the timing is earlier.

<center>
<table>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 40px;">
<p><strong>Characteristics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Plant Height: 40 inches</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">50% Heading: 84 days</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Lodging: Moderately Resistant</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Agronomics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seed/lb: 18,250</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Seeding rate: 50–60 lbs/A</span></li>
<li style="color:#78BE20;"><span style="color:#003863;">Total Nitrogen rate for the season: 120–160 lbs/A</span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 style="padding: 40px;"></td>
</tr>
</table>
</center>

We had a great Provisia rice webinar with our partners in Louisiana last week, and hope you will join us on March 7, from 1-2:30 p.m. for the Arkansas Rice in 2024: Resistance, Best Management Practices and Stewardship webinar. Register at https://bit.ly/AR-Rice-Mgt.

If you missed last week’s Louisiana-focused Provisia rice webinar, you can still get some great tips for managing Provisia rice by watching it at https://www.horizonseed.com/varieties. We’ll also post the Arkansas webinar on our website after the event.

Experts Share Views on Provisia Best Management

“There's nothing that I see, at least in the short-term, that's going to be here to replace the control we rely on with the ACCase-inhibiting herbicide technology,” said Arkansas weed scientist Dr. Jason Norsworthy, who joined Louisiana weed scientist Dr. Connor Webster and Horizon Ag general manager Dr. Tim Walker on the panel. “Anything and everything that we can do to preserve this technology is valuable.”

<center>
<img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/33f07a2c-3ad7-d428-d841-7334cd3cb952.jpg" alt="" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:560px !important" width="560">
<p style="margin-top:10px;display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic;height:auto;max-width:560px !important" width="560"><em>Dr. Jason Norsworthy, Arkansas weed scientist (left) and Dr. Conner Webster (right), Louisiana weed scientist, joined Dr. Tim Walker (center) with Horizon Ag to discuss best practices for the Provisia Rice System at the 2024 Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conference.</em></p>
</center>

Fortunately, research and field experiences, particularly over the past two seasons, have given experts critical insight into managing the Provisia Rice System, from the value of residual herbicides to optimum application timing and rates, to the need for crop rotation and strategic field planning.

“One of the reasons we had the situation in Louisiana in 2022 was some growers opted out of using residuals,” said Dr. Webster. “We didn’t get good coverage with our post-application and that set us up for the problem. Ahead of last season, we strongly emphasized the value of using residuals for both grass and broadleaf weeds to reduce early-season weed competition, and we had only six confirmed outcross populations in 2023.”

He added that since Provisia herbicide can be antagonized when mixed, it is important to use tank mixes that won’t cause a reduction in the efficacy of Provisia herbicide.

Dr. Norsworthy agreed proper use of proven residual herbicides is necessary to keep Provisia herbicide an effective weedy rice tool. “I want Arkansas growers to start with Command® herbicide or a Command-like product to take care of barnyardgrass and all these other grasses because if we are trying to kill weedy rice, we need to make sure we are getting Provisia herbicide to that target,” said Norsworthy. “Unlike with the Clearfield system, during the window of time when rice is going to flood, there is no residual activity to kill weedy rice coming up in the Provisia system.”

When the Provisia technology was launched, both Louisiana and Arkansas recommended the labeled rate at that time of two 15.5-ounce applications, the first at the two-leaf stage and the second as the rice was going into flood.

“That was a mistake,” said Dr. Norsworthy. “For Arkansas, I want to see 11 ounces at the two-leaf stage, 10 ounces as we go to flood, and then another 10-ounce application post-flood. With the two-application approach, you run the risk of weedy rice coming up in that window after flood and you have absolutely no bullets left to control it. Then, if you are in a field that is zero grade, I want to see Rogue® (herbicide) used in that field. That’s the best approach we have in Arkansas to go into harvest without any escapes.”

Dr. Webster also recommends the three-application approach. He noted that growers who went with the three lower rate applications avoided the crop response issues experienced last season by some farmers who made two 15.5-ounce applications when the rice was being impacted by cool, cloudy weather.

Rotation is another key to managing resistance and keeping both Provisia and Clearfield available as effective tools.

“At the end of the day, if we are going to preserve these technologies, we’ve got to put soybeans in that field,” said Dr. Norsworthy. “Some growers tell me they can’t grow soybeans on zero-grade ground but, in the end, we’re not going even to grow rice on that zero-grade ground unless we do something different.”

Dr. Walker added that growers should consider adding Provisia rice to at least a portion of their acreage while weedy rice problems are still minimal and manageable, to maximize the effectiveness of the herbicide and prolong the technology.

“It’s a long-term mindset,” he said. “When the Provisia technology was introduced, it was with a variety that wasn’t nearly as high-yielding as our Clearfield varieties, and it only went out in the worst weedy rice-infested fields. Today’s Provisia varieties are much better. PVL03 was the top planted variety in Louisiana last year and will probably be again this year. It’s better to go out with this technology when you have a 10 percent infestation, get good chemistry results, and then follow a recommended rotation. When you get to a 70 or 80 percent-plus infestation, there are few options. You are backed into a corner and economics may drive you to ruin the technology on your farm.”

A meeting room full of rice farmers, consultants, and industry representatives peppered panelists during the Provisia® Best Practices technology session at the recent Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conference in Jonesboro, Arkansas, seeking to know more about how to maximize results while still stewarding this important weed management system.

Horizon Ag is Setting the Stage for a Successful 2024

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<h1>Horizon Ag is Setting the Stage for a Successful 2024<br><br></h1>

<p>As planting time nears, rice farmers are making seed decisions based on factors like yield potential, consistency, milling quality, disease resistance, maturity, weed control and stewardship. With a strong variety lineup, plus services designed to help rice farmers be more profitable, Horizon Ag is committed to providing the seed, tools, and support needed to set the stage for a successful 2024.</p>

<p>Five reasons to plant Horizon Ag varieties this year are:<br><br></p>

<h2>#1. The Benefits of New CLL19</h2>

<p>New CLL19 is garnering a lot of attention heading into its first year of commercial production, based on attributes like high yield potential, stalk strength, blast resistance, and milling quality. The long-grain Clearfield® variety was developed at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley and has consistently performed well in multilocation testing across the region since 2018.</p>

<p>“CLL19 has shown extremely high and very stable yields in trials we’ve done throughout Louisiana and in Arkansas, too,” said Dr. Adam Famoso, an LSU AgCenter rice breeder. “It’s higher yielding and more stable than what we’ve seen in our previous Clearfield varieties. It yields right up there with CLL16 and CLL18.”</p>

<p>Dr. Famoso says the variety has shown promising ratoon crop capacity, improved milling quality, and is early maturing, similar to CL111, which decreases time in the field and potential damage from weather events.<br><br></p>

<h2>#2. Cleaner Field with Provisia® Varieties</h2>

<p>There is a lot of momentum for PVL03 and new PVL04 coming out of the 2023 season.</p>

<p>Despite PVL03 acreage increasing to almost 30% of Louisiana rice plantings, the weedy rice outcrossing issues identified the previous season were significantly reduced, as many farmers adopted best management practices recommended by the Provisia Working Group.</p>

<p>“Last summer, we kept hearing that rice fields throughout the region were significantly cleaner, overall, than had been seen in many years, with farmers effectively managing the threat of weedy rice and resistant red rice with the Provisia Rice System,” said Horizon Ag general manager Dr. Tim Walker. “Average yields were consistently good and milling quality with PVL03 was superior to other varieties. This season, new PVL04 from the University of Arkansas rice breeding program, will give farmers another high-yielding option to control weedy rice and resistant red rice.”<br><br></p>

<h2>#3. Elite Varieties with a Range of Maturities</h2>

<p>One critical topic during winter meetings this year was the generally lower milling quality reported in many areas of the South. A contributing factor was that a near-perfect planting season and early-season cold spell led to much of the crop reaching maturity at about the same time. Farmers were hard-pressed to harvest the large crop at optimum moisture levels, which adversely impacted milling quality.</p>

<p>One solution is to plant elite-performing varieties with a broad geographic fit that have a range of maturities. For example, start with new CLL19, a very early maturing semi-dwarf variety that has outstanding yield potential. Next, plant CLL18, Horizon Ag’s highest-yielding pure line variety and that matures a few days later than CLL19. Finally, finish up planting with CLL16, a longer-maturing rice that has consistently performed well throughout the region.</p>

<p>“This is the variety portfolio we’ve ever had,” says Dr. Walker. “All the varieties have a fit and complement each other.”<br><br></p>

<h2>#4. Fixed Financing on Horizon Ag Varieties</h2>

<p>Horizon Ag and BASF are working with financing partners to offer low-interest financing for Clearfield and Provisia varieties this season. Qualifying Horizon Ag customers can get 0%* APR financing through Rabo AgriFinance, and 1.99%** APR through March 15, 2024, or 2.99% APR** on purchases March 16 to Sept. 30, 2024, with John Deere Financial.</p>

<p>“Heading into a year where high rates threaten to have a significant impact on farmer profitability and cash flow, we are excited to join with other industry leaders to offer low-rate financing for high-yielding new varieties like CLL19 and PVL04, as well as proven leaders like CLL18, CLL16 and PVL03,” says Dr. Walker.</p>

<p>Additional information about these programs, terms and conditions is available at horizonseed.com/news.<br><br></p>

<h2>#5. The Horizon Ag Productivity App</h2>

<p>Horizon Ag has created a mobile app that rice farmers will find a valuable resource when it comes to planning, variety selection, and planting.</p>

<p>The Horizon Ag Productivity App provides easy access to seeding rate information, a profitability calculator, a drill calibration tool, and other decision-making features. It is available by searching “Horizon Ag” in the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.<br><br></p>

<p style="font-size:10px;">Always read and follow label directions. Clearfield® and Provisia® are registered trademarks of BASF.<br><br>

* Other limitations may apply. See full program terms and conditions for further details. Credit is subject to Rabo AgriFinance approval, terms and conditions. Must be a Rabo AgriFinance authorized retailer. Qualifying transactions must be submitted for payment by the program dates noted above to receive the incentive interest rate.<br><br>

** Offer limited to Multi-Use Account Agricultural customers with an available Special Terms limit. Subject to the Multi-Use Account credit agreement and approval. Offer is subject to change without prior notice due to unpredicted changes in market conditions. Changes to offer will not impact previously posted transactions. Offer may be limited to qualifying products. $5,000 minimum purchase required. Subject to merchant participation, see your local merchant for complete details. Multi-Use Accounts are a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. 2Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 October 2023 through 15 March 2024. Fixed 1.99% APR from date of purchase, which may be prior to delivery, until November 2024, when the entire purchase amount and accrued interest are due in full. Regular Multi-Use Account rates will apply after that date. Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 16 March 2024 through 30 September 2024. Fixed 2.99% APR from date of purchase, which may be prior to delivery, until November 2024, when the entire purchase amount and accrued interest are due in full. Regular Multi-Use Account rates will apply after that date.<br><br></p></div>
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As planting time nears, rice farmers are making seed decisions based on factors like yield potential, consistency, milling quality, disease resistance, maturity, weed control and stewardship. 

Recommendations for Provisia Rice in 2024

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<h1>Recommendations for Provisia Rice in 2024</h1>

<p><i>Rice Farming</i><br>January 29, 2024<br><br></p>

<p>Last year, Horizon partnered with university and other industry leaders to help farmers best manage the Provisia Rice System. Their efforts resulted in significantly fewer confirmed instances of weedy rice outcrossing than the previous year.</p>

<p>Ahead of 2024, Horizon asked university rice experts to again weigh in on practices to maximize results with Provisia rice.</p>

<p>“The Provisia system is an excellent tool and will likely be the only tool of this type available for the foreseeable future,” says LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso. “It is not as forgiving as the Clearfield® system and Newpath® herbicide, however, and will require more effort and attention.”</p>

<p>It is unlikely that we will see a new trait for weedy rice within the next 5 to 6 years,” adds Dr. Jason Norsworthy, University of Arkansas weed scientist. “The Clearfield/Fullpage® technology is ineffective on more than 90% of the weedy rice in Arkansas. If a similar level of resistance is to be prevented in Provisia, growers must take the steps necessary to preserve the technology.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Planting</h2>

<p>PVL03 was planted on almost a third of Louisiana’s long grain rice acreage in 2023. “PVL03 yields were solid this year and the Provisia herbicide system resulted in great weed control and one of the cleanest red rice-free crops we’ve had in many years,” Dr. Famoso says.</p>

<p>Dr. Famoso recommends farmers plant early to maximize yield potential and mitigate disease, using a 55-60 pounds per acre seeding rate for PVL03.</p>

<p>In the north Delta, Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Arkansas extension rice agronomist, agrees PVL03 and PVL04 perform best when planted early, preferably beginning in late March. Yield potential drops off once planting runs into May. He says a 50-75 pound per acre seeding rate should produce the optimal 20-30 seed/ft2.<br><br></p>

<h2>Plant Health</h2>

<p>Protecting plant health minimizes the risk of adverse impacts from the environment or herbicide antagonism in Provisia rice. Critical practices include using a recommended seed treatment, timely fertilizer applications, and monitoring for disease to keep plants healthy from the start.</p>

<p>Don’t make herbicide applications in rice showing bronzing, cold stress, or nutrient deficiency. Wait until the health problem has been addressed and the rice is healthy.</p>

<p>Dr. Hardke recommends using a full seed treatment package (insecticide plus fungicide). He adds that nitrogen rate response is similar to most common varieties but it’s important that potassium is adequate. Farmers also should consider a triazole application starting at 2-inch panicle (~1/2” + 7 days) to minimize the potential for Cercospora issues.<br><br></p>

<h2>Weed Management</h2>

<p>The Provisia Rice System has consistently proven its ability to result in clean fields and control costly weedy rice and red rice. Industry specialists say farmers can reduce the potential for antagonism and outcrosses by:

<ul>
<li>Starting clean, applying a residual burndown grass herbicide or using tillage in the fall to control weeds and limit early competition.</li>

<li>Relying on a stale seedbed approach to achieve an effective herbicide burndown and minimize weed flushes after planting.</li>

<li>Overlapping residual herbicides, applied at planting and with each Provisia application before flooding.</li>

<li>Applying Provisia as a solo application, when possible, especially on larger grasses.</li>

<li>Combining Provisia with Rogue® herbicide if fields are zero grade or side inlet.</li>

<li>Holding off on the first application of Provisia until the temperature is 65 degrees or above for three consecutive days, and rice is beyond the 2-leaf stage.</li>

<li>Spraying actively growing grasses, red rice and volunteer rice.</li>

<li>Making three applications of Provisia versus two at the higher labeled rate.</li>

<li>Having at least one Provisia application after the field is flooded.</li>

<li>Using proper carrier volumes for ground and aerial applications. “Carrier volume should be 10 GPA if you can find a pilot that will spray that volume,” says Dr. Norsworthy.</li>

<li>Practicing “zero tolerance” for weedy rice and red rice escapes.</li>

<li>Spot-treating any escapes, using drones if necessary.</li>

<li>Following the Provisia Rice System with soybeans if weedy rice is not being controlled with the Clearfield technology.</li>
</ul>

<p>“Most importantly, make sure you are using residual herbicides up front, minimizing the risk of antagonism by knowing what not to mix with Provisia, trying to get at least one application of Provisia by itself, and making sure you are using an adequate carrier volume to maximize your coverage,” says Dr. Connor Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist. “I always recommend a crop oil concentrate with ACCase herbicides to maximize uptake of these herbicides.”<br><br></p></div>
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The release of elite Provisia® rice varieties like PVL03 and new PVL04 is driving increased interest in the Provisia Rice System as an important tool to control weedy rice and resistant red rice.

Provisia Rice Panel at Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conferences

Join Horizon Ag and other rice industry leaders at the 2024 Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conferences in Jonesboro, Arkansas for an important panel discussion covering updated best management practices for Provisia varieties and the Provisia® Rice System.

Dr. Jason Norsworthy, University of Arkansas weed scientist, and Dr. Connor Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, will join Dr. Tim Walker, general manager of Horizon Ag, to discuss key production areas for Provisia rice, based on learnings from the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

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<td align="center">Dr. Jason Norsworthy
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“It is unlikely that we will see a new trait for weedy rice within the next 5 to 6 years,” says Dr. Norsworthy. “The Clearfield®/Fullpage® technology is ineffective on more than 90% of the weedy rice in Arkansas. If a similar level of resistance is to be prevented in Provisia, growers must take the steps necessary to preserve the technology.”

Dr. Webster notes several areas have risen to the top when it comes to applying best management practices in the system.

“I could write a manuscript on this topic but, most importantly, make sure you are using residual herbicides up front, minimizing the risk of antagonism by knowing what not to mix with Provisia herbicide, trying to get out at least one application of Provisia by itself, and making sure you are using an adequate carrier volume to maximize your coverage,” says Dr. Webster. “I also always recommend a crop oil concentrate with ACCase herbicides to maximize uptake.”

It's this type of insight that can pay off for producers turning to the Provisia Rice System and varieties like PVL03 and new PVL04, says Dr. Walker.

“The goal for this panel is to share the knowledge we’ve gained in recent years to help make farmers more productive and profitable while effectively stewarding the Provisia Rice System,” says Dr. Walker. “Besides the Provisia Rice System, we’ll discuss how to best manage PVL03 and PVL04, the first Provisia variety released by the University of Arkansas rice breeding program.”

The 2024 Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conferences are scheduled for Jan. 30 and 31 in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Red Wolf Convention Center. The Provisia Rice Panel discussions will take place:

Tuesday, Jan. 30, breakout session #4, 2:25 p.m. to 3:11 p.m., room #3

Wednesday, Jan. 31, breakout session #9, 10:10 a.m. to 10:56 a.m., room #3

Certified Crop Advisor CEU credits are available for attending the session.

Also, be sure to stop by and visit with the Horizon Ag team, booths 20-21, in the Exhibitor Trade Show at the conference. We’ll be talking about the new varieties like CLL19 and PVL04, as well as other high-yielding varieties like CLL18 and CLL16.

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<span class="es-button-border" style="background:#fbb12a; border-bottom-width:0px; border-color:#073057; border-radius:5px; border-style:solid; border-width:0px 0px 2px 0px; display:inline-block; width:auto"><a class="es-button es-button-1703175493990" href="https://nctd.net/" style="mso-style-priority:100 !important;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-ms-text-size-adjust:none;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;color:#073057;font-size:18px;display:inline-block;background:#fbb12a;border-radius:5px;font-family:roboto, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;line-height:22px;width:auto;text-align:center;padding:10px 20px;mso-padding-alt:0;mso-border-alt:10px solid #fbb12a" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></span>
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With new Horizon Ag varieties CLL19 and PVL04 joining the Horizon Ag lineup for 2024, and high-yielding CLL18 more readily available this season, we are getting a lot of questions about how these top performers fit on farms across the region. Listen as Missouri rice grower and Horizon Ag seed producer Zack Tanner describes his experiences with each one.

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<td align="center" style="padding-bottom:10px;"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/22acb7ea-c5c2-90fd-d4c3-bbca3525fb25.jpg" alt="Clearfield CLL18 video with Zach Tanner" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic" width="171" title="Clearfield CLL18 video with Zach Tanner"></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom:10px;"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/ceea6c6b-c825-a34c-37a6-448d7da1eeb6.jpg" alt="Clearfield CLL19 video with Zach Tanner" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic" width="171" title="Clearfield CLL19 video with Zach Tanner"></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom:10px;"><img class="adapt-img" src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/35eb7e66-fdba-1d5e-7190-773ccffe830c.jpg" alt="Provisia PVL04 video with Zach Tanner" style="display:block;border:0;outline:none;text-decoration:none;-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic" width="171" title="Provisia PVL04 video with Zach Tanner"></td>
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<td align="center"><span class="es-button-border" style="border-style:solid;border-color:#073057;background:#fbb12a;border-width:0px 0px 2px 0px;display:inline-block;border-radius:5px;width:auto;border-bottom-width:0px"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hwHnbXHfhc" class="es-button es-button-1706113103996" target="_blank" style="mso-style-priority:100 !important;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-ms-text-size-adjust:none;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;color:#073057;font-size:14px;display:inline-block;background:#fbb12a;border-radius:5px;font-family:roboto, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;width:auto;text-align:center;padding:10px 20px;mso-padding-alt:0;mso-border-alt:10px solid #fbb12a">VIEW CLL18 VIDEO</a></span>
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<td align="center"><span class="es-button-border" style="border-style:solid;border-color:#073057;background:#fbb12a;border-width:0px 0px 2px 0px;display:inline-block;border-radius:5px;width:auto;border-bottom-width:0px"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L5-jcTkIeQ&amp;t=2s" class="es-button es-button-1706113193565" target="_blank" style="mso-style-priority:100 !important;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-ms-text-size-adjust:none;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;color:#073057;font-size:14px;display:inline-block;background:#fbb12a;border-radius:5px;font-family:roboto, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;width:auto;text-align:center;padding:10px 20px;mso-padding-alt:0;mso-border-alt:10px solid #fbb12a">VIEW CLL19 VIDEO</a></span>
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<td align="center"><span class="es-button-border" style="border-style:solid;border-color:#073057;background:#fbb12a;border-width:0px 0px 2px 0px;display:inline-block;border-radius:5px;width:auto;border-bottom-width:0px"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ3s1Xn8kuE&amp;t=5s" class="es-button es-button-1706113199406" target="_blank" style="mso-style-priority:100 !important;text-decoration:none;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-ms-text-size-adjust:none;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;color:#073057;font-size:14px;display:inline-block;background:#fbb12a;border-radius:5px;font-family:roboto, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;line-height:17px;width:auto;text-align:center;padding:10px 20px;mso-padding-alt:0;mso-border-alt:10px solid #fbb12a">VIEW PVL04 VIDEO</a></span>
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Five Reasons to Plant Horizon Ag Varieties in 2024

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<h1>Five reasons to plant Horizon Ag varieties in 2024</h1>

<p><i>By Scott McClure</i></p>

<p><img src="https://images.prismic.io/horizon-ag/29e30883-b697-46d1-89d4-40cedfbd4c38_Planting_1100x400x1.jpg?auto=format,compress" class="jsx-1402380095 img-fluid"></p>

<p>With planting time in South Louisiana rapidly approaching, rice farmers are finalizing seed decisions based on factors like yield potential, consistency, milling quality, disease resistance, the need to spread maturity groups, and how to achieve clean fields while stewarding the latest weed control technology.</p>

<p>With its strongest variety lineup yet, plus programs and services designed to help rice farmers be more profitable, Horizon Ag is committed to providing the seed, tools, and support needed to set farms up for a strong performance in 2024.</p>

<p>Five reasons to plant Horizon Ag varieties in Louisiana this year include:<br><br></p>
 
<h2>#1. The Benefits of New CLL19</h2>

<p>New CLL19 is garnering a lot of attention heading into its first year of commercial production, based on its attributes like high yield potential, stalk strength, blast resistance, and milling quality. The long-grain Clearfield variety was developed at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley and has consistently performed well in multi-location testing across the region since 2018.</p>

<p>“CLL19 has shown extremely high and very stable yields in trials we’ve done throughout Louisiana and in Arkansas, too,” said Dr. Adam Famoso, an LSU AgCenter rice breeder. “It’s higher yielding and more stable than what we’ve seen in our previous Clearfield varieties. It yields right up there with CLL16 and CLL18.”</p>

<p>Dr. Famoso says the variety has shown promising ratoon crop capacity, improved milling quality, and is early maturing, similar to CL111, which decreases time in the field and potential damage from weather events. Its blast resistance also will be valued by Louisiana farmers.</p>

<p>CLL19 yielded 60 barrels per acre in multiple seed production fields across Louisiana, Texas and Missouri, which, says Famoso, is an extremely high number on hundreds of acres.</p>

<p>“That’s pretty exceptional, and I think it highlights the yield potential,” he says. “There’s a lot of excitement, and we think it’s going to be a pretty impactful variety.”</p>

<p>Even though CLL19 is a semi-dwarf, it performed at similar yield levels to standard-height varieties in Arkansas, meaning it has potential in the North Delta too. Its early maturity also may make it a fit for short-season areas like the Missouri bootheel.</p>

<p>Zack Tanner, a farmer near Bernie, Missouri who produces seed for Horizon Ag, said that CLL19 was planted side-by-side with CLL18, an extremely high-yielding variety, and looked strong all season long.</p>

<p>“My impression of CLL19 is positive,” says Tanner. “We planted a 45 pounds-per-acre seeding rate and had very good emergence and good early season vigor. We didn't have any issues with sheath blight and saw zero blast in CLL19. It is a shorter variety, which we like. The heads are up, prominent and it was easy to harvest.”<br><br></p>

<h2>#2. Proven Performance with PVL03 and the Provisia Rice System</h2>

<p>There is a lot of momentum for PVL03 and the Provisia Rice System coming out of the 2023 season.</p>

<p>Despite PVL03 acreage increasing to almost 30% of the state’s rice plantings, the weedy rice outcrossing issues identified the previous season were significantly reduced, as many farmers adopted best management practices recommended by the Provisia Working Group.</p>

<p>Key management practices for 2023 that had an impact included starting with a clean seed bed, spraying when weeds were small and actively growing, and using recommended residual herbicides.</p>

<p>“The sentiment across much of the state was that rice fields throughout the region were significantly cleaner, overall, than had been seen in many years, with farmers effectively managing the threat of weedy rice and resistant red rice,” said Horizon Ag general manager Dr. Tim Walker. “In addition, average yields for PVL03 were consistently good and milling quality was superior to most other rice varieties and hybrids throughout harvest.”<br><br></p>

<h2>#3. Elite Varieties with a Range of Maturities</h2>

<p>One critical topic at last month’s USA Rice Outlook Conference in Indian Wells, California, was the generally lower milling quality reported in many areas of the South. A contributing factor was that a near-perfect planting season and early-season cold spell led to much of the crop reaching maturity at about the same time. Farmers were hard-pressed to harvest the large crop at optimum moisture levels, which adversely impacted milling quality.</p>

<p>One solution is to plant elite-performing varieties with a broad geographic fit that have a range of maturities. For example, start planting with new CLL19, a very early maturing semi-dwarf variety that has outstanding yield potential.</p>

<p>Next, plant CLL18, our highest-yielding pure line variety today and that matures a few days later than CLL19. Finally, finish up planting with CLL16, a longer-maturing rice that has consistently performed well throughout the region.</p>

<p>“I think this is the best portfolio Horizon Ag has ever had,” Dr. Tim Walker told the Outlook audience attending the products overview session. “All these varieties have a fit and they complement each other.”<br><br></p>

<h2>#4. 0% Financing on Horizon Ag Varieties</h2>

<p>Horizon Ag, BASF, and Rabo AgriFinance, part of the Rabobank Group, are partnering to offer 0%* financing for high-performing products for rice farmers for the coming season.</p>

<p>“Heading into a year where high interest rates are threatening to have a significant impact on farmer profitability and cash flow, we are excited to join with other industry leaders to offer 0% financing on high-yielding Clearfield® and Provisia® rice varieties,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “These include our new varieties like CLL19 and PVL04, as well as proven leaders like CLL18, CLL16 and PVL03.”</p>

<p>Farmers can qualify for the program by purchasing one or more participating Horizon Ag and BASF products and meeting a minimum purchase/finance value of $5,000. Qualifying Horizon Ag varieties include Clearfield varieties CL119, CLL18, CLL16, CL111, CL153, CL151, CLJ01, CLM04 and CLHA02, along with Provisia varieties PVL03 and PVL04.</p>

<p>The program is available from Oct. 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. The maturity date is Jan. 31, 2025.<br><br></p>

<h2>#5. The Horizon Ag Productivity App</h2>

<p>Horizon Ag has created a mobile app that rice farmers will find a valuable resource when it comes to planning, variety selection, and planting.</p>

<p>The Horizon Ag Productivity App provides easy access to seeding rate information, a profitability calculator, a drill calibration tool, and other decision-making features for 2024 Horizon Ag Clearfield<sup>®</sup> and Provisia<sup>®</sup> varieties.</p>

<p>It also makes it easy to connect with retailers in your area who sell top-performing Horizon Ag varieties like CLL18, CLL19, PVL03, and PVL04.</p>

<p>The app is available by searching “Horizon Ag” in the App Store or Google Play.</p>

<p>More information about Horizon Ag varieties and services available this season can be found by contacting your <a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/contact" style="color:#70b543;">Horizon Ag District Field Representative.</a><br><br></p>
</div>
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Horizon Ag is committed to providing the seed, tools, and support needed to set farms up for a strong performance in 2024.

Rice Quality at Heart of U.S. Market Share Woes in Latin America

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<h1>Rice quality at heart of U.S. market share woes in Latin America</h1>

<p>By Todd Fitchette, <i>Delta FarmPress</i><br>January 3, 2024<br><br></p>

<p>Southern U.S. rice farmers were cautioned to focus more on rice quality as the industry seeks to expand market share in Latin America and elsewhere. The caveat to this is understanding the word “quality” from the perspective of customers in Central and South America.</p>

<p>Latin American customers don’t want sticky rice, according to Amilcar Ybarra Rojas, president, and CEO of Agricorp S.A., a rice marketer from Nicaragua. Neither do they want chalky rice.</p>

<p>Tim Walker, general manager of Horizon Ag, a Memphis-based rice company with deep connections to the U.S. Southern rice industry, said Latin American customers buy rice with their eyes: they look at it for its long grain, consistent grain length, and low chalkiness. Secondly, they don’t want it to clump together when cooked.</p>

<p>About 15 years ago the U.S. began to lose market share to South American competitors who were able to meet the higher quality demands of Latin American customers. Walker said the loss in market share does not appear to be one of price, but the stated lower quality of U.S. rice sold on commodity markets. South American rice producers from Brazil, Argentina, and elsewhere have capitalized on this quality issue, Walker said.<br><br></p>

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<p style="font-size:14px; color:#70b543;"><i>Amilcar Ybarra Rojas, left, a buyer of U.S. rice from Nicaragua, explains to Tim Walker, general manager of Horizon Ag how the U.S. lost market share to his South American neighbors, and how the U.S. can get that market share back.</i> <span style="font-size:10px; color:#003863;">TODD FITCHETTE</span><br><br></p>

<h2>Market Share</h2>

<p>Walker interviewed Rojas during the general session of the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference, held earlier in December in California. In the discussion, Walker wanted Rojas to explain to rice industry leaders and growers why the U.S. lost its market share, and how the U.S. can get that back.</p>

<p>“People are looking for rice with better cooking quality that doesn’t stick together,” Rojas said.</p>

<p>Though critical of the U.S. rice industry’s apparent slow response to addressing rice quality efforts through breeding and agronomic practices, Rojas said that all is not lost for the United States. Market share to Nicaragua is improving, albeit slowly. While countries like Costa Rica have been more reluctant to being buying U.S. rice in quantities seen previously, Walker said the focus has been on Nicaragua.</p>

<p>Walker believes that where Nicaragua goes, so too will other Latin American countries when it comes to U.S. rice imports. It won’t happen overnight, he said, but the likelihood is there if U.S. farmers can produce the quality of rice Nicaragua wants, the remainder of Central and South American may follow.</p>

<p>For Rojas, rice quality reflects less on milling, and more on its amylose content. That is the starch content in rice that makes it fluffy or sticky when cooked. The higher the amylose content, the firmer and fluffier it is. Low amylose rice tends to be stickier and moister in texture.<br><br></p>

<h2>Consumer Choice</h2>

<p>Rojas said sticky or fluffy rice is a personal consumer choice, yet an important preference for U.S. farmers to understand if they are going to sell rice around the world.</p>

<p>“Is there hope for the United States to reverse the trend of declining market share in Nicaragua and other countries,” Walker asked of Rojas.</p>

<p>“Yes, of course,” he replied. “And you have partners like us that will help.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Staple Source</h2>

<p>Rice remains a staple source of food for global consumers, but their taste in rice varies widely. U.S. farmers exported two million metric tons of rice, valued at $1.7 billion in 2022, according to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service.</p>

<p>Nicaragua, where Agricorp is based, is a top-10 market for U.S. rice, valued at just under $50 million in annual sales. Japan is the leading destination for U.S. rice. Half of the industry’s 10 leading export destinations are in Latin America, according to FAS.</p>

<p>FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley told rice industry leaders at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in California that his agency exists to help rice farmers and other U.S. farmers to market their products abroad.</p>

<p>“We represent all of your interests around the world,” Whitley said to the general session audience of several hundred people at USA Rice. “We have a presence in roughly 165 countries around the world (with) trained experts in agriculture dedicated to catering to your interests and needs.”<br><br></p></div>
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Latin American rice buyers are looking for rice that is not sticky or chalky.

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<h1>Recommendations for Provisia Rice in 2024<br><br></h1>

<p>The release of elite Provisia<sup>®</sup> rice varieties like PVL03 and new PVL04 is driving increased interest in the Provisia Rice System as an important tool to control weedy rice and resistant red rice.</p>

<p>Last year, Horizon partnered with university and other industry leaders to help farmers best manage the Provisia Rice System. Their efforts resulted in significantly fewer confirmed instances of weedy rice outcrossing than the previous year.</p>

<p>Ahead of 2024, Horizon asked university rice experts to again weigh in on practices to maximize results with Provisia rice.</p>

<p>“The Provisia system is an excellent tool and will likely be the only tool of this type available for the foreseeable future,” says LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso. “It is not as forgiving as the Clearfield<sup>®</sup> system and Newpath<sup>®</sup> herbicide, however, and will require more effort and attention.”</p>

<p>It is unlikely that we will see a new trait for weedy rice within the next 5 to 6 years,” adds Dr. Jason Norsworthy, University of Arkansas weed scientist. “The Clearfield/Fullpage<sup>®</sup> technology is ineffective on more than 90% of the weedy rice in Arkansas. If a similar level of resistance is to be prevented in Provisia, growers must take the steps necessary to preserve the technology.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Planting</h2>

<p>PVL03 was planted on almost a third of Louisiana’s long grain rice acreage in 2023. “PVL03 yields were solid this year and the Provisia herbicide system resulted in great weed control and one of the cleanest red rice-free crops we’ve had in many years,” Dr. Famoso says.</p>

<p>Dr. Famoso recommends farmers plant early to maximize yield potential and mitigate disease, using a 55-60 pounds per acre seeding rate for PVL03.</p>

<p>In the north Delta, Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Arkansas extension rice agronomist, agrees PVL03 and PVL04 perform best when planted early, preferably beginning in late March. Yield potential drops off once planting runs into May. He says a 50-75 pound per acre seeding rate should produce the optimal 20-30 seed/ft<sup>2</sup>.<br><br></p>

<h2>Plant Health</h2>

<p>Protecting plant health minimizes the risk of adverse impacts from the environment or herbicide antagonism in Provisia rice. Critical practices include using a recommended seed treatment, timely fertilizer applications, and monitoring for disease to keep plants healthy from the start.</p>

<p>Don’t make herbicide applications in rice showing bronzing, cold stress, or nutrient deficiency. Wait until the health problem has been addressed and the rice is healthy.</p>

<p>Dr. Hardke recommends using a full seed treatment package (insecticide plus fungicide). He adds that nitrogen rate response is similar to most common varieties but it’s important that potassium is adequate. Farmers also should consider a triazole application starting at 2-inch panicle (~1/2” + 7 days) to minimize the potential for Cercospora issues.<br><br></p>

<h2>Weed Management</h2>

<p>The Provisia Rice System has consistently proven its ability to result in clean fields and control costly weedy rice and red rice. Industry specialists say farmers can reduce the potential for antagonism and outcrosses by:

<ul>
<li>Starting clean, applying a residual burndown grass herbicide or using tillage in the fall to control weeds and limit early competition.</li>
<li>Relying on a stale seedbed approach to achieve an effective herbicide burndown and minimize weed flushes after planting.</li>
<li>Overlapping residual herbicides, applied at planting and with each Provisia application before flooding.</li>
<li>Applying Provisia as a solo application, when possible, especially on larger grasses.</li>
<li>Combining Provisia with Rogue<sup>®</sup> herbicide if fields are zero grade or side inlet.</li>
<li>Holding off on the first application of Provisia until the temperature is 65 degrees or above for three consecutive days, and rice is beyond the 2-leaf stage.</li>
<li>Spraying actively growing grasses, red rice and volunteer rice.</li>
<li>Making three applications of Provisia versus two at the higher labeled rate.</li>
<li>Having at least one Provisia application after the field is flooded.</li>
<li>Using proper carrier volumes for ground and aerial applications. “Carrier volume should be 10 GPA if you can find a pilot that will spray that volume,” says Dr. Norsworthy.</li>
<li>Practicing “zero tolerance” for weedy rice and red rice escapes.</li>
<li>Spot-treating any escapes, using drones if necessary.</li>
<li>Following the Provisia Rice System with soybeans if weedy rice is not being controlled with the Clearfield technology.</li>
</ul>

<p>“Most importantly, make sure you are using residual herbicides up front, minimizing the risk of antagonism by knowing what not to mix with Provisia, trying to get at least one application of Provisia by itself, and making sure you are using an adequate carrier volume to maximize your coverage,” says Dr. Connor Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist. “I always recommend a crop oil concentrate with ACCase herbicides to maximize uptake of these herbicides.”<br><br></p>
</div>
</div>

Get Special 0% Financing for Horizon Ag Varieties

Horizon Ag, BASF and Rabo AgriFinance, part of the Rabobank Group, are partnering to offer 0%* financing for high-performing products for rice farmers for the coming season.

“Heading into a year where high interest rates are threatening to have a significant impact on farmer profitability and cash flow, we are excited to join with other industry leaders to offer 0% financing on high-yielding Clearfield® and Provisia® rice varieties,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “These include our new varieties like CLL19 and PVL04, as well as proven leaders like CLL18, CLL16 and PVL03.”

Farmers can qualify for the program by purchasing one or more participating Horizon Ag and BASF products and meeting a minimum purchase/finance value of $5,000.

Qualifying Horizon Ag varieties include Clearfield varieties CLL19, CLL18, CLL16, CL111, CL153, CL151, CLJ01, CLHA02 and CLM04, along with Provisia varieties PVL03 and PVL04.

The program is available from Oct. 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. The maturity date is Jan. 31, 2025.

Contact your Horizon Ag representative for details. You can contact Rabo AgriFinance by calling 1-888-395-8505 or applying online at Grower.Raboag.com.

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<p style="font-size: 12px;">Always read and follow label directions. Clearfield® and Provisia® are registered trademarks of BASF. *Other limitations may apply. See full program terms and conditions for further details. Credit is subject to Rabo AgriFinance approval, terms and conditions. Must be a Rabo AgriFinance authorized retailer. Qualifying transactions must be submitted for payment by the program dates noted above to receive the incentive interest rate. © 2023 Horizon Ag</p>
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Maximizing Results with Provisia Rice

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<h1>Maximizing Results with Provisia Rice</h1>

<p>By Scott McClure<br><br></p>

<p>The release of elite Provisia rice varieties like PVL03 in recent years and new PVL04 is driving increased interest in the Provisia Rice System as an important tool to control weedy rice and resistant red rice and grasses, as well as to rotate with Clearfield rice to extend the effectiveness of both technologies.</p>

<figure class="jsx-505332015 custom-image"><img src="https://images.prismic.io/horizon-ag/65c62fa49be9a5b998b59974_PVL03_field_1100x400x1.jpg?auto=format,compress" class="jsx-1402380095 img-fluid"></figure>
<p style="font-size:14px; color:#70b543;"><i>PVL03, bred by LSU AgCenter rice breeders, was the #1 planted rice variety in Louisiana this past season. In 2024, it will be joined by new PVL04 from the University of Arkansas rice breeding program.</i><br><br></p>

<p>As Provisia acres expand, industry leaders continue to study ways to help farmers steward the technology to prevent the development of resistant weedy rice outcrossing and use best management practices to maximize yield and profit potential.</p>

<p>Going into the 2023 season, Horizon partnered with university and other industry leaders, to help farmers best manage the Provisia Rice System. The practices that were communicated resulted in significantly fewer confirmed instances of weedy rice outcrossing than the previous year.</p>

<p>Ahead of 2024, Horizon asked university and extension rice experts to again weigh in on management practices to maximize results with Provisia rice.</p>

<p>LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso noted that the management requirements of the Provisia Rice System differ some from the Clearfield Production System for Rice. Stewarding both weed systems is critical since new technology is likely years away.</p>

<p>“The Provisia system with Provisia herbicide is an excellent tool and will likely be the only tool of this type available for the foreseeable future,” says Dr. Famoso. “It is not as forgiving as the Clearfield system and Newpath herbicide, however, and will require more effort and attention to make it last.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Planting</h2>

<p>Provisia variety PVL03, in its second year of commercial production, was the most widely grown variety in Louisiana, planted on about a third of the state’s long grain rice acreage. “PVL03 yields were very solid this year and the Provisia herbicide system resulted in great weed control and one of the cleanest red rice-free crops we’ve had in many years,” Dr. Famoso says.</p>

<p>Getting the crop off to a strong start is important. Dr. Famoso recommends farmers plant early to maximize yield potential and mitigate disease, using a 55-60 pounds per acre seeding rate for PVL03, considering planting and spraying environments when determining the rate.</p>

<p>“Assume lower seeding survival rates during early planting and more herbicide injury/death due to weather,” he adds. “Too low of a stand will also impact the second crop, probably more than the first crop. Keep a healthy, actively growing crop and flush when needed.”</p>

<p>Those recommendations were echoed by Dr. Ronnie Levy, LSU AgCenter rice specialist, who added, “Based on our experiences, we recommend farmers plant early within the recommended planting dates.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Plant Health</h2>

<p>Monitoring and protecting plant health is also important when it comes to minimizing the risk of adverse impacts from the environment or herbicides in Provisia rice. Critical practices include using a recommended seed treatment, making timely fertilizer applications, and monitoring for disease threats to keep plants growing and healthy from the start.</p>

<p>Famoso says farmers should avoid being late on nitrogen applications that might limit plant vigor or tillering. Levy recommends farmers not apply herbicide to “any rice that is showing bronzing, cold stress, or nutrient deficiency.  Wait until the health problem has been addressed and the rice is healthy.”<br><br></p>

<h2>Weed Management</h2>

<p>The Provisia Rice System has consistently proved its ability to result in clean fields and control costly weedy rice and red rice. Still, industry specialists say there are management practices farmers can implement to minimize the potential for herbicide antagonism and prevent outcrossing. These include</p>

<ul>
<li>Taking steps in the fall to control weeds and limit early competition in the coming season, like applying a residual burndown grass herbicide or using tillage.</li>

<li>Holding off on making the first application of Provisia herbicide until the temperature is 65 degrees or above for three consecutive days.</li>

<li>Letting the size and population of weedy rice dictate follow-up applications, with an emphasis on spraying actively growing grasses, red rice and volunteer rice.</li>

<li>Making three applications of Provisia herbicide at 10.5, 10.5 and then 10 oz. per acre versus two applications at the higher labeled rate of 15.5 oz. each.</li>

<li>Having at least one Provisia herbicide application after the field is flooded</li>

<li>Using proper carrier volumes for ground and aerial applications.</li>

<li>Practicing “zero tolerance” for weedy rice and red rice escapes.</li>
</ul>

<center><figure class="jsx-505332015 custom-image" style="width:50%;padding:20px;"><img src="https://images.prismic.io/horizon-ag/65c63dd49be9a5b998b59b3b_CLM04_weed_management_550x733x1.jpg?auto=format,compress" class="jsx-1402380095 img-fluid"><p style="font-size:14px; color:#70b543; padding:10px;"><i>PVL03, bred by LSU AgCenter rice breeders, was the #1 planted rice variety in Louisiana this past season. In 2024, it will be joined by new PVL04 from the University of Arkansas rice breeding program.</i></p></figure></center>

<p>Famoso adds that spray volume can directly impact coverage, with low volumes more likely to result in skips. “That doesn’t mean the low volumes will never work and high volumes will never have skips, but the probability is greater,” he said. “If there is good application coverage, there should be few escapes.”</p>

<p>If escapes do occur, Dr. Levy says removing the threat is essential. “There should be zero tolerance for weedy rice and red rice escapes. We need to spot-treat any escapes, using drones if necessary.”<br><br></p></div>
</div>

As Provisia acres expand, industry leaders continue to study ways to help farmers steward the technology to prevent the development of resistant weedy rice outcrossing and use best management practices to maximize yield and profit potential.

Farmer Zack Tanner on New Variety PVL04 and Keeping Fields Clean

Southeast Missouri farmer Zack Tanner shares how new Provisia variety PVL04 helps keep fields clean while providing strong performance. “When we are shooting for zero weeds, the Provisia technology helps us achieve that.”

New PVL04 | Aiming for Zero Weeds Even on Tough Acres

Farmer Zack Tanner on the Value of CLL18

Southeast Missouri rice farmer, Zack Tanner, shares how CLL18 delivers economic value and outstanding yield potential.

CLL18 | High Yields and High Value

Farmer Zack Tanner on New Variety CLL19 | “A Great Fit On Any Farm”

Rice farmer Zack Tanner shares how CLL19 is a great fit on any farm looking for an early-maturing variety with excellent vigor, standability and solid yield potential. In the face of tough wind pressure in Southeast Missouri, the semi-dwarf variety stood strong without lodging.

New CLL19 | Short Stature and Early Emergence Make a Great Fit on Any Farm

Quality Rice Seed and Stewardship of Technology

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<h1>Quality Rice Seed and Stewardship of Technology</h1>

<p>By Whitney Haigwood, <i>Delta FarmPress</i><br>October 20, 2023<br><br></p>

<h2>At a Glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>Zack Tanner and his family have produced rice seed for Horizon Ag since the early 2000s.</li>

<li>In 2023, he grew Clearfield CLL18 and new varieties, Clearfield CLL19 and Provisia PVL04.</li>

<li>Stewardship of this weed control technology is essential to its continued effectiveness.</li>
</ul>

<p>Rice production takes ample management, and that is certainly the case for Zack Tanner and his family in the bootheel of Missouri. Tanner Seed Company serves as a pivotal point between the rice breeder and the broader market. They have produced rice seed on their operation for Horizon Ag since the early 2000s, with rice crops that yield parent seed to be sold and planted in upcoming production seasons.</p>

<p>This year, Tanner grew and harvested two of the newest Clearfield and Provisia varieties expected to debut on the 2024 market. Clearfield variety CLL19 and Provisia variety PVL04 will expand Horizon Ag’s portfolio, known for proven performance and alternate modes of action against herbicide resistant weedy rice.<br><br></p>

<figure class="jsx-505332015 custom-image"><img src="https://images.prismic.io/horizon-ag/9d120df9-4ff5-4e19-8d5c-c64f38a09951_dfp-whaigwood-zack-tanner-harvest-700x394x1.webp?auto=compress,format" class="jsx-1402380095 img-fluid"></figure>
<p style="font-size:14px; color:#70b543;"><i>Harvest of Clearfield CLL18 parent seed by Tanner Seed Company in Bernie, Mo.</i> <span style="font-size:10px; color:#003863;">WHITNEY HAIGWOOD</span><br><br></p>

<p>Recently, Farm Press attended a Horizon Ag Field Day in Harrisburg, Ark., to learn from specialists, researchers, and producers about these new varieties. Tanner was amongst the presenters and invited Farm Press to his operation in the north Mississippi Delta to see the progress of his rice crop.</p>

<p>Pristine fields on Tanner’s farm serve as evidence of his commitment to rice production and bringing quality seed to market. By the same token, farmers and consultants are encouraged to practice good stewardship to help keep this technology around for the long haul.</p>

<h2>Parent Rice Production</h2>

<p>The Tanner family has been in the rice seed business since the 1970s, specializing in parent seed production since 2008. Clean fields are crucial to quality seed production, which makes management a bit more intense on Tanner’s operation.</p>

<p>“We only produce rice seed on our farm. We must maintain a very clean atmosphere throughout the growing season so we can see if there are any negative off types in our seed,” Tanner said.</p>

<p>The season begins by blocking drill openers at planting. This creates an unplanted lane every 20 feet through the rice field and makes it easier for the roguing crew to walk the fields later in the season.</p>

<p>“Since we produce registered seed, we physically walk every seed acre to remove any off types. The lanes help to guide us through the field,” he explained.</p>

<p>This process begins July 4 and continues through late August, just before the fields are drained. Since Tanner does not plant the levees for seed, he removes them completely for quick and easy draining.</p>

<p>“Tearing the levees down completely is kind of the silver lining in not getting to plant them. They are gone at harvest and the combines can go where they need to go,” Tanner said.</p>

<p>From there, harvested rice seed is taken to the seed company where it is dried, cleaned, and conditioned for the upcoming production season.</p>

<p>Tanner noted that another silver lining in rice seed production is getting firsthand experience with the new varieties. This year he grew Provisia PVL04 and Clearfield varieties CLL18 and CLL19, which all look fantastic.</p>

<p>For a closer look at these varieties on Tanner's operation, you can check out this Farm Press slide show, Variety Spotlight: <a href="https://www.farmprogress.com/rice/variety-spotlight-clearfield-and-provisia-rice" target="_blank">Clearfield and Provisia rice.</a><br><br></p>

<h2>Technology Stewardship</h2>

<p>The topic of stewarding these technologies surfaced during a presentation by Jason Norsworthy, distinguished professor of weed science at the Arkansas Division of Ag. While Provisia and Clearfield varieties are excellent for weed control, Norsworthy cautioned about the need to preserve the integrity of the technology.</p>

<p>“The Provisia Rice System is all we are going to have for the next few years to control the weedy rice and resistant red rice issues that are costing farmers significant production and profit potential year after year. We have good Provisia varieties that perform consistently, and we must steward and protect this technology, so it is around for years to come,” Norsworthy said.</p>

<p>One stewardship recommendation is the move from a two-pass herbicide system to a three-pass system. Norsworthy suggested 10 fluid ounces at the 2-leaf growth stage, 10 fluid ounces at the 5-leaf growth stage, and finally, a post-flood application to reduce the risk of weedy rice coming to seed and outcrossing.</p>

<p>Crop rotation is another management practice to preserve both the Provisia and Clearfield technologies; because consecutive planting of one or both, year after year, can lead to herbicide resistance.</p>

<p>The Provisia Working Group will finalize its revised BMPs in the coming weeks and share those recommendations with farmers and the industry during winter meetings ahead of the 2024 season.<br><br></p></div>
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Production and protection of Clearfield and Provisia rice varieties.

Variety Spotlight: Clearfield and Provisia Rice

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<h1>Variety Spotlight: Clearfield and Provisia Rice</h1>

<p>By Whitney Haigwood, <i>Delta FarmPress</i><br>October 20, 2023<br><br></p>

<p>Horizon Ag maintains partnerships across the industry to bring high quality Clearfield and Provisia rice seed to the market. This includes industry partners like BASF and seed retailers, along with university breeding programs, researchers and Extension leaders.</p>

<p>Partnerships also include rice seed producers, like Zack Tanner at Tanner Seed Company in Bernie, Mo. This year, Tanner grew Clearfield varieties CLL18, CLL19 and Provisia PVL04.</p>

<p>Tanner said that a silver lining of rice seed production is getting a first-hand look at the newest varieties, and he invited Farm Press to his operation to see the progress. Additionally, Horizon Ag general manager, Tim Walker and LSU AgCenter rice breeder, Adam Famoso joined the conversation to highlight these latest releases.<br><br></p>

<figure class="jsx-505332015 custom-image"><img src="https://images.prismic.io/horizon-ag/9d120df9-4ff5-4e19-8d5c-c64f38a09951_dfp-whaigwood-zack-tanner-harvest-700x394x1.webp?auto=compress,format" class="jsx-1402380095 img-fluid"></figure>
<p style="font-size:14px; color:#70b543;"><i>Harvest of Clearfield CLL18 parent seed by Tanner Seed Company in Bernie, Mo.</i> <span style="font-size:10px; color:#003863;">WHITNEY HAIGWOOD</span><br><br></p></div>
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Highlighting the latest technology from Horizon Ag.

Get Fixed APR Financing for Horizon Ag Varieties

Get Fixed APR* Financing for Horizon Ag Varieties

Horizon Ag is proud to work with industry partners BASF and John Deere Financial to offer fixed rate APR* financing on its Clearfield® and Provisia® varieties for the 2024 season.

“With the economic pressures from high-interest rates putting a squeeze on farm finances again this year, we are excited to offer farmers an opportunity to reduce some of that pressure by offering a much more attractive rate on our varieties and select BASF crop protection products for rice,” says Dr. Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “Our goal is to put farmers first, giving them more options to improve profitability.”

Farmers can finance what they need this season at a fixed rate using their Multi-Use Account® from John Deere Financial. Eligible products include all Clearfield varieties followed by Clearpath® herbicide or Newpath® herbicide, and Provisia rice varieties PVL03 and new PVL04, followed by Provisia® herbicide and Facet® herbicide.

Customers can also finance other BASF crop protection products applied to their rice acres, like Beyond® herbicide, Facet® L herbicide, Sharpen® herbicide or Prowl® H20 herbicide from one or multiple BASF authorized dealers.

For more information and to take advantage of this special offer, contact your Horizon Ag authorized seed retailer or BASF authorized retailer. *See full program terms and conditions at BASF-Grower-Finance.com.

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<p style="font-size: 12px;">*Offer limited to Multi-Use Account Agricultural customers with an available Special Terms limit. Subject to the Multi-Use Account credit agreement and approval. Offer is subject to change without prior notice due to unpredicted changes in market conditions. Changes to offer will not impact previously posted transactions. Offer may be limited to qualifying products. $5,000 minimum purchase required. Subject to merchant participation, see your local merchant for complete details. Multi-Use Accounts are a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. 2Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 October 2023 through 15 March 2024. Fixed 1.99% APR from date of purchase, which may be prior to delivery, until November 2024, when the entire purchase amount and accrued interest are due in full. Regular Multi-Use Account rates will apply after that date. Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 16 March 2024 through 30 September 2024. Fixed 2.99% APR from date of purchase, which may be prior to delivery, until November 2024, when the entire purchase amount and accrued interest are due in full. Regular Multi-Use Account rates will apply after that date.</p>

<p style="font-size: 12px;">Always read and follow label directions.</p>

<p style="font-size: 12px;">Clearfield, Clearpath, Beyond, Facet L, Newpath, Provisia, Prowl H20 and Sharpen are registered trademarks of BASF. © 2023 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
</div>
</center>

As Harvesting Gains Momentum, All Eyes on Yields and Quality

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/eddfb572-3648-5fab-5855-3db4969bffd1.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="Ratoon crop from CLL19 production field in Lavaca County, Texas"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>Ratoon crop from CLL19 production field in Lavaca County, Texas</i></p>
</center>

Harvest is wrapping up in south Louisiana and Texas. I estimate that south Louisiana is 85 to 90% complete, with the majority of the remaining acres located in the northern part of the region. The western Texas Rice Belt is 95% complete, and I estimate that the eastern region of Texas is 70% complete. 

Yields have dropped off some the later we advance into the harvest season. Yields have still been decent in both Texas and south Louisiana, overall, but as I have mentioned in past updates, quality appears to be lower than in years past. I believe that the hot, dry weather that has been favorable for harvest efficiency has also caused problems with milling.

It’s exciting to see that PVL03 is still one of the top millers in Louisiana, considering the significant acreage it was planted on this year.

The condition of the ratoon crop is a little all over the place. I have heard of some fields having quick regrowth and others that have not had it. Surface water availability and the possibility of salt intrusion in far south Louisiana has hampered the flooding of some of the later ratoon fields.

If you would like me to look at something or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Corey Conner
District Field Representative
337-249-9523

Though some rice has been harvested, we are still a few days away from really getting going. The little bit of rice that has been harvested indicates we likely have a good yielding crop in the field.  

It is still too early to know about milling. I’ve received some calls about applying sodium chlorate. When I was with Mississippi State, I never recommended salting more than I could harvest in 3 days. The University of Arkansas says 5 days. The way I see it, especially early in the season, what you think you can harvest in 3 days usually takes a day or so longer anyway. Just be careful. 

Harvest efficiency is important, especially this year when multiple crops are finishing at the same time; however, milling is an important factor in the final price you receive. Some varieties hold head rice milling at lower moistures better than others. 

We strongly recommend harvesting CLL16 at moistures above 15% to capitalize on the best milling potential. PVL03 is a variety that seems to be more stable in milling across a wider range of harvest moisture.

Dr. Tim Walker
General Manager
901-590-9564

We are finally arriving at the end of the season.  Harvest has started on a small scale in my territory.  I think, however, it will be wide open next week.

Draining continues across the area and I believe we will have this crop fully drained by the first or second week in September. I have not heard any yield or milling reports to date but should be getting some yield reports in next.

We are in a hot, dry stretch and, according to the forecast, I would caution on draining too soon. We want to make sure that we have enough moisture in the field to finish the crop out in good condition. The dry weather is good for harvesting but we do not want to sacrifice some grain fill opportunity at this point in the year.

I hope everyone has a good and safe harvest season.  If you need anything, please let me know and I will help any way I can.

William "Hutch" Hutchens
District Field Representative
870-273-9291

Rainfall has been well above the average for the month of August. Most of the crop is at the grain fill stage and many of the fields are being drained this week. There was a little bit of rice salted this weekend and harvest will be fast approaching. 

Most of the rice will be ready to harvest after Labor Day. Both the CLL16 and CLL18 in my territory continues to look impressive. The CLL16 appears to be in position to have another steady year from a yield standpoint. The CLL18 continues to impress with a very large panicle size, which has many farmers hopeful for exceptional yields in these fields. 

The CLM04 looks very strong from a yield potential standpoint even though most of that variety was planted at or below 55 lbs/acre. As always, please refer to the Horizon Ag App for agronomic information on disease ratings of our products, or feel free to continue reaching out with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Thank you to everyone who attended our field day on August 17, 2023 at the University of Arkansas NERREC in Harrisburg. Thank you for your support of Horizon Ag.

Chase Kagen
District Field Representative
870-273-9283

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/13bf0b23-becc-de2f-a01f-e545ee5008ed.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="Jason Satterfield, talking about the latest varieties in Harrisburg"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>Jason Satterfield, talking about the latest varieties in Harrisburg</i></p>
</center>

I do not have any yield reports from my territory as of now, but fully expect some rice to be harvested before the end of the month. By Labor Day weekend, I expect things to be running wide open. 

A substantial amount of rice has been drained and the number of drained fields increases daily. With the increases in temperature this week, it made some growers consider not pulling the plug prematurely, especially on lighter textured soils. That is the wisest decision at this point, plus the extended forecast looks to give us a great start to 2023 harvest.  

In conclusion, I would like to say thanks to all my growers, retail and industry partners that attended the Horizon Ag Arkansas field day last week. You have helped make 2023 a successful year. Let’s finish strong and please remember to be safe during this busy harvest season. If you have any questions or need help with anything, please give me a call.

Jason Satterfield
District Field Representative
870-273-9283

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/3c84a228-92b1-59f3-2213-c6c6766b4893.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="Clearfield test plots in Harrisburg at the University of Arkansas Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>Clearfield test plots in Harrisburg at the University of Arkansas Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center</i></p>
</center>

That’s how Horizon Ag general manager Dr. Tim Walker described the Clearfield® and Provisia® rice varieties available to plant next season to more than 100 farmers, consultants and rice industry leaders who attended the company’s recent Arkansas Field Day in Harrisburg at the University of Arkansas Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center.

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/014a4527-7828-efc5-e7d2-48473da4b535.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="Dr. Tim Walker presenting at the Arkansas Field Day"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>Dr. Tim Walker presenting at the Arkansas Field Day</i></p>
</center>

“It is exciting to talk about the products we have today that are being brought to market through Horizon Ag’s long-standing partnership with the outstanding breeding programs here in Arkansas and the southern rice region,” said Dr. Walker. “We strive every day to be a good partner with the industry and, most importantly, with farmers, by offering products that provide the best opportunity for them to be more profitable, and the U.S. rice industry to meet the needs of the domestic and export consumers.”

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/_thumbs/9626013f-6cb4-acbd-ca42-aa4f973b5715.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="Dustin Engler (left), Jonesboro, shared his experiences with PVL03. Zack Tanner (right), Bernie, Missouri, talked about the performance of CLL18 and CLL19 on his farm."/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>Dustin Engler (left), Jonesboro, shared his experiences with PVL03.<br>
Zack Tanner (right), Bernie, Missouri, talked about the performance of CLL18 and CLL19 on his farm.</i></p>
</center>

This season, Horizon Ag had a limited launch of CLL18, the newest Clearfield variety from University of Arkansas breeders, after it had consistently outyielded other elite rice varieties in multi-state, multi-year tests. In addition to providing farmers very high yield potential and good milling, CLL18 is a conventional statured rice with excellent straw strength and good tolerance to sheath blight. It is moderately susceptible to rice blast.

Joining CLL18 and proven performer CLL16 in the Horizon Ag lineup next season will be new CLL19, an outstanding semi-dwarf variety from the LSU AgCenter breeding program. CLL19 represents a significant step up over what it’s replacing – CLL17, another early maturing variety – in terms of yield potential and stalk strength, in addition to excellent blast resistance and milling quality.

PVL03, the number one variety planted in neighboring Louisiana in 2023, also is making inroads into the North Delta. Next season, PVL03 will be joined by PVL04, the latest variety released for the Provisia Rice System, and the first from the University of Arkansas breeding program.

<center><h2><strong>Download the Horizon Ag Productivity App</strong></h2></center>

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<p style="Margin:0;-webkit-text-size-adjust:none; -ms-text-size-adjust:none; line-height:27px; margin-bottom:14px; color:#333333; font-size:16px">The <em>Horizon Ag Productivity App</em> provides easy access to decision-making features for 2023 Horizon Ag <strong><a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/varieties/clearfield?utm_source=HorizAg&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_id=07272023&amp;utm_content=link-varieties" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:none; -ms-text-size-adjust:none; mso-line-height-rule:exactly; text-decoration:underline; color:#236192; font-size:16px" target="_blank">Clearfield</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.horizonseed.com/varieties/provisia?utm_source=HorizAg&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_id=07272023&amp;utm_content=link-varieties" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:none; -ms-text-size-adjust:none; mso-line-height-rule:exactly; text-decoration:underline; color:#236192; font-size:16px" target="_blank">Provisia</a></strong>&nbsp;varieties and<span style="text-align:center">&nbsp;is available by searching “Horizon Ag” in the </span><strong style="text-align:center"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/horizon-ag/id1614880264" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:none; -ms-text-size-adjust:none; mso-line-height-rule:exactly; text-decoration:underline; color:#236192; font-size:16px" target="_blank">App Store</a></strong><span style="text-align:center">&nbsp;or </span><strong style="text-align:center"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horizonag.app" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:none; -ms-text-size-adjust:none; mso-line-height-rule:exactly; text-decoration:underline; color:#236192; font-size:16px" target="_blank">Google Play</a></strong><span style="text-align:center">.</span></p>
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Harvest is wrapping up in south Louisiana and Texas. We are finally arriving at the end of the season in the Grand Prairie and south Arkansas. Though some rice has been harvested, we are still a few days away from really getting going in Mississippi and North Louisiana. Rainfall has been well above the average for the month of August. Most of the crop is at the grain fill stage and many of the fields are being drained this week in north central Arkansas.

Harvest Advancing in Deep South, North Delta Crop Looks Promising

<center>
<img src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_6695210d0793b5f148f2444d7ca09e3915bd603cb4d1fb925e326141a10566c7/images/merigoldmscll19530x397x2.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="CLL19 in Merigold, Mississippi"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>CLL19 in Merigold, Mississippi</i></p>
</center>

Dry, hot weather has allowed harvest in South Louisiana to continue with few interruptions. I would estimate harvest is 65% to 70% complete in the region.  As we move into August, yields and milling quality have started a slight decline. From reports that I have heard, PVL03 has been one of the top millers so far this year, and considering it is planted on over 30% of the acres in Southwest Louisiana, it will help the overall quality in my territory. 

Harvest is also moving along in Texas. On the western side of Houston, I estimate harvest is 60% to 70% complete. CL153 yields are still being reported to be in the mid-to-upper 50 bbl/acre. PVL03 yields have been in the upper 40s to the lower 50s bbl/acre.  Harvest in the Beaumont area has begun as well and will continue to ramp up.

The rice crop in the Upper Delta is one of the most uniform in terms of heading and maturity that I can remember. Regardless of whether you are in North Louisiana or the Bootheel of Missouri, the majority of the rice was planted in a similar planting window. Social media was a bit active over the weekend into early this week with the “first harvest of 2023”, but by in large harvest will not begin much until next week, and should be fully underway by August 25 considering we have favorable weather. We’ve endured a few stretches of hotter nighttime temps than we’d like, but from what I’m seeing, I think we have an excellent crop in the field.

<center>
<img src="https://uewvpb.stripocdn.email/content/guids/CABINET_6695210d0793b5f148f2444d7ca09e3915bd603cb4d1fb925e326141a10566c7/images/bolivarcountycll18530x398x2.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="CLL18 in Bolivar County, Mississippi"/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>CLL18 in Bolivar County, Mississippi</i></p>
</center>

We like what we see with our newer Clearfield® varieties. CLL18 does, in fact, appear to be 3 to 5 days earlier than CLL16. CLL19 has returned impressive yields in South Louisiana and Texas (60+ barrels per acre which is 215 bushels per acre). It is several days earlier than CLL16 and a few days earlier than CLL18.

PVL03 fields continue to be some of the cleanest fields we see. The Provisia® herbicide is definitely the superior ACCase herbicide of the two competing technologies, especially in controlling grasses.

Dry, hot weather has allowed harvest in South Louisiana to continue with few interruptions. The rice crop in the Upper Delta is one of the most uniform in terms of heading and maturity that I can remember. Regardless of whether you are in North Louisiana or the Bootheel of Missouri, the majority of the rice was planted in a similar planting window. 

Harvest underway in the Coastal Region, fungicide applications going out in North Delta

Harvest has begun in South Louisiana and the Western Texas Rice Belt. Yield reports so far have been very good across all varieties, and milling has been higher than the numbers we saw last year. 

CL153 yields in Texas have been consistently in the mid to upper 50s (barrels) range. The one field of PVL03 that I know of in Texas made the upper 40s (barrels) in yield. The production field of CLL19 in Texas brought in yields in the lower 60s (barrels). I have not heard of any milling yields as of yet from Texas.

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/38e0e76b-259b-1eb9-36fb-f542d30cc631.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="PVL03 being harvested in Louisiana."/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>PVL03 being harvested in Louisiana.</i></p>
</center>

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/714da187-9891-23f5-55e4-10352b5461fb.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="New CLL19 in Crowley, Louisiana."/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>New CLL19 in Crowley, Louisiana.</i></p>
</center>

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/69dc78f9-2371-bb26-6b4c-6dd34f0a8169.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="PVL03 and new PVL04 in
Crowley, Louisiana."/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>PVL03 and new PVL04 in
Crowley, Louisiana.</i></p>
</center>

In Louisiana, yield reports for PVL03 have ranged from the lower 40s to the lower 50s (barrels), but the majority of the yields are reported to be in the upper 40s (barrels). CL111 is also yielding strong, with fields in the lower 50s. Limited milling data is available now, but the first reports I have heard show both PVL03 and CL111 milling very well. As harvest ramps up this week, I hope that we continue to have the favorable harvest conditions that we have had so far this year. 

PVL03 is also showing quick regrowth after harvest. Wetting the field soon after harvest is important, but don’t hold a deep flood.

<center>
<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/7f6fb04a3ef6f1b63e4ec7f07/images/22caf20a-98be-6eb0-26bf-71bf6a7a94cf.jpg" style="display:block; height:auto; width:100%; max-width:560px;" width=“560” alt="CLL16 (left) and CLL18 (darker green) in Washington County, Mississippi. Photo compliments of farmer Marvin Cochran."/>
<p style="font-size:11px; max-width:530px; text-align:center; padding-top:5px;"><i>CLL16 (left) and CLL18 (darker green) in Washington County, Mississippi.<br>
Photo compliments of farmer Marvin Cochran.</i></p>
</center>

Rice in my territory continues to progress. Some draining is likely to begin next week and with the forecasted return to hotter days with little to no rainfall, the crop should continue to develop rapidly. As one farmer put it, “the crop looks scary good at this stage.” The last two weeks of weather were conducive for sheath blight development. Hopefully, fungicides were applied at the appropriate rates and timings to protect the upper canopy. Kernel smut is also a disease that has to be protected against by using propiconazole before rice heading.

The Clearfield® Rice Production System has been used on some farms here for over 20 years. There’s no question the effectiveness against weedy rice/red rice is not what it once was. At this time of the season, we suggest surveying farms and paying special attention to fields that have higher concentrations of weedy rice. These are candidate fields/farms to begin introducing the newer Provisia® Rice System in the next cycle of rice production.

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Newsletters »

Rice Acres Up in Many Areas

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Managing for Success with Clearfield and Provisia Varieties

Videos »

New PVL04 | Aiming for Zero Weeds Even on Tough Acres

CLL18 | High Yields and High Value

New CLL19 | Short Stature and Early Emergence Make a Great Fit on Any Farm

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

Articles »

New Partnership Between LSU AgCenter, Horizon Ag to Benefit Rice Industry

Horizon Ag is Setting the Stage for a Successful 2024

Five Reasons to Plant Horizon Ag Varieties in 2024

Industry »

Horizon Ag Adds New Rice Breeder at LSU AgCenter

Recommendations for Provisia Rice in 2024

Rice Quality at Heart of U.S. Market Share Woes in Latin America

Newsletters »

Rice Acres Up in Many Areas

Planting Progress Continues Despite Rain Delays

Managing for Success with Clearfield and Provisia Varieties

Videos »

New PVL04 | Aiming for Zero Weeds Even on Tough Acres

CLL18 | High Yields and High Value

New CLL19 | Short Stature and Early Emergence Make a Great Fit on Any Farm

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