WILD RICE

[LandDr]

We have our wild rice in now and will be packaging sometime in the next week or two.  Harvest was down this year due to the late ice on our ponds and slightly higher water levels.  Some ponds were still really good but others where not very good at all.  We will have about 5,000 pounds on inventory for "green rice" to re-seed into ponds.

"Ducks like water...but they like food in the water better!"

Here are some requirements for rice...
- 12 to 36 inches of water depth
- Clear water helps the sunlight reach the seed each year for it to grow back
- Mucky bottom
- DOES NOT REQUIRE flowing water to grow...that is a myth
* Plant this fall for next falls crop
* It does not always come in the first year...we have had plantings pop the 4th and 5th year for whatever reason
* Simply broadcast handfulls of rice across the area that you want seeded
* Recommended rate is 50 lbs. per acre of 12 to 36 inch water depth or suitable areas.

Wild Rice can be shipped or picked up at our store in Glenwood.  Order on the MNO HAbitat Outlet Store web site and 5% of the order goes to MNO as a fundraiser.

www.HabitatNOW.com/go/MNO

Email with any questions or comments.

Thanks!

Kyle, PLM

[GRIZ]

You mentioned clear water helps but what about if the area has heavy pond vegetation that emerges. Would that choke out a wild rice seeding? I don't mean like cattails or bullrushes but like what most fishermen call weeds.

[LandDr]

Good question.

Keep in mind that the rice is coming in the spring...same time as everything else so it has just as good of a chance.  In the spring, it is not the matted mess that you see in the fall since the vegetation has all died and decomposed over winter...for the most part.  Rice comes up very fast and also grows taller and out of the water...so it will be the tallest tree in the woods.

Good question.

The best you can do is review what rice needs, determine if it is a good fit, and then try it.  Our rice is right off the lake and in great condition.  It is just a matter if it will take in your pond or not.  Usually it does in MN.

Kyle, PLM