USA
March 24, 2020
George Washington, the father of our country, once said: “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.” It’s no coincidence that in so many times of threats to our country’s health, economy and even our liberty, American agriculture has stood strong, producing the food and fiber critical to sustain the United States and our way of life.
Today, our great country again faces unprecedented challenges and, perhaps even more concerning, the widespread fear that arises from the long, dark shadow cast by the unknown. People are hurting, and no one knows how long this crisis will last. But we are confident that, once again, it will be the American farmer who will step up to help our country and the world meet these challenges, by refilling empty grocery shelves with safe, high-quality food, and helping keep our citizens safe, healthy and fed.
Horizon Ag is proud to stand with and support our rice retailers and farmers. In the coming days, it will be critical that American farmers are able to plant their crops and set the stage for a productive year. U.S. rice farmers in particular have an opportunity to help in this time of need. You produce a food product of critical importance here and abroad, a staple food for billions of people that is rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Out of an abundance of caution, and for the safety of our team, retail partners and farm customers, Horizon Ag has adjusted our day-to-day work processes and is following recommended COVID-19 guidelines and sound business practices while continuing to make it our priority to get Horizon Ag Clearfield® and Provisia® rice seed to the market for planting.
We know that many farmers may be considering planting more rice acreage than originally planned this season, in order to address the growing consumer demand for our crop. The Horizon Ag team is committed to helping you achieve that aim, by providing high-quality, high-yielding rice varieties, with the technology to help you maximize production potential. We’re also happy to get on the phone and talk to you, or stay connected with you online, if you have any questions or need technical assistance.
We still have good seed supplies of proven, top-performing varieties available for planting, like CL111, CL151 and CL153. These varieties have provided Southern rice farmers with strong yields, effective and cost-efficient weed control, and superior milling quality for many years, resulting in them being among the top varieties planted in the region. This season, Horizon Ag and our retail partners have reduced the price for these top-performing Clearfield varieties and are offering 0%1 APR financing to enable you to maximize opportunities for profitability when planting them. We understand that more than ever, you need proven varieties that are value-priced to contribute to your bottom line.
We also know you’re interested in what other rice farmers are doing as planting progresses throughout the Southern region this season. To that end, we’ll provide regular Regional Reports covering what farmers like you are saying and experiencing, reported by Horizon Ag District Field Representatives. Below is the latest from our newest team member, Corey Conner, who supports Louisiana and Texas:
South Louisiana and Texas
Planting is moving along in South Louisiana. My rough estimate is that approximately 50% of the acres have been planted. Rice that has been planted is moving along without any known issues. Because of the warm temperatures, rice is growing rapidly. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and planting can wrap up.
Planting in the western region of Texas is pretty close to being finished. Rice is moving along quickly there as well. The eastern region of Texas is beginning to pick up the pace of planting after beginning to dry out over the past two weeks.
Louisiana field with CLL15 planted on March 12 and that emerged March 19.
Pre-emergent herbicide application is really important, especially in the Provisia® varieties. The reason for this is to stay ahead of weeds so that the Provisia herbicide can be focused on weedy rice problems that you have. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of our varieties or if you would like me to visit your field.
1 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made between October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Offer limited to Multi-Use Account Agricultural customers with an available Special Terms limit. Subject to the Multi-Use Account credit agreement and approval. Fixed 0% APR from the date of purchase, which may be prior to delivery, until December 2020, when the entire transaction amount is due in full. Regular Multi-Use Account rates will apply after that date. Offer may be limited to qualifying products. $15,000 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.
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