Education
Throughout The Seasons
IN THE SPRING
It all starts with the soil. Soil is one of our most precious assets and proper management is important to allow for a high yield crop in the coming year. This season brings on the continued efforts to till and finalize the preparations for planting season to begin. By tiling the ground, a seed bed is created. Upon finishing the preparation, the rice seed is planted. This is when the growing season begins. This is also the stage where irrigation begins. Daily checks of the water wells and crops ensure proper maintenance and growth. It takes roughly 125 days to grow a crop of rice.
IN THE SUMMER
Rice likes hot, and sunny days which are perfect for growing long grain rice. The rice plant soaks up the sun while growing the nutritious, favorable grain. Farmers must constantly check the water level of the fields to ensure water isn’t wasted and the rice crop is receiving the perfect amount of water it needs. In late July, water is drained from the fields and within a two-week time frame harvesting of the rice begins. From the field to the grain bins, it goes. The rice is hauled to our farm’s grain bins, and the drying process starts. Rice from the field sometimes at harvest will still have moisture, so the drying stage removes any remaining moisture. These grain bins are also used for storing the grain until the rice is ready for its beginning stage of milling. This time of year, is such a rewarding time for any farmer. Many family memories are made on our farm during harvest time.
Exodus 23:16 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field."
IN THE FALL
After harvest, the fields are flooded once again to produce a second crop which is known as a “ratoon” crop. This crop is harvested in late October/ November. After second crop harvest is complete, these fields are flooded once again for the winter migrant birds. This provides a habitat for millions of migratory birds. These birds assist in the decomposition of rice stubbles in the soil for another season to begin the following spring.
IN THE WINTER
Ground preparation begins for the following year. Our farmland is in a 1–2-year planting rotation. Fields that will be planted for the new year are tilled. As part of our preparation, we laser level fields that have not been lasered. The purpose of laser leveling ground is to assist with water management and water conservation. Water conservation is the process of saving water for the purpose of not wasting this valuable resource. Our winter is spent preparing for the next growing, harvesting and milling season.
Our Practices
Our family’s business practices thrive on growing a sustainable, traceable crop, milling a clean defect-free long grain rice. Our business goes all out to grow the rice you can’t turn down.
Blue Creek Rice Mill is a milling company owned by a local farming family. On our farm, we do water conservation and work with Ducks Unlimited. Our farm is one of the few farms in Texas that is involved in a lifetime Ducks Unlimited Conservation Easement program. This program assists farmers with providing the ultimate habitat for local and migrant birds.
Check out our varieties of rice. All our variety options are non-gmo, and gluten free. Our product line also offers a variety of rice that has a lower glycemic rating. All Blue Creek Rice Mills varieties are a good source of carbohydrates and other nutrients all while keeping their great taste and texture.
