Mossy Oak's Waterfowl Biologic

[Racks&Quacks]

We planted a couple of bags of this "special rice variety" (Mossy Oak Biologic) on a field next to a slough. I would like to hear of any experiences anyone has had with planting this product. We plan to flood the field with a nearby well this fall. On a production standpoint, I have been told that rice will not yield higher by flooding it, and that it is done for weed control. Also, at what depth do I need to flood this field in the fall and how do I need to manipulate the rice (leave it alone, bushhog, run a doall over it, etc.) I realize that it is different than a harvested field of rice by the fact that the seeds are still in the head opposed to few interspersed in the chaff. Any suggestions would be appreciated, as I don't have much experience artificially flooding fields myself. Also, what is the smallest sized field (in acres) worth flooding for a 3 man group? There is a corner of about 1.5 acres that we might flood this fall.

[Greenwoodfarmboy]

well rive likes a lot of fertilizer and water once it gets to about 6 to 12 inches tall you need to flood it so that it will get some sizes to it and survive a hopefully dry early fall while the farmers are harvesting. 1.5 acres is more than plenty for just 3 men.

GFB.

[Racks&Quacks]

Thanks GFB, im a farmboy too but we grow cotton and don't fool with rice. What would be the best way to prepare the rice (manipulate it) before flooding? Doall, bushhog, etc. A little different than rolling rice stubble that has been harvested, and was curious if the rice needed to be laid down.

[judge jb]

you can't do anything to manipulate it this season..... if it re-seeds itself and produces a stand next year, the door is open to do as you please with it....be careful and don't let your hole be off limits for hunting....

judge jb

[Racks&Quacks]

Thanks judge, I am glad you told me about not being able to manipulate the crop, as I had not heard of this law. When was this passed? What will be next, no robo ducks or hevi shot? Legally, I can run a combine through it with the screens wide open and the fans all the way up "accidentally", but I'll just leave it alone and hope they can get to enough food.

[Greenwoodfarmboy]

Well R&Q My dad is a cotton fsrmer also but my house is surroundes by Rice fields and fish ponds (that I wish I hunted) but if you mow it before you flood it will be about like mowing the grass at your house because it won't have any seed. If you dont flood it after it gets 6-12 inches tall it probally won't yield enough rice to be worth a darn. I would go ahead and flood and let it grow that way you won't have to flood it before the season but as the rice grows you'll need to add a little more water cause come time for the season to open you just wan't the heads to be stickling out of the water.

GFB.

[Racks&Quacks]

GFB, Pm me I know some boys from down there. I found out I can't mow it now, but what I was talking about was bushogging it when the seed head was mature ( when it dries down) to scatter the seeds. I try to stay with the rules, however dumb this one is.