{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Ducks Unlimited Podcast","title":"Rice & Ducks: Why Farming Practices Matter for Waterfowl (Ep 778)","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/4a598a49\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3964,"description":"Rice fields aren’t just agricultural landscapes — they’re one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.\nIn this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited’s Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.\nFrom energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what’s at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.\nIn this episode, listeners will hear about:\nThe history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowl\nWhy rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAV\nDuck Energy Days explained and why they matter\nThe massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fields\nHow modern harvesting techniques affect food availability\nResidue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducks\nWhy water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowl\nThe importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fields\nHow infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscape\nThe role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletion\nWhy early flooding and late-season water retention matter\nHow pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behavior\nThe realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcity\nEmerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)\nHabitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other crops\nPractical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowl\nThis episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.\n\nListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast\nSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org\nSPONSORS:\nPurina Pro...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/l9P4SkFXvPCREt6eTfTD5odOxdx8hOF2b5qKX09C2oY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNDJi/ODNkMmQ5ZWY5Mjdm/YzdhMDIxNGNiODEx/MmNhZi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}