By Caitlin Joubert Agricultural Environmental Specialist | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry – Office of Soil and Water Conservation (LDAF-OSWC) visited two farms on July 31, 2024, to learn about best management practices (BMPs) on rice production agricultural lands. BMPs are implemented to increase air and water quality, wildlife habitat, soil health, and more. This film was made possible through our 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Abatement Program, funded through EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 319. The NPS program allows for the assessment and monitoring of impaired waterbodies and addresses nonpoint source pollution on agricultural lands. Through coordination with local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), landowners and cooperators are encouraged to implement voluntary conservation practices to address natural resource concerns. Similar to the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Duck’s Unlimited – Rice Stewardship program, the 319 NPS program offers cost-share incentives for the implementation of conservation practices that will reduce and minimize sediment, pesticides, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding organic matter leaving fields and entering local waterways.

Our first stop of the day was Simon Farms in Morse, LA, where we met with Glenn, Chairman of the Acadia SWCD, and Wes Simon. Throughout interviews and side conversations, it was easy to see the enjoyment the Simons get from working together to produce food for their communities. Conservation and innovation are a must for Simon farms, as they work closely with the Acadia SWCD, Crowley NRCS, Ducks Unlimited, and USA Rice to discover and learn about new opportunities and conservation measures to increase production and soil health while decreasing input costs and time. Jacob Jarreau, Lead Planner for the Crowley NRCS, added that their partnership with the Simons has been more valuable than just the conservation practices implemented. NRCS often relies on word-of-mouth from cooperators to encourage others to learn more and participate in programs across the state. The Simons have been a strong advocate for conservation practices and never shy away from an opportunity to discuss the importance of managing land wisely and the financial and technical assistance available for landowners and farmers for conservation.

As 4th and 5th generation farmers, both Glenn and Wes keep an open mind when it comes to the ever-changing word of farming. From the advances in technology to the increased awareness and importance of conservation, the Simons are ready to tackle all challenges and leave a lighter footprint while producing more grain and crawfish.

The Simons currently implement reduced-till and no-till planting, residue management, cover crops, irrigation water management, precision nutrient management, shallow water area development and management, and water holding for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

The second stop, in Coteau Holmes, LA, introduced us to Jeff Durand, Chairman of the St. Martin SWCD, of Durand Farms. Jeff, along with brothers Greg and CJ, farm rice and crawfish and are well known amongst their peers and communities for partnering with conservation organizations to monitor and address resource concerns in their fields. Kyle Soileau, Rice Stewardship Coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, joined us to describe the Rice Stewardship Program monitoring process, which ultimately allows for maximum sediment retention in fields, increasing water quality of the water drained prior to harvest of rice and following the crawfish seasons. Surface water from the nearby Bayou Veillon is used to irrigate ponds at Durand’s farm, and while demonstrating flooding a pond for us, Jeff pointed out the discoloration and turbidity of the water being pumped into the field. This discoloration was due to suspended sediment in the bayou water, which, as it is being pumped in, is filtered by the standing rice crop, causing sediments to slowly settle out; when this irrigation water is drained, it leaves the field cleaner and clearer than when it was pumped onto the field. The Durand brothers ensure that all fields are adequately leveled to ensure minimal water quantities are needed for irrigation and to reduce water velocity during drainage, eliminating soil erosion from the field.  This beneficial effect is enhanced by the use of water control structures at drainage outlets, further ensuring erosion prevention. After discussing the water quality benefits, Mr. Jeff further added the impacts the conservation practices have not only increased his soil health but also provided a safe harbor and wildlife habitat for migratory and non-migratory waterfowl and many other wetland-dependent species.

The Durand’s conservation practices include irrigation land leveling, grade stabilization structures, irrigation water management, shallow water area development & management, nutrient management, cover crops, residue and tillage management, composting facility, and mulching.

Learn more about these two farms, their operations, and the 319 NPS program in this video.