Sustainability Takes Root in the Rice and Duck Capital of the World
A fourth-generation farmer, Brandon is working to sustainably produce the bowl of rice on your table while creating habitat for waterfowl in the rice and duck capital of the world—Stuttgart, Arkansas. He manages 7,500 acres of rice, soybeans, corn, and wheat just 45 miles southeast of the state capital.
“I think of sustainability as it applies to our farm and land as maintaining and protecting our natural resources—the water, soil, and air quality on which my business and family depend,” shared Brandon. “We have to take care of what we have for our children, and we make a living off these resources.”
Brandon encourages fellow farmers to maintain their natural resources while keeping business in mind.
“We need to leave our natural resources better than before and by doing so, create a bright outlook for our industry,” stated Brandon. “We have to meet what the consumers want and steward natural resources that should be passed down to the next generation.”
Brandon looks to leave a legacy for his family through a profitable farm business that is sustainable economically and environmentally, while meeting consumer demands for sustainability. He hopes that his girls, Abigail and Caroline, will realize the lasting benefits of the conservation efforts that help him protect the resources on their farm for decades to come.
Brandon Bauman
4th Generation Farmer
Stuttgart, Arkansas
“Brandon is always willing to go the extra mile, and both attends and hosts field days on his operation to showcase his conservation work to his fellow rice and soybean farmers looking to get more conservation implemented on their own farms,” shared Adam Shea of Riceland Foods.
While using several innovative conservation practices throughout his farm operation, Brandon considers the use of multiple inlet irrigation as one of the most influential practices he has adopted. This practice allows him to reduce his overall water usage through incorporating recyclable poly tubing and working alongside researchers from the University of Arkansas to measure and optimize water usage. He is also starting to use soil moisture sensors to determine irrigation needs and maximize timing.
“In rice production, irrigation is critical,” related Brandon. “By using water sensors to identify soil moisture levels, we can optimize irrigation and conserve water.”
Brandon also works with the landowners he rents cropland from to access financial assistance through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentive Program for the adoption of conservation practices such as pit reservoirs and tail water recovery systems. These systems help optimize the use of irrigation water by recycling ground water to surface water and collecting surface water for irrigation. These raised banks or berms also create an opportunity for waterfowl habitat through the installation of flashboard risers that allow for winter field flooding that attracts migrating waterfowl.
While still relatively new to using the Fieldprint® Platform, Brandon has found value in focusing on the input data as a way to improve his overall farm sustainability. His Fieldprint® Analysis and related inputs provide guidance for future farm management decisions and help him pinpoint places for future efficiency improvements. For example, by optimizing each pass across the field he works to prevent soil erosion and diesel fuel waste.
“It becomes a conscious decision around each pass or input,” declared Brandon, “every decision impacts the environment and each scoop of rice on the table.”
Working alongside Syngenta and Riceland Foods, the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice, to gather the input data and review the Fieldprint Analysis has been a valuable benefit for Brandon. His participation in the Riceland, Kellogg, and Syngenta Arkansas Rice Fieldprint Project extends beyond helping him make better decisions on the farm to creating an opportunity to engage with the supply chain and consumers on his sustainability story.
As a farmer member of Riceland Foods, Brandon is encouraged by the collaboration and willingness of project sponsors to work with farmers on the ground to improve efficiency, adopt additional conservation practices, and share this stewardship story with consumers.
“Sustainability began with the farmer,” stated Brandon. “U.S. farmers have always been challenged by weather and other elements outside of the farmer’s control all while producing the safest, most affordable food for consumers.”
Brandon urges fellow farmers to continue to tell their stories, take care of natural resources, and connect directly to consumers. Through participation in Fieldprint Projects, farmers are able to document and demonstrate their sustainability efforts. Brandon believes this information should be shared with consumers, to help inform them about the actions and care farmers take to responsibly produce the food on store shelves. As an advocate for sustainability and building consumer trust, he maintains an active social media presence and involvement in local and nation conservation-related boards.
“Farmers have an obligation to tell our story,” states Brandon. “Brands and retailers can help consumers connect with our story by putting faces to the farm families behind the products consumers buy off the shelf.”
"I think of sustainability as it applies to our farm and land as maintaining and protecting our natural resources—the water, soil, and air quality on which my business and family depend."
Brandon Bauman
4th Generation Farmer
Stuttgart, Arkansas
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