USA – Northern Minnesota’s wild rice crop looks good
Wild rice requires optimal water conditions: Too much rain and deep water floods the crop; not enough rain and shallow waters can dry rice plants out.
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Wild rice requires optimal water conditions: Too much rain and deep water floods the crop; not enough rain and shallow waters can dry rice plants out.
Native American tribes have been growing wild rice in Wisconsin for generations, but growing rice commercially is a different challenge.
Although many traditional rice varieties are still lost or changed Devakanta recollected 165 rice seeds varieties and continues his labor
Wild rice is not true rice but an aquatic grass that grows best in gently flowing water with mucky bottoms. It’s harvested in the fall.
A seed company manager adds that partnerships aid in selecting good varieties
Landowners concerned for lake’s future as amount of wild rice increases on Pigeon Lake.
Today the tribes still collect wild rice and help manage harvest of the valuable crop.
Wild rice is extremely valuable as a wildlife food resource as well. Muskrats love the plants, and there are a variety of birds that feed on the insects they attract or the seeds they produce.