2010 Rice Farmer of the Year Dries with CMC Pressure Cure
Improve Efficiency, Productivity
Master Farmers share successful production strategies
December 2010
By Carroll Smith
Editor, Rice Farming Magazine
In 2009, Durand Farm, located in St. Martin Parish, La., was presented the Outstanding Master Farmer Award. In 2010, this 1,150-acre progressive rice and crawfish farm, operated by brothers, Jeff, Greg and Conery (C.J.), was named the recipient of the Rice Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by Rice Farming magazine and Syngenta. All three brothers completed the Master Farmer Program and have each achieved the designation of a Certified Master Farmer. Jeff, Greg and C.J. strive to increase the efficiency and productivity of their rice and crawfish operation. Following are a few examples of what they do to keep Durand Farm up-to-date and viable.
• Pressure Cure grain bin system
The CMC Pressure Cure grain bin system that the Durands had installed is based on the principle of forced, pressurized air drying and does not use any heat. In addition, this system is not a “layer-drying” or “stirrator” system with expensive annual maintenance costs.
“During the Energy Audit, the auditor also assessed our Pressure Cure drying system,” Jeff says. “He found that we had the most efficient drying system because we were using electricity instead of a heat source such as gas or propane. We’ve also found that, in most cases, the quality of the rice dried with this system is better than drying with heat.”
