Rice

Roberta Bailey got this upland short-grain hardy Russian variety from Seed Savers Exchange member Anpetu Oihankesni of Colorado. Well adapted to dry-land production (no flooding necessary), sturdy plants resist lodging, grow to 20–24" producing 12–18 tillers per plant, each bearing a rice panicle. Can withstand a light frost. May be direct seeded in warmer regions. Our rice seed is grown in Midcoast Maine at Ararat Farms. Ben Rooney and the Maine Rice Project have been growing rice for Fedco for over 10 years. ~35-40 seeds/g. Our grains selections are rare heirloom varieties especially chosen for small-scale production. Revived interest in food security and sovereignty inspires us to seek edible and heirloom grains. In the early 1800s Maine was the breadbasket of the U.S. Wheat and rice do not demand huge space and can be threshed with a little ingenuity. With good fertility, proper spacing and reasonable diligence, it is quite possible to harvest 10 lb of heirloom wheat from 100 plants in a 10x10' plot. A 100' row of rice can yield 6–10 lb. Larger-scale growers and farmers, those seeking larger quantities of more mainstream varieties, or those looking for cover crops should check out the Organic Growers Supply list of Farm Seed.