In the United States, rice is one of the most challenging cereals to cultivate due to specific conditions it requires. Rice plantations need constant irrigation, warm temperatures, and nutrient-rich soil. Therefore, the majority of the United States lacks the necessary conditions for efficient rice cultivation. The significant need for labor also makes it difficult for American farmers to compete in the global market against countries where worker salaries are much lower. To address these challenges, American rice farmers must turn to innovative new technologies to increase their yield, particularly in terms of field mobility.
Quick Interview
We recently had the opportunity to meet Mr. Dony Jacobs, owner of a 1300-acre rice and soybean farm in Arkansas. Like many other farmers in the industry, Dony has agricultural machinery equipped with Soucy Track systems. We asked him directly about the impact of using such systems. Here is a summary of our conversation:
In terms of mobility, what are the main challenges you face?
Rice is a semi-aquatic plant that requires fields to be submerged to grow. When it's time for harvest, we drain the water, but the soil remains extremely wet. The risk of getting stuck is very real.
On which pieces of equipment do you use Soucy tracks, and for how long?
We have had a S-TECH 1000X on the combine and a ST-032 (old model of the S-TECH 990) on the grain cart for over 10 years now.
What reasons led you to install tracks on your equipment?
We were tired of delaying the harvest schedule out of fear of getting stuck in the fields. We were looking for something more powerful, with more traction. Track systems allow us to start harvesting as soon as the time comes, without waiting for the weather.
Are there other benefits you derive from tracks on your machines?
I know some people buy them to reduce soil compaction, but that's not my case. I just increase the grain cart load, so in the end, compaction remains the same.
Would you recommend installing tracks on combine harvesters to other rice farmers?
Yes! We've been using them since '09, and honestly, we couldn't go back to regular tires.
In conclusion, rice is a completely unique cereal to cultivate. Muddy fields, the constant need for irrigation, and challenging harvesting conditions are among the daily challenges that rice farmers must overcome.
At Soucy, we take pride in manufacturing products that help farmers like Dony overcome these challenges and constantly improve their productivity.
