Paddy Rice Boom Raises Minnesota Wild Rice Stakes
Acreage leaps from 3000 in 1969 to 15 000 in 1971 with paddy rice dominating the wild rice market. Harvesting shifts to mechanized labor as buyers price wild rice to paddy figures while drought and wind affect natural stands. Industry eyes 1972 with growing paddies, new high yield non shattering seed, and expanding labor opportunities.