Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin Wild Rice Harvest Expected to be Average

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Wisconsin Wild Rice Harvest Expected to be Average
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/26/2015

State natural resources officials say wild rice abundance reports across northern Wisconsin vary regionally for the 2015 ricing season, generally ranging from average to above-average. The DNR reports that rice maturity is occurring on time, with rice found within river systems maturing slightly earlier than rice found on lakes and flowages.

"Harvesting wild rice is a great way to gather your own food while enjoying some of the best areas of the state," said Jason Fleener, DNR wetland habitat specialist. "Those hoping to find ripe rice during Labor Day weekend should have luck finding areas ready for harvest."

Fleener says taking time to scout an area for wild rice and patience is the key to finding good rice beds. Waters that were productive in recent years may produce less rice this year due to a number of factors, such as changes in water flow, water levels, water quality, weather behavior and wave action.

Opening harvest dates for date-regulated waters are determined jointly by DNR and tribal officials. Once a particular date-regulated lake is opened, the wild rice harvesting season will last 60 days. All date-regulated waters are posted at access points at least 24 hours in advance of opening day.

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