I got an email from a farmer in one of the wetter and more northerly areas of Missouri asking about the logic of growing short-season rice varieties in his area.

Somebody forwarded a copy of my rice newsletter to him as a joke, but  he took the idea to heart.

His question was partly based on the fact that rice at one time was grown in some of the upper counties in the state.

But he also said that he was wondering if he should put in some acres of a crop that actually enjoys being flooded.

I gave him a couple of names of people who might provide more info.

The problem is that he could go into a drought next year and spend a fortunate keeping those paddies pumped up. I'm hoping I got that point across to him.

His question does speak to some of the desperation you folks must be feeling.