Rice is one of the major crops grown in the Sacramento Valley of California. In 2008, Colusa, Glenn and Yolo Counties grew 264 thousand acres, or 51% of the California rice acreage. 

General objectives of the Rice Farming Systems program are:

• To develop and implement educational and applied research programs appropriate for the rice industries in Colusa, Glenn and Yolo Counties.
• To collect and disseminate relevant and current information that will improve rice production and maximize net farm income, while conserving natural resources and safeguarding the environment.

Areas of emphasis include integrated pest management, water management and conservation, and nutrient management.

Luis Espino conducts the CE Rice Farming Systems program in Colusa, Glenn and Yolo Counties. Luis has a Ph.D. in Entomology (2007), and M.Ag. (1999) and a B.S. in Agronomy (1996). Luis can be contacted at the Colusa UCCE office at 530-458-0578 or 530-635-6234 (cell phone), or at laespino@ucdavis.edu