Arkansas Pays Farmers for Waterfowl Habitat

Arkansas rice farmers have a unique opportunity to earn extra money while also supporting wild duck and goose populations. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is offering financial incentives through its Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program, known as WRICE.

This program offers payments of up to $150 per acre for rice fields that meet certain requirements. Farmers interested in participating can apply online at agfc.com/wrice between April 15 and May 15.

The WRICE program encourages farmers to leave their rice fields undisturbed after the harvest. Then, during the winter, they flood these fields using rainwater or other natural surface water. This practice creates vital temporary wetland habitats, providing resting and feeding grounds for migrating ducks, geese, and other shorebirds.

A condition for joining the program is that landowners must allow the AGFC to organize managed duck hunts on their property each weekend during the state's duck season.

David Graves, an AGFC Private Lands Biologist, explained that while many farmers are expected to re-enroll, all applications go through a careful review process. This ensures that the program creates the best possible habitat and gives new farmers a chance to participate. Graves added that these fields act as important resting areas for waterfowl during the week, with hunting only on weekends. This approach helps reduce stress on the birds and improves hunting success.

The program isn't just for eastern Arkansas. Fields in other parts of the state, like the Arkansas River Valley and southwest Arkansas, can also qualify if they meet specific criteria, such as being near a wildlife management area or refuge and being floodable without using well pumps.

The AGFC's Private Lands Habitat Division coordinates the WRICE program, which receives support from Greenway Equipment. For more details or to apply, visit agfc.com/wrice or contact David Graves directly at 1-870-319-0668.