Illinois Farmer Defies Floods and Federal Hurdles to Harvest 25th Successful Rice Crop

BREAKING NEWS Illinois Farmer's Decades-Long Fight to Convert Fields into Rice Paddies Succeeds Amidst Floods and Federal Farm Policy Challenges September 5, 2025, 7 a.m. EDT - Southern Illinois Blake Gerard, a 25-year veteran farmer, has successfully harvested his 25th rice crop in September 2024, marking a significant milestone in his decades-long fight to convert his fields into rice paddies. The achievement comes amidst recurring floods that threatened his soybeans and corn crops, prompting Gerard to switch to planting rice. Timeline of Events 1999: Blake Gerard begins experimenting with rice cultivation on his Southern Illinois farm. 2003: He faces his first major flood, which damages his soybean crop. 2010s: Repeated floods force Gerard to adapt and innovate, leading him to focus on rice production. September 2024: Gerard harvests his 25th successful rice crop. Immediate Impact Gerard's success has sparked interest in diversifying crops in the Corn Belt region. However, federal farm policy remains focused on soybeans and corn, making it challenging for farmers like Gerard to adopt new practices. Background Context The Illinois farmer's story highlights the limitations of current agricultural policies, which prioritize traditional crops over more resilient alternatives like rice. The shift towards rice production also raises questions about water management and its impact on local ecosystems. What Happens Next As Gerard continues to innovate and adapt to changing environmental conditions, his success serves as a model for other farmers seeking to diversify their crops. However, the long-term implications of federal farm policy reforms remain uncertain, leaving the agricultural industry to navigate complex challenges ahead. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*