Massa Organics Farm Tour
CUESA visited Massa Organics, a farm that grows rice and almonds in Hamilton City, near Chico.
Greg Massa
Massa rice fields
As organic rice farmers, Greg Massa explained that they often have to flood and drain the fields in order to control their weeds.
Massa sells their rice unprocessed or "brown." It's not much different than what you see growing in their field.
Greg Massa holds a rice stem.
The dense hardpan in Massa Organics' soil holds water well, making it perfect for rice production but unsuitable for most other kinds of agriculture.
Massa Organics leases this harvester just for the duration of their rice harvest.
This attachment on the front of the harvester is called a stripper header. It strips the grain off the rice plant, leaving the straw in the field.
Tour participant climbs aboard the harvester.
Tour participants stand in front of the bankout wagon. As the rice is being harvested, the bankout wagon drives alongside the harvester, which deposits the grain into the wagon.
Greg Massa's father, Manuel, is a long-time rice farmer. He learned about farming rice from his father, who learned from Manuel's grandfather (Greg's great grandfather).
Rice fields.
Silo.
Greg and Raquel's house is made of bales of their own rice straw.
Massa Organics label features their straw bale house.
The straw-bale house has a lovely, Frank Loyd-Wright inspired view.
This truth window, on one of the house's interior walls, is a common element in natural building. It's a fun way to show what the walls are made of.
Massa ducks - the Massa family is especially dedicated to biodiversity.
Our photographer, Barry Jan, sits in the harvester.
Greg Massa, Raquel Krach, and Julie Cummins.
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About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through the operation of farmers markets and educational programs. Learn More »