The star of the show

THORNWELL, LA - The unique and positive relationship between birds and working rice lands has received a great deal of media and government attention recently thanks to the efforts of the USA Rice Federation, other industry groups, and conservation partners like Ducks Unlimited (see
USA Rice Daily May 6 and May 27, 2014). Now another aspect of the relationship is cemented with the naming of Thornwell, Louisiana as the Yellow Rail Capital of the World, thanks to the passage of Louisiana House of Representatives Concurrent Resolution 42, authored by Representative John E. Guinn of Jennings.  

For the past six years, the community of about 250 residents has hosted the annual Yellow Rails and Rice Festival, 

Look up in the sky, it's a yellow rail!

"The designation will have an impact on our local economy. Every festival brings thousands of dollars back into Jeff Davis and surrounding parishes," said Louisiana Rice Promotion Board Chairman Kevin Berken. Berken, one of the festival's founders, worked closely with Representative Guinn to secure the legislative designation.

According to the resolution, Thornwell represents the epicenter of yellow rail distribution in the southwestern rice fields and the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival brings birdwatchers and rice farmers together during Louisiana's late rice harvest, giving individuals an opportunity to witness rice harvesting operations and to see the elusive bird.

"It think it's fantastic that Thornwell is being recognized, and I look forward to announcing it to all the people who have participated in the festival in the past and shown such interest," festival organizer Donna Dittman said. "It will be a good draw to people to come to Louisiana,"

This year's festival is October 29-November 2, and Berken hopes to have the community's landmark blue water tower painted to depict its new title in time for the festival.

USA Rice Federation is an annual sponsor of the event.

Contact: Randy Jemison (337) 515-7250 

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