Wild rice harvesters often are looking for options to process their wild rice. It is a common question heard from harvesters: Where can I get my rice processed? Work has been ongoing to compile a list of wild rice processors. A list available for public distribution (active processors who have agreed to have their contact information shared) can be found on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Some efforts have been made at developing small batch processors that can be used or shared by individual harvesters. An engineering project at Bemidji State University developed a hand-cranked mini-barrel processor for parched wild rice. Information can be found on the project website, and specifically under the "project documents" tab.
Harvester input meetings
In early 2007, a series of meetings was conducted in several locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin to gather input from ricers on a variety of issues, specifically on the concept of developing some form of a wild rice council or advisory group. SORA (Save Our Rice Alliance) has since been formed. A report entitled "A Summary of Wild Rice Harvester Meetings in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin" by Annette Drewes is available by clicking on the title above.
Natural Wild Rice in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (with input from a variety of partners) completed a report entitled "Natural Wild Rice in Minnesota" in February 2008. The report contains a wide variety of information on wild rice including biology, distribution across Minnesota, management considerations, and recommendations. The report is available by clicking on the title above.
Wild Rice Harvester Survey Report
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources completed a report entitled "Minnesota Natural Wild Rice Harvester Survey: A Study of Harvesters' Activities and Opinions" in December 2007. The report summarizes information obtained from a survey of wild rice harvesters conducted in late 2006 and early 2007. The report is available by clicking on the title above.
Wild Rice Links
Bois Forte Reservation
Nett Lake wild rice
Fond du Lac Resource Management
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
Manoomin.com
White Earth Land Recovery Project
Save Our Rice Alliance (SORA)
Save Wild Rice
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources