■ Today, We Finally Finished the Rice Harvest.
Our harvest was one week later than planned. However, thanks to the fine weather over the past few days, the muddy fields finally dried out enough for us to bring in the combine harvester.
The work was not easy, but the rice we harvested looks quite good. After so many ups and downs, I feel a great sense of relief and joy. It makes this year's harvest especially rewarding.
■ Our Commitment to Always Growing Delicious Rice
When we deliver our own rice under the name "Sato Rice," our most important goal is to keep producing truly delicious rice.
Nakanojo Town has its own local rice brand called "Hanayukari." To receive this certification, rice must meet two strict standards: a taste score of 80 or higher and Grade 1 quality.
Sato Rice also meets these standards, and we aim even higher, with a taste score of 90 or above.
One important step toward this goal is preparing the rice fields in October, soon after the harvest. This work, called field tilling, helps prepare the soil for the next year's crop.
■ Building Healthy Soil for Next Year's Rice
First, we spread chopped rice straw across the entire field. Then, we add rice husk charcoal and fully matured chicken manure.
Next, we carefully till the soil with a tractor. Tiny living things in the soil, called microorganisms, help break down the rice straw and return its nutrients to the soil.
Building rich, healthy soil in this way is an important foundation for growing delicious rice again next year.