Halama, Godward on wild rice council

Minnesota cultivated wild rice producers have elected members to serve on the board of directors for their research and promotion council.

Two incumbent members, Velmer Halama of Waskish and Thomas Godward of Aitkin, were elected by mail ballot.

The Cultivated Wild Rice Council uses check-off dollars from member producers to promote the wild rice industry, support research projects and increase awareness of wild rice products to consumers.

Wild rice is Minnesota's official state grain, with 4-6 million pounds produced annually. Minnesota is one of the world's largest cultivated wild rice growing states.