News Release Distributed 01/12/12

BUNKIE, La. – Two rice varieties developed by the LSU AgCenter have been approved by the Kellogg Co. for use in their products, rice farmers learned at a meeting here Jan. 11.

Kellogg approved the varieties CL151 and CL 111, both Clearfield long-grain varieties, said Steve Linscombe, LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the Rice Research Station.

Linscombe said it is likely that the varieties probably will replace two of the first Clearfield varieties, CL131 and CL161.

Randy Jemison of the USA Rice Federation told the farmers that the Central Louisiana Rice Growers Association is being formed for farmers in Avoyelles, Rapides, Pointe Coupee and St. Landry parishes.

The new group will meet with the staff of the USA Rice Federation in Bunkie on January 25, Jemison said. Until now, rice farmers in the central part of the state have been represented by an at-large member of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association Board of Directors.

Farmers also heard from several scientists from the LSU AgCenter, including entomologist Natalie Hummel, agronomist Dustin Harrell, plant pathologist Don Groth and rice specialist Johnny Saichuk.

LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said the costs of fuel and fertilizer are expected to be higher at the start of the growing season.

Bruce Schultz