News Release Distributed 05/25/12

MAMOU, La. – Experts from the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station will tell farmers about their latest work Thursday (May 31) at the Evangeline Parish Rice Field Day.

The meeting starts with registration at 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the farm of Kody and Larry Bieber, one mile west of La. Highway 13 on Bieber Road.

LSU AgCenter presenters will include rice breeders Xueyan Sha and Steve Linscombe, weed scientist Eric Webster, agronomist Dustin Harrell, plant pathologist Don Groth, rice specialist Johnny Saichuk and agricultural economist Mike Salassi.

“With the rice crop approaching growth stages where fertilizer and fungicide application decisions are being made, this is an excellent opportunity to get up-to-date, research-based information on the best timing and rate information for these applications,” said Keith Fontenot, LSU AgCenter county agent in Evangeline Parish.

“With the high costs of these products, and variable rice prices, applying them at proper rates and when they are most effective, may make the difference in a profit or loss this year,” Fontenot said.

Bruce Schultz