News Release Distributed 06/24/10
GUEYDAN, La. – Vermilion Parish farmers will have the chance July 6 to learn about the latest in rice water weevil control, see how new soybean varieties perform in south Louisiana growing conditions and get a update on the rice market.
The tour starts at 3 p.m. at the Alden Horton farm on the corner of Louisiana highways 711 and 14. From there, the next stop is at Dwight Hardee’s farm at 3:15 p.m. on Burnell Road off Louisiana 711. Signs will be posted on La. 14 to help locate the sites.
In addition, the Vermilion Parish Rice Field Tour will stop at the Kent Lounsberry farm at 7121 Lounsberry Rd. to hear about potential rice varieties from Steve Linscombe and Xueyan Sha, LSU AgCenter rice breeders; and rice fertilization from Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter agronomist. The time for this event is 3:45 p.m.
The weevil control in water-seeded rice will be discussed by Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter rice specialist, and the soybean presentation will be done by Ron Levy, LSU AgCenter soybean specialist. Mike Salassi, LSU AgCenter rice economist, will give the update on the rice market.
In addition, Randy Jemison of the USA Rice Federation will report on legislation that could affect rice farming.
Master Farmer participants will receive their Phase II credit for attending the field day.
Bruce Schultz