LSU AgCenter molecular biologist Herry Utomo, at left, explains his work with DNA to the 2015 Rice Leadership Class that toured the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station on March 26. (Photo by Bruce Schultz)

Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, at left, tells members of the 2015 Rice Leadership Class about his breeding work to develop new rice varieties during their visit on March 26. (Photo by Bruce Schultz)

News Release Distributed 03/26/15

CROWLEY, La. – The 2015 Rice Leadership Class toured the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station on Thursday (March 26) to see what scientists there are doing to help rice farmers with new varieties of rice and better ways of growing it.

The class later made a stop at the Zaunbrecher Farm to see Louisiana rice and crawfish farm. They previously toured Texas rice-growing areas Wednesday, and next they were traveling to New Orleans to get a look at rice export facilities on the Mississippi River.

At the Rice Research Station, Director Steve Linscombe explained the process of developing new varieties.

Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter rice specialist and a member of the class, explained his agronomy research.

The class also heard about the use of genetic markers for variety development from researchers Herry Utomo and Ida Wenefrida.

Ernest Girouard with the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Master Farmer Program explained the program’s origins and how it benefits rice farmers.

One member of the class, farmer Nat McKnight, of Cleveland, Mississippi, said he was impressed with what he saw and heard at the research station. “I’m really amazed with all the technology involved at the station.”

McKnight said the LSU AgCenter’s longstanding emphasis on rice quality is helping American rice in the global market. “It looks like LSU is making this happen, and we all need that for the industry.”

Linscombe told the class that the rice industry is small compared to other commodities in the U.S., and a cooperative effort is essential for its future. Research stations from across the U.S. work cooperatively. “That’s critical for you and that’s critical for the industry,” he said.

Members of the class, chosen in December at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Little Rock, are Louisiana farmer Paul Johnson, of Hayes; Nicole Creason, of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Hudgens Jeter, of Stuttgart, Arkansas; Greg Van Dyke, of Pleasant Grove, California; Collin Holzhauer of Harrisburg, Arkansas; McKnight and Harrell.

The leadership program is sponsored by John Deere, RiceTec and the American Commodity Co. The USA Rice Federation develops and manages the program on behalf of The Rice Foundation.