Louisiana Field Reports: Rice Planting Wrapping Up & Wheat Harvest Underway

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents

Mark Carriere, Point Coupee Parish
“Average wheat yields have been observed based on environmental conditions throughout the growing season. During last week, cotton planting was wrapping up and soybean planting was not too far behind. Sugarcane farmers continued to catch up with their fertilizer applications. With the Morganza Spillway scheduled to open this coming week, producers who farm in the levee system worked hard to remove all cattle, equipment, and temporary structures. Potential impact of the spillway is still unknown at this time.”

Stanley Dutile, Lafayette Parish
“Drier weather this past week allowed for improved field conditions and farmers were taking full advantage. Sugarcane growers continued to wrap up their spring/early summer fieldwork. Soybean planting made great progress. Wheat harvest continued. Crawfish farmers are draining ponds.”

Jeremy Hebert, Acadia Parish
“Dry weather allowed farmers to plant more soybeans last week. A lot of rice was getting to green ring and final fertilizer applications were being put down. Some crawfish ponds were being drained while others are holding strong.”

Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish
“Improved field conditions last week allowed for great progress planting soybeans. Sugarcane, rice, and corn crops made big progress getting to the production stages with warmer temperatures. Hay producers made real good progress last week. Crawfish producers were stocking ponds for the next crop, many ponds were drained. Cow calf producers wrapped up cow work with the spring breeding season underway.”

Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish
“Heavy rains over last weekend dried up quickly allowing workers to get into the fields by mid-week. Hot temperatures accelerated warm season crop development. Vegetable growers harvested sweet corn, squash, cucumbers, eggplant and bell peppers. Blackberry, peaches and blueberries ripened. Hay producers cut and baled hay. Crawfish producers continued to drain ponds and prepare for next year’s crop.”