Annual Meetings Keep Rice Growers In The Know
Kane Webb, USA Rice
RICE COUNTRY, USA -- January ushers in the new year, and in the rice industry it's also time for growers to meet, ask questions, and gather information relevant to their prospective operations, laying the foundation for a successful 2020 production year.
Over the past two weeks, rice growers across Louisiana and Texas heard the latest information and updates from Research and Extension personnel on what's in store for this year. These meetings are held annually, and tend to draw a big crowd as growers begin to plan their strategies in anticipation of the coming planting season.
Researchers from the Louisiana State University Rice Research Station in Crowley held meetings, in conjunction with local extension offices, in Jeff Davis, Evangeline, Acadia, Central Louisiana, and Vermilion Parishes, giving growers the opportunity to learn what's new and what needs to be considered in making decisions for the coming year.
Dr. Dustin Harrell, rice specialist at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Crowley, said, "These annual rice forums are an excellent opportunity for rice growers and consultants to hear about the latest research and guidelines on rice varieties, fertilization, weed, disease and insect management recommendations for the new crop."
The Western Rice Belt Production Conference, recently held in El Campo, Texas, included reports from Texas A&M and Texas AgriLife researchers, as well as an update from Gary Six, state executive director of the Texas Farm Service Agency. Also on the agenda were presentations on Conservation and Working Lands programs, such as the USA Rice/Ducks Unlimited Partnership, and watershed and resource management initiatives, pointing up opportunities for grower involvement.
Check the schedule below and plan to attend the meeting in your area.
Mark Your Calendar and Plan to Attend
California Rice Commission Grower Meetings
Thursday, January 23
8:30 am, Colusa - Casino Community Room
12:30 pm, Yuba City - Hillcrest Catering at Plaza Room
2020 SETX Rice Symposium
Thursday, January 23
8 am, Winnie - St. Louis Catholic Church Building
Clay County, Arkansas Rice/Soybean Production Meeting
Monday, January 27
11:30 am, Corning - M.B. Ainley Community Center
Arkansas Soil & Water Education Conference
Wednesday, January 29
8 am, Jonesboro - ASU First National Bank Arena
Cotton & Rice Conference
Thursday - Friday, January 30-31
Memphis TN - Hilton Hotel & Convention Center
LSU Rice Forum - NELA
Tuesday, February 4
9 am, Rayville - Rayville Civic Center
A-State Agribusiness Conference
Wednesday, February 12
8:00 am, Jonesboro - Fowler Center (morning session), First National Bank Arena (lunch and afternoon session)
Mississippi Rice Council Meeting
Thursday, February 13
10 am, Cleveland MS - Wade Inc. dealership, 645 Gaines Hwy
SE Missouri Regional Rice Meeting
Thursday, February 20
8 am, Malden - Malden Community Center
Farm & Gin Show
Friday - Sunday, February 28 - March 1
Memphis Convention Center