"Climate Smart" Rice Field Day Scheduled

By Donna Gentry, Ph.D.

LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter was recently awarded a $1 million grant to focus on specific Best Management Practices in sugarcane and rice that address reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health. Three rice farms in Vermillion parish are participating in this project to determine the effectiveness and impact of these practices compared with a more conventional production system. To highlight and discuss the project, a rice field day has been scheduled for June 11, 2024 in Kaplan, Louisiana at Wyatt Hardee’s farm (9902 Hanna Road, Kaplan) with registration beginning at 9:00am. Presentations will include cover crop and nitrogen management, water management and greenhouse gas emissions, climate smart practices and their impact on soil health, economics of BMPs, and NRCS cost-share opportunities for specific practices. This field day qualifies for Master Farmer Program Phase 2 and CECs for certified Master Farmers. There is no cost to attend and a lunch will be provided. Please contact Dr. Donna Gentry at 225-683-3101 or dsgentry@agcenter.lsu.edu for more information.