As rice harvesting in south Louisiana gears up for mid-July, experts are weighing in on the outlook for Acadiana farmers. Despite challenges like excessive rain and political influences, there is optimism in the air.

Peter Bachmann from the USA Rice Federation believes Louisiana's rice industry remains healthy. Ronnie Levy, a Louisiana rice specialist with the LSU AgCenter, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The rice crop looks good."

Louisiana's rice crop is progressing well despite some early weather challenges. This update was shared at the 116th Annual Rice Field Day held at LSU's Rice Research Station in Crowley on Tuesday, June 24.

During the event, rice growers received insights from LSU AgCenter experts on improving rice production, including pest management strategies. The AgCenter reported that more than 461,000 acres of rice are cultivated in the state.

With harvest season rapidly approaching, rice farmers took a break from their own fields and converged on those at the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station June 24 to hear from experts about the latest industry trends and to get updates on research aimed at helping them grow a better crop.

Although farmers are facing depressed commodity prices and are keeping their fingers crossed that recent rains won’t dampen their upcoming harvests, there was still plenty of good news to go around at the field day, which has been held annually at the station near Crowley for 116 years.

The LSU AgCenter hosted its annual Rice Field Day this week at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station offering farmers and students an inside look at the latest innovations in rice breeding, disease management, and production techniques. Among the highlights was the unveiling of Venus, a new medium-grain variety set for commercial release next year.