The LSU AgCenter will hold a series of meetings to help rice farmers prepare for their 2019 crop.
The educational sessions will provide farmers with advice on choosing varieties, land preparation, controlling pests and the new farm bill.
Farmers also will hear updated information on new technologies, including herbicides, fungicides and insecticides registered last season.
The sessions, which will include lunch, will be held on the following dates:
■ Jan. 3 in Crowley at the Acadia Parish Extension office, 157 Cherokee Drive. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 8.
■ Jan. 8 at the Welsh Community Center, 101 Palmer St., with registration at 8 a.m. and the program at 8:15.
■ Jan. 9 at the Ville Platte Civic Center, 704 N. Soileau St. Registration at 7:30 a.m. and the program 8.
■ Jan. 10 in Abbeville at the Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau meeting room, 3139 Veterans Memorial Drive. Registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program at 9.
■ Feb. 14, the Northeast Louisiana Rice Forum at Iona Golf Course, 10 Country Club Lane, Rayville. Registration at 8:15 a.m. and the event at 9.
■ A meeting for central Louisiana growers is anticipated in late February in Mansura. The date and time are pending.
Also on Jan. 9, the Rice Council and Louisiana Rice Growers Association will hold their annual joint meeting at the Grand Marais, 919 N. Lake Arthur Ave, in Jennings. The trade show begins at 4 p.m., followed by the meeting.
The LSU AgCenter provided this article.