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Four fields were enrolled in the LSU AgCenter Rice Verification Program in 2020. The program helps farmers learn the finer points of growing rice, starting with field preparation and working through harvest. County agents and crop consultants help participants make plans and make observations from weekly scouting of the fields.
In Vermilion Parish, a 30-acre field near Wright was planted April 13 with CL153. It yielded 47.7 barrels, dried down to 12% moisture, or 171 bushels.
In Jefferson Davis Parish, a 9.5-acre field near Lacassine was planted April 17 with Jupiter. The yield was 41.5 barrels or 149 bushels.
In Acadia Parish, a 42-acre field near Mowata was planted March 13 with CLXL7321. Its yield was 40 barrels or 145 bushels.
In Evangeline Parish, a 46-acre field was planted with Cheniere on April 3. The field produced 54.6 barrels or 197 bushels.
A fifth field was planned for north Louisiana in Morehouse Parish, but it was scratched because of flooding problems at planting time.
Three of the fields were water-planted, but planting at the Evangeline Parish field was accomplished by flying the seed on dry ground and harrowing it into the soil.
“Most of the farmers were pleased with the yields,” said Keith Fontenot, research associate for the program.
He said no second crop was harvested on any of the four fields because the rice was kept for crawfish.
For 2021, he said the program will include the same fields in Evangeline, Acadia and Jefferson Davis parishes, along with fields in Allen and Morehouse parishes.
Farmer Jeremy Craton, center, walks his field with Evangeline Parish County Agent Todd Fontenot, at left, and Keith Fontenot of the LSU AgCenter Rice Verification Program. Craton’s field will be in the program again in 2021, along with fields in Vermilion, Allen, Jefferson Davis and Morehouse parishes.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
