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Louisiana Rice Research Verification Program
The Louisiana Rice Research Verification Program (LRRVP) is an interdisciplinary effort between rice producers, parish extension agents, extension specialists, and rice researchers. It is an on-farm demonstration of research-based practices and technologies recommended to maximize the production and profitability of rice in Louisiana. The overall goal is to verify that management according to LSU AgCenter recommendations can result in increased profitability compared to standard producer practices. Other goals realized from this program are to establish an economic database, demonstrate that high yields can be constantly achieved economically, promote timeliness in management decisions, and provide training and assistance to agents.
The LRRVP began in 1997 in three parishes: Allen, Calcasieu, and Jefferson Davis. To date, the program has involved 151 fields in 17 parishes on more than 5,997 acres from Calcasieu Parish in the southwestern area of the state to East Carroll Parish in the extreme northeastern area.
The program begins in the fall of the year with parish selection, followed by visits with the grower and agents, and soil sampling of the selected field. Utilizing sampling results, an overall plan of management for the field from variety selection to handling of harvested grain is discussed and set up.
Following planting, the fields are visited at least weekly by a specialist, county agent, or extension associate. Production practice recommendations are made by the specialist or agent. These recommendations include but are not limited to fertilization, weed control, disease control, insect control, and water management. The fields are followed from fall soil sampling to harvest.
Yield data are collected for each of the fields. Harvest moisture and test weight are determined at the time of harvest. Yields are then adjusted to 12% moisture for all fields to eliminate variation.
Economic data continue to reveal large production cost differences between growers. It is also clear that more needs to be done to help farmers reduce production costs. These data are often the most difficult to collect because the farmer may apply the same recommendations to other fields, so separating the costs dedicated to the verification field alone can pose problems.
The program continues to provide an accurate evaluation of current recommendations and provide insight into other needed areas of research and new technologies.
The educational value of the program to all concerned (farmers, researchers, and extension personnel) increases each year.
For more information, contact Dr. Dustin Harrell or Mr. Keith Fontentot.
