RAYVILLE, LA -- After having to reschedule due to inclement weather in late January, the Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association (NELARGA) met here last week to hear the latest information on a variety of topics, from the current status of policy and legislative issues in Washington, DC, to the developing options available in the treatment of rice delphacid, both topics on the minds of growers as they make final decisions before planting begins in the weeks ahead.
NELARGA Board Member Elliot Colvin conducted the meeting in the absence of John Owen, the organization’s president. After welcoming everyone, Colvin reiterated the importance of getting together to discuss the issues facing the industry, reminding all of the importance NELARGA plays in not only local and state matters, but in partnership with USA Rice on the national and global level to advance northeast Louisiana rice industry priorities.
USA Rice staff Peter Bachmann and Jake Westlin joined the group via Zoom, and shared insight into ag legislation currently taking shape on Capitol Hill, answering questions related to the upcoming sessions on Farm Bill 2.0.
“We are doing everything we can in Washington to try to provide additional short-term and medium-term economic relief given the current situation across rice and the rest of farm country,” said Bachmann. “We are working closely with Congress on ad hoc options and looking at ways to address insufficient payment limits for crops with cost of production levels like rice sees.”
Next, researchers from the Louisiana State University (LSU) Rice Research Station and the LSU AgCenter presented on rice varieties, weed control, and disease management, focusing especially on the rice delphacid crisis that caused extensive damage in northeast Louisiana last year.
Kennedy Rice Mill President & CEO Meryl Kennedy Farr spoke about the importance of the rice industry to the region, sharing personal stories of her experiences in rice production and the critical need for growers to maintain an active role to ensure the viability of the industry for the next generation of farmers.
At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, including pork loin with rice dressing, provided by Cormiers Cajun Catering.
Owen, who missed the meeting due to a broken leg, said, “I appreciate the level of participation even though corn planting is under way and everyone is really busy. Special thanks to Elliot Colvin for stepping in to run the meeting, Meryl Kennedy for her presentation, and our Richland Parish County Agent Nate Jennings, who helped me tweak the whole process of reviving NELARGA. We are off to a great start!”