IOTA, KAPLAN, & RAYNE, LA – Field days abounded earlier this week throughout rice country in southern Louisiana.
Kicking off the week was the RiceTec field day held in Iota on Tuesday, where attendees heard crop updates, developments to reduce pubescent hairs on rice panicles, as well as recommendations on herbicide applications. RiceTec staff, along with Dr. Brian Ottis and CEO Brian Fife, treated the crowd to lunch at DI’s Cajun Restaurant where Louisiana State University (LSU) Associate Professor & Economist Dr. Michael Deliberto discussed the crop update and outlook, and RiceTec provided updates from tech services testing and ADAMA.
That evening, HorizonAg CEO Tim Walker welcomed farmers and industry representatives to their field day at the Richard Farms in Kaplan. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to enjoy fellowship, great food, and the toe-tapping music of The Johnson Brothers band comprised of the sons and family of rice farmer Paul Johnson. HorizonAg shared results from their Clearfield and Provisia varieties and USA Rice’s Cameron Jacobs shared trends and opportunities for U.S. jasmine rice.
“There is a real opportunity for the domestic rice industry when it comes to jasmine in the United States,” said Jacobs. “Awareness is at an all-time high, consumption continues to increase, and placement on menus is growing year over year. By targeting our core Gen Z and Millennial consumers, this industry has the ability to not only win over market share from imports but create new rice eaters as well.”
On Wednesday, the 117th annual rice field day was held at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Rayne, where Dr. Ronald Levy was honored for his 43 years of service and dedication to the rice industry. The field day also announced its inaugural Champion of Rice Research award, given to Jackie Loewer in honor of his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to rice research and its impact on the industry.
Dr. Adam Famoso, director of the Rice Research Station, welcomed attendees and introduced the many speakers, including Dr. John Dennison, chair of the Louisiana Rice Research Board; Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain; Louisiana Farm Bureau President and rice farmer Richard Fontentot; USA Rice COO Sarah Moran; LSU economist Dr. Michael Deliberto; Senior Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Matt Lee; Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station Dr. Mike Salassi; and Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Dr. Tara Smith.
“These field days provide a valuable opportunity to connect directly with farmers and share the work being done on their behalf in Washington, DC,” said USA Rice’s Moran. “USA Rice has been working tirelessly with Congress to communicate the challenges facing rice producers and the urgent need for support to keep farms viable. With projected rice acreage at its lowest level since the 1970s, this is a difficult year for our industry. More than ever, we must come together, speak with one voice, and advocate for the future of U.S. rice farming.”
Following the field day, the Louisiana Rice Research Promotion Board held their mid-year meeting to review funding requests for the 2026-2027 year; requests from the USA Rice Council and USA Rice Farmers were unanimously approved by the Board.