KAPLAN, LA – This past week, the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter held a Model Farm Rice Field Day as part of the
Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Grant, designed to provide up-to-date information on rice production and how it relates to conservation, sustainability, and best management practices (BMP). The gathering took place at Richard Farms, north of Kaplan.
Julie and Christian Richard’s farm is a familiar site for field days in southwest Louisiana, as they host several events throughout the year, opening their operation whenever asked to welcome guests from both the rice industry and those outside the agriculture world.
“Christian and I are firm believers in sustainability and research,” said Julie Richard. “How we effectively implement sustainable practices on our farm and taking part in research to improve those practices are key to the future success of our industry so we’re happy to partner with the LSU AgCenter and the Patrick Taylor Foundation to communicate and educate others about advances in the area of environmental sustainability.”
A host of LSU AgCenter specialists were on hand to highlight production practices and new technologies being used to increase conservation efforts and production in rice farming, and ultimately, improve water quality. From a classroom setting in the shop to demonstrations in the field, sustainability was the focus of this outreach event.
Topics discussed and demonstrated included water quality monitoring, precision ag technologies, cover crop and nitrogen management, rainfall simulator demo, the economic perspective of conservation tools, implementing practices through cost share opportunities with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs, and an update on the
Louisiana Master Farmer Program.
“The Master Farmer Program serves as the outreach component of this project and is focused on promoting sustainable conservation practices that will have long-term impacts to soil health and water quality,” said Dr. Donna Gentry with the LSU AgCenter who coordinates the program. “Richard Farms is a prime example of how growers are making conservation a priority for themselves and future generations.”