JENNINGS, LA -- The Louisiana Rice Council (LARC) and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association (LARGA), Louisiana's two largest grower organizations, have scheduled their annual joint membership meeting for Tuesday, February 10.  The meeting will be held at a new location, the Grande Marais Center here, and will open with a trade show and reception at 4 p.m. followed by the program at 5:45 p.m.  Dinner will be served.

Eric Unkel

"This meeting provides an annual report to rice farmers on programs funded by the Louisiana rice promotion check-off as well as timely information on other important issues," said Eric Unkel, a rice farmer from Allen Parish and LARC president.  "I encourage all rice industry stakeholders to attend."

The featured speaker will be Kevin Norton, state conservationist, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, who will discuss conservation opportunities for rice farmers through Farm Bill programs.  USA Rice Federation staff will report on the Federation's activities and promotional achievements.  Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain will address issues of concern to the Louisiana rice industry.

Jeffery Sylvester

"This is the largest gathering of rice farmers in the state each year," said Jeffery Sylvester, an Evangeline Parish rice farmer and LARGA president.  "It's what makes this event the perfect place to display rice-related equipment, technology, products and services, and show support for the Louisiana rice industry."

USA Rice also will participate in the Central Louisiana Rice Growers Association Annual Membership meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 11 a.m. at Dean Lee Experiment station in Alexandria, LA, and the Northeast LA Rice Growers Association Rice Forum on Thursday, February 12, 9 a.m. at the Delhi Civic Center in Delhi, LA. 

For information on the meetings, including sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, contact Randy Jemison.

Contact:  Randy Jemison (337) 738-7009

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