Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Rice > News > Loss estimates for rice crop at 7.6 percent, soybean crop at 15 percent [Image: Jeffrey Sylvester] (Distributed 09/09/08) WHITEVILLE – Farmer Jeffrey Sylvester gazed over a field that looked more suited for water-skiing than growing rice. “There’s a rice crop under that water,” he said. “That’s all standing rice.” Hurricane Gustav causes major problems for Louisiana rice farmers [Image: stripped rice] (Distributed 09/05/08) Rice is among the many Louisiana agricultural commodities hurt by Hurricane Gustav, although the majority of the crop had been harvested in the southwest Louisiana rice belt before the storm came through. Rice Farmers Approve 5-year Renewals Of Check-off Program To Fund Research, Promotion Louisiana rice producers have approved five-year renewals of check-off fees on their crops to fund research and promotion. Will Salt Water Weaken Rice Leaf Miners? Researcher Looking For Answers [Image: Boris Castro examining rice plants] Will the South American rice leaf miner be affected by salt water pushed ashore by Hurricane Rita? LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Boris Castro said it’s possible the rice pest’s population could have been weakened by the high salinity, but there’s no way of knowing yet.  more articles... Experts Tell Consultants Some Salty Soils Improve, Others Get Worse South Louisiana rice fields contaminated with salt from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge have shown some improvements, although not as much as expected, and salinity levels actually have increased in some sugarcane fields. Salt Water Intrusion Site Data Results, Post Rita The data provided is from the sites that were sampled in the Salt Water Intrusion Maps. Each site is numbered the same as it is on the maps that are provided. Salt Water Intrusion Maps, Post Rita The following maps consist of sites that were sampled, analyzed and then ranked, post Hurricane Rita. Rice Producers Hear Mixed Bag Of News; Subsidies Likely To Be Reduced But Trade Barriers May Be Lifted [Image: Milo Hamilton speaking at rice meeting] Farmers are facing uncertainty with expected changes in U.S. farm policy, high energy costs and World Trade Organization talks, a Washington agricultural analyst told rice producers last week (Jan. 26). Farmers Urged Not To Plow Salt-contaminated Rice Fields Rice farmers whose fields have high salt levels from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge should avoid plowing their fields, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter. Researchers Measure Effects Of Salt Water On Rice LSU AgCenter researchers are studying the effects of salt water in rice after many fields were flooded during Hurricane Rita. The study started with extensive soil sampling of affected areas. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Gary Breitenbeck explains. (Radio News 12/12/05) Rice Growers Face Problems Following Storms The salt water that washed over coastal areas in Southwestern Louisiana during Hurricane Rita could greatly affect next year’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Gary Breitenbeck says the high salinity levels in rice fields could lead to decreased yields. (Radio News 12/12/05) LSU AgCenter Experts Continuing Studies Of Saltwater Contamination In Southwest Louisiana [Image: Watering test plants at Rice Research Station] LSU AgCenter scientists hope they will soon be able to make recommendations for farmers whose fields were hit with saltwater contamination from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge. Meetings Bring Farmers Together To Consider Options After Storms [Image: Farmers attending workshop on options after storms] Farmers attending workshops in Acadia and Calcasieu parishes Tuesday (Oct. 25) learned about assistance for dealing with hardships caused by two hurricanes that struck the state this summer. Similar sessions, organized by the LSU AgCenter, were planned for New Iberia, Hammond and Raceland over the next few days. Salt Contamination Of Soil After Rita May Not Be As Bad As Feared; Tests To Begin This Week [Image: Howard Cormier speaks at meeting about possible salt contamination of soil in Vermilion Parish] The LSU AgCenter soon will begin comprehensive tests for salt contamination in areas of Vermilion Parish hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, but officials this week said the problem may not be as bad as originally feared. Click for more information...