Seminar to cover rice production, market challenges

DEXTER, Mo. -- Missouri rice growers face new challenges in the coming season. Presenters at the Missouri Rice Producers Conference will discuss those issues and more Wednesday at the Eagles Lodge on Highway 25 here.

"With the loss of one of our two major rice purchasers, and new farm bill programs, there has been a lot of change in the rice market," said Bruce Beck, University of Missouri agronomy specialist in Butler, Mo. "This meeting will cover subjects from the impact of the new market to the latest in rice varieties and production techniques."

The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. with an overall report by Beck, followed by presentations until the noon lunch. Discussion topics include the latest in fertility recommendations; disease, insect and weed control methods; cotton-rice rotation advantages, and information on farm bill participation in rice programs.

The conference is sponsored by University Outreach and Extension, the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, and more than 20 commercial sponsors. Program, breaks and noon meal are free. For more information, contact Beck at (573) 686-8064.