A series of rice clinics being held by the LSU AgCenter will help farmers prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Topics at the sessions, which will begin Jan. 4, will include control of insects, weeds and diseases, drill-seeding rice, update on new variety development, fertility and the rice market.

“Producers will be able to meet with our scientists to get more information for the growing conditions on their farm,” said Dr. Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station in Crowley, La.

The first session will be Jan. 4 at the Welsh Community Center in Jefferson Davis Parish, from 8 a.m. until noon. After lunch, soybean production will be covered.

The next day’s session (Jan. 5) will be in Ville Platte at the Civic Center starting at 8 a.m. Discussions on soybeans also will be held, and pesticide applicator recertification will be available.

On Jan. 6, the Acadia Parish clinic will start at 8 a.m. at the LSU AgCenter Extension Office at 157 Cherokee Dr., Crowley. Presentations on soybean production will be made, and pesticide applicator certifications can be renewed.

The next meeting will be Jan. 7 in Kaplan at the American Legion Hall starting at 7:30 a.m. A meeting on soybean production will be held Jan. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vermilion Parish Extension Office in Abbeville.

On Jan. 11, a rice clinic will be held in Bunkie at the Masonic Lodge, starting at 8:30 a.m. Farmers will also hear talks on soybean production.

The final session will be Jan. 26 at the Rayville Civic Center, starting at 9 a.m.