The 44th annual Eagle Lake Rice Field Day is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 26 at the David R. Wintermann Rice Research Station on Farm-to-Market Road 102 just north of Eagle Lake.

The field day is free and supported by area agribusinesses. The event will offer an opportunity for producers to tour the research station, making stops along the way to learn about insects, weeds and plant nutrient management, varietal testing and inbred and hybrid rice breeding.

“The field day is planned and coordinated by the Colorado County Rice Committee, comprised of local producers who meet throughout the year to identify topics for the event that are relevant and applicable to producers in the area,” said Stephen Janak, AgriLife Extension agent for Colorado County. “Area agribusiness continues to provide crucial sponsorship to support this event so that all who are interested in attending can do so free of charge.”

The evening program will be held at the Eagle Lake Community Center with Dr. George Knapek, program manager for representative farms with the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, addressing farm policy and governmental administration issues.

Also on the agenda for the evening program are Drs. Ted Wilson and Omar Samonte of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Beaumont/Eagle Lake. Wilson will provide attendees with an overview of rice research in Texas, while Samonte will update attendees on the progress of the new hybrid rice breeding program.

A catered meal will be provided at the evening program. Two continuing education units will be offered to all licensed pesticide applicators who attend the tour and evening program.

For more information, call the Wintermann Rice Research Station at 979-234-3578 or the AgriLife Extension office for Colorado County at 979-732-2082.