Sugarcane grower meetings mark beginning of new crop year

It's the beginning of a new crop year for Louisiana's sugarcane growers and LSU AgCenter researchers start the cycle by presenting reports to the growers on their research on sugarcane disease, variety improvement, pesticide efficacy, insect threats and the economic outlook.

PHOTO: Dr. Kenneth Gravois, sugarcane specialist; Dr. Mike Deliberto, economist;  Dr. Jeff Hoy, plant pathology; Dr. Al Orgeron, pesticide; Justin Dufour, Avoyelles country agent; Dr. Blake Wilson, entomologist; at the Bunkie Masonic Lodge where they presented programs on the 2017 sugarcane production year, economic outlook, disease issues, pesticide application, pesticide training and insect issues.

The meeting also provide the opportunity for growers to renew their pesticide certifications.

The first meeting of the year was held at the Bunkie Masonic Lodge for the Rapides/Avoyeeles Parish area January 23.

The schedule for the rest of the cane belt is as follows:

St. Martin/Lafayette/St. Landry
January 24, 9:30 a.m.
Breaux Bridge Extension Office

Iberville Parish
January 26, 9:30 a.m.
White Castle Chateau Blanc

Assumption Parish
January 30, 9:00  a.m.
Napoleonville Extension Office

Lafourche/Terrebonne
Januray 30, 2:30 p.m.
Raceland Ag Building

Pointe Coupee/West Baton Rouge/
February 5, 9.00 a.m.
New Roads Civic Center

ASSCT/ASCL Annual Meeting
Feb. 5-7
Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza

Ascension /St. James/St. John/St. Charles
Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m.
Vacherie Westbank Reception Hall

St. Mary/Iberia/Vermilion
Feb 27, 9:00 a.m.
Jeanerette Ward 8 School