Northeast Louisiana farmers can learn about improving their rice and soybean crops at an upcoming LSU AgCenter rice and soybean field day July 14.

The event will start at 9 a.m. at the Elliot Colvin farm near Rayville, La., with a tour of rice research plots followed by a look at soybean variety demonstration plots.

LSU AgCenter speakers will include rice breeder Steve Linscombe, agronomist Dustin Harrell, entomologist Natalie Hummel and rice specialist Johnny Saichuk. They will discuss potential varieties, nitrogen rates for Clearfield rice, rice insects and an update on the Rice Verification Program.

Seed company representatives will be at the soybean tour to discuss the varieties.

At 10:30 a.m., the event will move to the Rayville Civic Center for a soybean update by LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ron Levy followed by the Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association report and lunch.

To get to the Colvin farm from Rayville, take U.S. Highway 425 north and proceed 4.9 miles to Bardel Road. Turn right and go 2 miles. The tour location will be on the left side of road.

From Oak Ridge, travel south on U.S. Highway 425. Bardel Road will be after the Morehouse-Richland parish line. Turn left on Bardel Rd and go 2 miles.