VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JUNE 13, 2017

     Evangeline Parish County Agent Todd Fontenot was the guest speaker at today’s meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club.

     Fontenot said farmers are facing problems with excessive moisture in their fields. “It has been a wet year” he said.

     The rice crop was affected because of the early rainfall and again the flooding rains in April and May. He estimates Evangeline Parish rice producers have lost about 1000 acres of rice. Some of the rice crop was under water for as long as 12 days. The crop can take up to 8 days of being under water. The excessive moisture has impacted the rice yields. It is also causing problems with rice diseases.

   Some of the soybean crop had to be replanted due to the excessive rains this year.  As far as crawfish production, it was a mixed year. Some crawfish producers had a good year.  The prices fluctuated and were good through Easter week.

   Fontenot also reported that the 4-H program is busy during the summer months with students attending 4-H University at the LSU campus next week. It was formerly known as 4-H Short Course. Also, parish students will be attending 4-H Summer Camp in July at Camp Grant Walker. Participation in the 4-H program is still good in the parish while the numbers have dropped overall statewide.

    Rotary club members were reminded that the annual installation banquet is set for Tuesday night June 20 at 6;00pm at La Veille Banque on Main street. There will be no noon meeting next Tuesday.