LSU scientist says Clearfield Rice helps farmers control budgets

The Clearfield system allows for a more stable, flexible and cost-effective weed control program.
The Clearfield system allows for a more stable, flexible and cost-effective weed control program. | File photo

During the Conservation-Tillage Cotton & Rice Conference this month, Dr. Eric Webster reminded participants about the advantage to planting Clearfield Rice.

“When you do not plant Clearfield rice, you are losing two herbicide options, and then you have to look at using additional herbicides, costing you extra money,” Webster, a weed scientist at Louisiana State University's AgCenter, said.

Farmers are constantly looking for new ways to save money in times of low commodity prices, which included planting conventional rice last year and trying to cut costs by using fewer herbicides. In the end, it meant farmers had higher production costs.

In a lot of cases with conventional systems, if you are not careful, you can end up spending a lot more money on weed control,” Webster said. “If weeds keep coming back, you have to hit that crop with additional herbicides to try and get it cleaned up.”

The Clearfield system allows for a more stable, flexible and cost-effective weed control program and can tolerate both pre-emergence and post-emergence applications. The program for growers can range in price from $25 to $100.

“If you are trying to reduce costs, cutting herbicide program is not the place to do it,” Webster said.