On July 30, over 200 attendees gathered for the 2026 Rice and Soybean Field Day at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) in Harrisburg, Ark., to learn about various innovative research studies conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Two field tours showcased the work of agronomists and specialists. Topics included planting date trials for rice and soybeans, irrigation management and alternate wetting and drying in rice, use of agricultural spray drones, nitrogen management in rice, plant breeding and genetics, and new technologies for weed control.
While the field trailers carried attendees across 600 acres of NERREC, indoor seminars were offered in the state-of-the-art Extension facility. Afterward, the crowd filled the building for a traditional Extension catfish lunch.
Honoring at longtime leader
Speakers during the lunch hour gave industry updates and paid special tribute to Tim Burcham, director of NERREC, who is set to retire soon after 40-plus years agricultural education, research and Extension…