Timber Tales Newsletter: Fall 2026

The stumpage prices below are the statewide averages and are intended to demonstrate the general trends in the market. The current value of timber can differ greatly across parishes, species, tree quality, market access, and other factors. Forest landowners considering a timber sale are encouraged to contact a consulting forester for assistance. 

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USDA Accelerates Screwworm Response Efforts

USDA says a Texas facility designed to produce sterile flies for New World Screwworm control will open in spring 2027, earlier than previously expected. The facility is expected to produce 100 million sterile flies per week by the end of 2027, increasing to as many as 300 million weekly by the end of 2028.

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LivestockAllie Shipley
Crop Market Report - August 2026

This month’s 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook is for lower supplies, unchanged domestic use, larger exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 16.0 billion bushels, up just 13 million from last month with a 1.2-million acre increase in harvested area that was largely offset by a reduced yield forecast. This would be the second largest U.S. corn harvest on record.

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LSU AgCenterdon molino
$1.4 Billion and Counting: $5+ Diesel Squeezes Farm Margins

Since the war in Iran started in February, diesel prices have skyrocketed, deepening the financial strain on farmers’ bottom lines. In January 2026, diesel prices were $3.52 per gallon. By August, prices surged to $5.34 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Joint Economic Committee (JDC) shares that farmers in America have spent $1.4 billion more on diesel during the conflict.

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Allie Shipley
Congressman Higgins to Hold Town Hall in Crowley

Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced that he will hold a town hall meeting in Crowley on Thursday, August 13, 2026, jointly hosted by American Legion Acadia Post 15 and Harold Bossley VFW Post 6720. Congressman Higgins will answer questions and discuss his work in Congress and issues facing South Louisiana. The event is open to the public.

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Allie Shipley
Consumption of Crops Exposed to Flood Waters from Tropical Storm Arthur

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says pay close attention to the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warnings pertaining to crops exposed to flood waters as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur. The FDA’s information can be accessed at Guidance for Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption | FDA.

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LDAFAllie Shipley
Data Centers Add Pressure to Gulf Gas Demand

Data-center expansion is adding a new source of round-the-clock natural gas demand across Texas and the Gulf region. The growth could increase competition for fuel used by fertilizer plants, food processors, irrigation systems, cotton gins, and rural electric utilities.

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Allie Shipley
After Last Year’s Shock, August WASDE Faces New Uncertainties

Last year’s August WASDE report was a shock to the market—with USDA’s record 188.8 bu. per acre corn yield estimate on top of higher acreage by two million acres. This year, the yield debate heading into the August report centers on NDVI models showing above-trendline yields, while row crop ratings are well below 2025. This leaves many in the trade expecting lower yields. Still, there could be surprises on acreage or demand.

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Allie Shipley