The Year that Stunned Louisiana: An Oral History of the LSU AgCenter Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

When Hurricane Katrina hit the coast on Aug. 29 and Hurricane Rita followed on Sept. 24, much of south Louisiana sustained tremendous damage. The storms caused more than 1,100 deaths, according to the Louisiana Department of Health; displaced several communities; and led to $108 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service. LSU AgCenter economists estimated that the state’s agricultural sectors sustained nearly $1.6 billion in losses from the storms.  

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Case Farms Acquires Foster Farms’ Louisiana Operations

Case Farms has completed the acquisition of Foster Farms’ Farmerville, Louisiana complex, marking a strategic expansion of its poultry operations.

The deal covers the Farmerville Fresh Chicken, Prepared Foods and Protein Conversion facilities, along with a feed mill in Arcadia and a hatchery in Athens, Louisiana. Both companies said they will work to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers and suppliers.

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Rice Delphacid Detected In Louisiana For The First Time In >70 years

An invasive insect pest of rice, the rice Delphacid (Tagosodes orizicolus), has been detected in Louisiana. No adverse impacts on rice have been observed in Louisiana as yet, but the detection is certainly a concern. The inset is a major pest of rice in Texas, particularly late-planted and second crop rice.

Specimens were first detected in July in Tensas Parish. Subsequent surveys detected an infestation in western Calcasieu Parish, but its distribution in the State remains largely unknown. It was not detected during initial observations in other areas of northeast or southwest Louisiana, but its occurrence in those are still being investigated. Producers in Calcasieu and Tensas Parishes should exercise caution to avoid additional spread. Rice straw or hay should not be moved out of these Parishes. Producers in other Parishes that detect possible Delphacid infestations should report the sites to LSU AgCenter extension agents. 

More information on rice delphacid biology and management can be found on the LSU AgCenter website.

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Louisiana Students Invited To Celebrate Agriculture In Annual Farm To School Art Contest

In honor of National Farm to School Month this October, Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and the LSU AgCenter are inviting K through 12 students across Louisiana to showcase their creativity in the 2025 Louisiana Farm to School Art Contest. Students are encouraged to explore Louisiana agriculture and create artwork featuring foods grown in the state, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood.

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USDA Youth Loans

FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.

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Statement from EPA, DEQ, and LDH Regarding Environmental Safety Following Smitty’s Supply Facility Fire

In coordination with local, state, and federal officials, environmental sampling and analysis have been conducted following the fire at the Smitty’s Supply Facility. Based on the data currently available, there is no indication of any imminent threat to public health from the soot or smoke residue deposited in the surrounding area.

Out of an abundance of caution, residents are advised to take general hygiene precautions, including washing any outside surfaces that may have been impacted by soot or smoke and practicing good handwashing after contact with outdoor surfaces.

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Avery Davidson
SU Ag Center to Host its 20th Annual Business Development & Procurement Conference

The Southern University Ag Center will host its 20th Annual Business Development and Procurement Conference October 27-29, 2025. The conference, themed “A Legacy of Leadership: 20 Years of Innovation and Impact,” will be held on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge, La.

Whether your business is just a dream waiting to be launched or an established enterprise ready to scale, the 20th Annual Business Development and Procurement Conference is the place to be.

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Louisiana Students Invited to Celebrate Agriculture in Annual Farm to School Art Contest

In honor of National Farm to School Month this October, Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and the LSU AgCenter are inviting K through 12 students across Louisiana to showcase their creativity in the 2025 Louisiana Farm to School Art Contest. Students are encouraged to explore Louisiana agriculture and create artwork featuring foods grown in the state, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood.

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