U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development recently announced nearly $25 billion in rural community investments nationwide in fiscal year 2026. These projects strengthen essential infrastructure, expand housing and business opportunities, and ensure rural families and farmers have the tools they need to succeed.
Read MoreThe Rice Stewardship Partnership has secured $8.9 million through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to support shallow water flooding of harvested rice fields across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. USA Rice will serve as lead partner for the project, building on its longstanding collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and other conservation and industry partners to deliver resources to rice producers.
The project will provide financial and technical assistance to producers who manage their fields for migratory bird habitat following harvest. Mississippi will serve as the lead state, with the project covering rice-producing areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and selected counties in Illinois.
Read MoreToday, President Trump announced the America First Seafood Strategy, a key directive under the president’s Executive Order Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. NOAA plays a key role in the Strategy, which details a coordinated federal plan to expand domestic seafood production, modernize infrastructure, improve market access for American harvesters and processors, and ensure fair competition in U.S. and international markets.
Read MoreToday, Interior Secretary Burgum signed a Secretarial Order (SO) directing the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to increase grazing access, promote healthy rangelands, and help reduce catastrophic wildfires on public lands. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) support streamlining grazing access to improve range and pastureland health and fully utilize vacant land that will also help strengthen rancher efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. Today’s announcement is in line with PLC and NCBA’s support for the October 2025 Grazing Action Plan and DOI-U.S. Department of Agriculture Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year that improves coordination between the two departments to more effectively operate the federal lands grazing programs.
Read MoreUSDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced corrections to its September 2026 Crop Production report on Oct. 23 following concerns about differences between its September and October corn estimates. In a follow-up notice on Oct. 24, NASS explained that incorrect acreage weights had been used to combine irrigated and non-irrigated corn observations in Kansas and Nebraska. The error affected September plant populations and ear counts, resulting in revisions to state-level yields and production, as well as national estimates and 10-state objective-yield averages.
Read MoreMany across Southwest Louisiana are dealing with dry conditions. According to the National Weather Service, it’s the driest 60-day period since 1991.
Raising cattle has been a Cole family tradition for years.
The family also owns a pumpkin patch. Shane Cole, farming ranch property manager, said maintaining both during drought conditions tests his patience and passion every day.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $65 million in 34 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
Read MoreUnder the tapestry of a picturesque Acadia Parish evening sky, the LSU AgCenter held its 2026 Southwest Louisiana Drone Conference, welcoming producers from across the state to learn about the latest technological advances to assist them in many of their farming needs.
Read MoreThe Southern University Ag Center will host its Annual Fall Garden Workshop on November 24, 2026 at the M. A. Edmond Livestock Arena’s Multi-Purpose Building, 14600 Scenic Hwy., in Baton Rouge from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
This year's workshop is themed, “Every Drop Counts: Water” and will focus on the topics of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), agricultural irrigation techniques, water-wise gardening practices, and livestock and water management.
Read MoreGenevieve Lyons, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her throughout her life.
She devoted her life to God, family, agriculture, and service. For 57 years, she shared an enduring marriage with Daniel Lyons. Together they built a successful farm and a life rooted in faith, hard work, hospitality, and community.
Read MoreU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced an investment of over $325 million in 42 projects to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners boost their operations and conserve natural resources across the nation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Read MoreLouisiana FFA members, advisors, staff, and supporters were recognized numerous times at the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo held in Indianapolis on October 21-24. FFA members from across the state participated in many competitive events, and top honors were taken home throughout the week.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking deer hunters to review the regulations for Chronic Wasting Disease Management zones before heading to the field. Deer Program Manager, Brad Kennon, says CWD Management Zones are smaller this year.
Read MoreThe Southern University Ag Center will host its 4th Annual Calf Roping on the Bluff on November 22, 2026 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, in Baton Rouge 70807. Books will open at 9 a.m. and roping will begin at 10 a.m.
Read MoreThe date of the second session of the Southern University Ag Center’s Growing Rural Opportunities through Workforce and Business Development, Louisiana (GROW LA) initiative, in partnership with the City of Ville Platte, has been changed to October 29, 2026.
The session, which was originally scheduled for October 28, will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Ville Platte Civic Center – Northside, located at 704 North Soileau St.
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