Louisiana County Agents Say Dry Weather is a Huge Help

Dry weather conditions are allowing farmers and ranchers to make up for time lost earlier this year because of a very wet spring and summer, according to Louisiana County Agent comments in the latest Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition Report.

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents

“A week of very good harvesting weather really moved soybean harvest along. Sweet potatoes are being harvested with little to no issues.” – Bruce Garner, West Carroll Parish

“Drier conditions last week allowed farmers to catch up on harvesting soybeans and planting sugarcane. Hay producers have also been able to get into the fields and cut hay.” – Mark Carriere, Pointe Coupee Parish

“A dry week has facilitated rapid progress in sugarcane planting, soybean harvesting and hay baling. Sugarcane grinding season will start Wednesday, September 20th at our local sugarcane mill. Most sugarcane growers have finished or will finish planting shortly. Some sugarcane fields are getting a little dry for ideal planting conditions. Sugarcane appears to have good early sugar and tonnage. Cattle producers are preparing fall pastures for cool-season forage planting. Pecans are starting to drop from trees. Early nuts appear to have some quality issues.” – Stuart Gauthier, Saint Martin Parish

“Soybean harvest is underway. Ratoon rice crop is requiring irrigating due to dry conditions. Farmers were able to perform fieldwork including leveling. Hay producers are finally making progress.” – Todd Fontenot, Evangeline Parish

“Improved weather conditions allowed for sugarcane farmers to make excellent progress with planting. Some plant cane lodged but still has very respectful planting ratios. Area mills should start sugarcane harvest around October first. Ripener applications are on schedule.” – Blair Hebert, Iberia Parish