LSU AgCenter Extension Agents: Wet Conditions Causing Problems

Comments from Cooperative Extension Service Parish Agents in this week's Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition Report:

“Drying conditions over next few days should allow cattlemen to resume fertilizing ryegrass. Hay feeding continued for many as ryegrass growth has been slow. Pasture conditions should improve rapidly with adequate moisture and the milder temperatures, along with plentiful sunshine.”

– Jason Holmes, Union Parish

“All production areas are extremely wet. A very small number of corn acres were planted two weeks ago. Some rice acres have been water seeded with more being seeded this week. Hay supplies for cattle herds have been fairly well exhausted, as winter pasture plantings are offering marginal grazing. Cattle are getting thin in many areas. The crawfish catch has been slow, but producers say they are seeing improvements to their catch daily.”

– Vincent Deshotel, Saint Landry Parish

“Most producers are preparing ground to plant corn and soybeans, but continued wet conditions are making it very difficult. Some producers are applying burndown with the help of aerial applicators or smaller ground rigs. Wet conditions have slowed corn planting in our area.”

– Mark Carriere, Pointe Coupee Parish

“Rice planting is off to good start, but drier weather conditions would help. Sugarcane farmers are watching the wind and waiting for drier conditions to put out herbicides. Cattle ranchers have stopped haying as spring green-up has started.”

– Andrew Granger, Vermilion Parish

“Cooler temperatures have slowed down pastures and planting. Soil moisture is still high and slowing the progress of planting as well. Ground preparation continued where dry conditions were present.”

– Bradley Pousson, Cameron Parish