Despite Federal Shutdown, Farm Offices Reopen in Louisiana at Critical Moment as Harvest Wraps
Offices that farmers count on for low-interest loans and disaster relief programs have reopened, even as the federal government shutdown drags on.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the reopening of 2,100 offices of the Farm Service Agency across the country at a crucial time for row crop farmers who are wrapping up the harvest, deciding whether to sell or store and planning for the next growing season.
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Higgins, Governor Landry, USDA Secretary Rollins, and Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain Hold Roundtable Discussion with Louisiana Farmers
Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain held a roundtable discussion with Louisiana farmers, cattlemen, and aquaculture reps, focused on strengthening the state’s agricultural industry.
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ULM Toxicology Faculty Awarded EPA Grant to Monitor Water Quality
The ULM Toxicology faculty have been awarded a grant in the amount of $134,299 to conduct water quality monitoring in the Upper Bayou Lafourche watershed. The funding source is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with a sub-grant agreement with the Gulf of America Alliance and the Morehouse Soil & Water Conservation District. This project will determine current water quality conditions in the Bayou Lafourche watershed and indicate potential changes in water quality, i.e., nutrient reduction, due to Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented by area farmers and landowners. ULM Toxicology will sample monthly for three years after BMP implementation has concluded.
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Louisiana Receives Crop Block Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has awarded the La. Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) over $386,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding. This USDA grant will enable the LDAF to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research initiatives. Specialty crops include “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture,” as defined by the USDA.
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Increasing Threat of Wildfires Leads Louisiana Ag Commissioner to Issue Warning
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of Louisiana is abnormally dry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says last week alone, 43 wildfires broke out which consumed 274 acres.
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Impact Of Government Shutdown On Loans And Aid For North Louisiana's Farmers
North Louisiana fields are busy with harvest and fall planting decisions, yet a possible federal shutdown would tangle that work with red tape and uncertainty. The issue is not politics. It is timing.
Farmers live by seasons and cash flow. When federal services pause, everyday decisions about credit, insurance, and marketing get harder across Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, and the Delta parishes.
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Hopes Are High for The Next Crawfish Season
Dr. Mike Strain joins the show to share updates on Louisiana’s agriculture and fire prevention efforts. He began by celebrating the abundance of certified Louisiana seafood, especially shrimp and the upcoming crawfish season. With over 360,000 acres of farmed crawfish and favorable weather, the state anticipates a strong harvest with larger crawfish and lower prices, potentially around $2.34 per pound. Louisiana leads the nation in aquaculture, including oysters and crawfish, which are vital to its economy.
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Let’s Grow Together, Farmer Resource Fair
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Strategic Partnerships and Veterans Outreach Program is set to host a Farmer Resource Fair.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into available grants and loan opportunities, as well as strategies to enhance farming benefits.
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USDA Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Funding Awarded To Louisiana
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has awarded the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) over $386,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding.
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LDAF Forestry Enforcement And Fire Crews Participate In National Hunting And Fishing Day
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Forestry Enforcement Division and Fire Management teams proudly participated in National Hunting and Fishing Day festivities held this past weekend in Woodworth, Louisiana.
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LDAF’s Strategic Partnerships And Veteran Outreach To Host Farmer Resource Fair October 9
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Strategic Partnerships and Veteran Outreach program will host a Farmer Resource Fair on Thursday, October 9, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station located at 262 Research Station Drive in Bossier City.
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Livestock Brand Commission To Host Saddle Microchipping Event This Friday
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission will host its next saddle microchipping event on Friday, September 19, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the Raceland Ag Building located at 115 Texas Street in Raceland, Louisiana.
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Mexican Importers Learn U.S. Vessel Export Procedures to Streamline Agricultural Trade
in August, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) welcomed a team of 11 Mexican grain importers to New Orleans to offer a better understanding of U.S. grain export procedures, regulatory frameworks, logistics and operations in maritime shipping.
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Livestock Brand Commission To Host Saddle Microchipping Event September 19
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission will host its next saddle microchipping event on Friday, September 19, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the Raceland Ag Building located at 115 Texas Street in Raceland, Louisiana.
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Grants & Funding From LDAF
Get funding and other assistance for farming, firefighting, forestry, business recovery, and more.
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