USDA Awards $51.9 Million to 29 Partnership Projects to Combat Feral Swine on American Agricultural Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $51.9 million to 29 partnership projects in 13 states to help partners respond to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. The awarded projects are part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to target feral swine.
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Joint Investigation Leads to Four Arrests in Rapides Parish
Investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), Enforcement Division, working in coordination with agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), participated in a joint operation in Rapides Parish on October 24 that resulted in four arrests and 36 citations.
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"The Sweat Don't Stop"
Eddie Lewis III’s sugar cane crop looks better than it has in years, but he’ll be lucky if he breaks even by the end of the harvest.
Diesel prices have nearly doubled since he created his budget last winter. Fertilizer costs are up 20%. And a new, invasive pest known as the pasture mealybug has led to an unexpected $25,000 pesticide bill.
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LDAF Investigation Leads To Arrest In St. Landry Parish Livestock Theft Case
An investigation by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission led to the arrest of 26-year-old Cortland C. Smith on a warrant for two counts of theft of livestock. Smith was arrested by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office on October 11, 2026.
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LDAF To Receive More Than $461,000 In Federal Funding For Louisiana Specialty Crops
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will receive $461,475.63 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support nine projects focused on marketing, consumer education and outreach, and research benefiting Louisiana's specialty crop industries.
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Louisiana Agriculture: Trade, Fuel Costs, Harvest Safety and Fall Crops
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss agriculture, international trade and the challenges facing Louisiana farmers. Strain highlighted efforts to strengthen Louisiana’s relationship with the United Kingdom through a new Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission.
Louisiana already exports billions of dollars in goods to the U.K., including rice, beef, wood pellets, cotton, soybeans and petrochemicals.
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According to Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain, 2026 Louisiana Sugarcane Harvesting Season is Going Well
The Louisiana Sugarcane harvest is underway and the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Mike Strain, says it is going well. Heading into the season there was a concern about the pasture mealybug, an invasive species first identified in Louisiana last year. Strain says the small, white pest likes to drink sugar.
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US Secretary of Agriculture Visits Louisiana Sugarcane Industry, Announces Support for LSU Research
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Louisiana’s sugarcane industry Friday, touring the Louisiana Sugar Cane Cooperative (LASUCA) in St. Martin Parish and meeting with Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and industry leaders to discuss the state’s agricultural economy and challenges facing farmers.
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LDAF Brand Inspectors Arrest Bastrop Man for Theft of Livestock
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission inspectors have arrested a 51-year-old Bastrop man on three counts of theft of livestock following an investigation involving registered Highland cattle.
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Crews Contain 32-acre Brush Fire in Ouachita Parish
Ouachita Parish firefighters, with assistance from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, contained a 32-acre brush fire in southwest Ouachita Parish.
The fire was brought under control within a few hours following a quick response from local crews and resources. Smoke from burning material inside the firebreak may remain visible in the area for several days.
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LDAF Enforcement Agents Arrest Suspect in Rapides Parish Timber Theft Investigation
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Enforcement agents have arrested a Vernon Parish man following an investigation into an alleged timber theft in Rapides Parish.
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Inaugural National Service Award Recognizes State Agriculture Commissioners
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture commenced a new, annual “Years of Service Ceremony” to honor NASDA members for years of service to their states and the organization at its 2026 annual meeting.
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LDAF Enforcement Agents Arrest Colfax Man for Simple Arson
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Enforcement agents have arrested a 38-year-old Colfax man in connection with an investigation into a wildfire in Rapides Parish.
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NOTICE: Emergency Rule - Weights and Measures - Fuel Waiver
In accordance with the emergency provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:962, and under the authority of R.S. 3:4608 and 4680, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry declares an emergency to exist and adopts by emergency process the attached regulations for the suspension of rules governing the sale of gasoline with ethanol blending limits and reid vapor pressure (RVP).
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Firefighters Respond to 22 Wildfires as Dry Conditions Persist Across Louisiana
Officials reported that firefighters responded to 22 wildfires in Louisiana over the weekend as dry conditions persist this summer.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry stated that over 109 acres burned. Officials warned that contained fires can reignite and urged people to be cautious with activities that could start a fire.
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