Firefly populations have hit historically low numbers in Louisiana and other parts of the country where fireflies are native. The Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. Aaron Ashbrook, the urban and peri-urban extension entomologist at the LSU AgCenter, says part of that plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 1,500 square-foot area.
Read MoreLSU AgCenter scientists and researchers are constantly on the lookout for invasive pests that can decimate crops and herds and lead to significant financial losses for farmers and the local economy.
Read MoreThis month’s 2025/26 U.S. corn outlook is for greater exports and lower ending stocks. Exports rose 125 million bushels to 3.2 billion reflecting shipments to date. Export inspection data showed robust foreign demand during November and implies total shipments during the September-November quarter will likely exceed 800 million bushels, surpassing the prior high set during 2007.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter will hold its third annual Louisiana Agricultural Outlook Forum Jan. 22.
The free event will be held at the State Evacuation Shelter, 8125 U.S. Highway 71, south of Alexandria. Doors will open for registration at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin shortly thereafter and run until 2 p.m. with a break for a provided lunch.
Read MoreCorn hybrid performance is annually evaluated in official hybrid trials (OHTs) by LSU AgCenter researchers to provide Louisiana farmers, seedsmen, county agents and consultants with unbiased performance data for commercial corn hybrids submitted for evaluation by private companies. Selection of superior hybrids that are well adapted for a given region is essential for maximizing yield and profit.
Read MoreFor more than four decades, Ronnie Levy has been a steadfast presence in Louisiana agriculture, shaping its growth and guiding its future. Levy joined the LSU AgCenter in 1979, and throughout that time, he worked in various roles including county agent; soybean, corn and grain sorghum specialist; and interim regional director for the Central Region. But it is his work in rice that will crown his career.
Read MoreRow-crop producers across the South faced another difficult year in 2025. Weather challenges led to wide yield variability across much of the region. Even where yields were strong, low commodity prices and persistently high input costs kept margins tight, leaving many operations near or below breakeven for a third straight year. Shifts in acreage were common, with corn gaining ground at the expense of cotton and, in some areas, soybeans.
Read MoreAs families prepare their homes for the holidays, the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Research and Education Center encourages residents to keep safety at top of mind while choosing decor
Read MoreWith November coming to a close and the cooler winter months rolling in, it’s time to start planting.
Despite misconceptions, the prime time to plant fruits and vegetables is the late fall, not the spring.
“You want to get them out during this cold season,” said Denyse Cummins, an extension horticulturalist at the LSU AgCenter.
Read MoreUSA Rice partnered with Louisiana State University (LSU) for the University’s Thankful Celebration, an on-campus food festival that brings together global food traditions, student creativity, and campus-wide community support. At this year’s event, USA Rice teamed up with LSU dining services to host an International Rice Dish Challenge and invited student teams to submit and develop rice-based recipes inspired by global cuisines.
Read MoreLots of people are interested in attracting wildlife to their landscapes. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or simply delight in seeing squirrels frolic in the trees, there are things you can do to make an area more enticing to all sorts of animals.
Food, shelter and water are the bare necessities for any life — and to draw in wildlife visitors, you need to provide all three of these elements.
Read MoreEvery year, parties and get-togethers for the holidays are an important tradition that brings abundant joy — and serious anxiety — into people's lives.
One of these stressors is always on the wallet, but Sandra May, LSU AgCenter curriculum coordinator for nutrition and community health programs, said there are easy ways to alleviate some of these issues.
Read MoreThe Henderson Project 4-H Community Club recently demonstrated the true spirit of service by feeding homeless people in Monroe, through a partnership with The Simple Project — an outreach that provides meals, clothing and compassion to those less fortunate.
Read MoreA dedicated group of researchers are behind the sweet potato casserole that will grace many Louisiana tables on Thanksgiving. At the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, scientists have developed sweet potato varieties that have ample sweetness for consumers, ideal shape for processors and high yields for farmers.
Read MoreThis report contains the latest supply and use estimates for the corn, soybean, rice, and cotton markets.
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