The fertilizer and fuel price spikes squeezing U.S. agriculture are not a regional story. They are reshaping farm balance sheets from the Mid-South to the Midwest, and an LSU agricultural economist says the relief producers are hoping for is unlikely to come fast.
Read MoreWhen Leah Carter visits rural towns across Louisiana in her role as the LSU AgCenter’s community and economic development specialist, she makes it a point to ask residents what issues they believe are holding their communities back.
Read MoreThe Rice Delphacid (RD) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on rice and other grasses. It was first recorded in Texas in 2015 and has since become a recurring rice pest in Texas rice belt. In Louisiana, RD was detected in July 2025 (first record in >70 years), with initial finds in Tensas Parish and later detections on ratoon rice across the state. This factsheet summarizes key identification and biology, typical damage symptoms, and guidance for scouting.
Read MoreAcross Louisiana, school gardens are increasingly used as outdoor classrooms, providing students with hands-on learning in science, nutrition and food systems. To support this work, the LSU AgCenter is hosting its annual Farm to School Garden Leadership Workshop later this month in Baton Rouge, offering educators training to build and sustain school gardens while integrating them into classroom instruction.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture hosted the third annual LSU AgExcellence Awards Ceremony, presented by A. Wilbert’s Sons, on May 1, at the South Stadium Club in Tiger Stadium. The event was led by Senior Vice Chancellor and Dean Matt Lee and emceed by State Rep. Dixon McMakin, the Voice of Tiger Stadium, and celebrated individuals whose leadership and service advanced agriculture, research, education and communities across Louisiana.
Read MoreMaintaining herd health is one of the most important responsibilities of any rancher. As part of a Beef Quality Assurance certification, participants heard some of the latest trends regarding herd health. LSU AgCenter reporter Craig Gautreaux has the story from Evangeline Parish.
Read MoreThe pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) is an invasive insect pest associated with pasture dieback and damage to a range of grasses. In Louisiana, it was confirmed in 2025 from sugarcane fields in Vermilion and Iberia Parishes.
Read MoreLouisiana soybean farmers are moving quickly to get this year’s crop planted during a key window for yield potential.
Read MoreMakayla Rhodes, a high school senior and 4-H member from Terrebonne Parish, made history last month as one of the first painters to be invited to the 4-H Spark Celebration at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Read MoreLouisiana farmers are facing a tough start to the 2026 season, with early pest pressure in cotton, emerging concerns like corn leafhopper, and significant crop damage from a mid-March freeze that forced widespread corn replanting—estimated at 60–70% of acres. Dry conditions and rising irrigation costs are adding pressure, while proper cover crop management remains important to limit pests. Despite setbacks, soybean acreage is expected to increase, and early signs show soybeans may recover from freeze damage if conditions improve.
Read MoreAs spring conditions continue to favor insect activity, the LSU AgCenter Field Crop IPM Team conducted an insect pest survey in 15 parishes to document insect pests present in vegetation adjacent to row crop fields. Using sweepnet, we sampled multiple vegetation types (including rye, oats, clovers, hairy vetch, and mixed grasses) at 39 sites.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter participates as a member of the S-1069 group (a national group to promote remote sensing with drones across the country) and we partly contributed to this handbook, so feel free to download.
Read MoreThis year’s crawfish season is shaping up to be a mixed bag. Farmers are in the middle of peak harvest, but the catch so far has been average, with several challenges impacting production.
Read MoreLouisiana State University AgCenter researchers have confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect in Louisiana sugarcane fields. The pasture mealybug was detected in Vermilion and Iberia parishes late last year, raising concerns among growers, ranchers and researchers.
Read MoreCover crops are an important off-season tool for farmers looking to improve soil fertility, reduce erosion and manage nitrogen, all while creating an ecosystem for pollinators and other beneficial insects to thrive.
However, they can also be a “green bridge” for undesirable pests like the redbanded stinkbug.
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