Pasture Mealybug Update: August 19, 2026
We finally got the data back from the LSU Ag Chemistry lab evaluated imidacloprid residue in/on leaves collected 2 and 6 days after application using drop tips from a hiboy, overhead with a CO2 backpack sprayer or untreated control plants (where the hiboy went through but did not actively spray in that area). We then collected leaves (n=5 per treatment) with no visible symptoms (green), those with partial symptoms (yellowing either at the tip or along half of the leaf), and those fully yellowed.
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Sugarcane Disease Sampling and Testing
Sugarcane diseases are managed primarily through varietal resistance, which is an inherent trait that is selected by breeders with the help of plant pathologists. Resistance can be described as the ability that a variety has to fight diseases. Our sugarcane varieties in Louisiana were selected over the years to resist diseases, however, sometimes pathogens change and are able to overcome these resistant traits. Additionally, some of our varieties cannot completely resist diseases, therefore, we need to manage these diseases in an integrated way, by incorporating new management strategies in our farms.
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Louisiana Youth Mentors Honored At 4-H Hall Of Farm Ceremony
Taking the lectern at the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony, state office honoree Robert F. Richard recalled a time from the late 1980s where he met a St. Martin Parish youth who wanted to show a lamb at a livestock show like her older brother had done.
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Timber Tales Newsletter: Fall 2026
The stumpage prices below are the statewide averages and are intended to demonstrate the general trends in the market. The current value of timber can differ greatly across parishes, species, tree quality, market access, and other factors. Forest landowners considering a timber sale are encouraged to contact a consulting forester for assistance.
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Crop Market Report - August 2026
This month’s 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook is for lower supplies, unchanged domestic use, larger exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 16.0 billion bushels, up just 13 million from last month with a 1.2-million acre increase in harvested area that was largely offset by a reduced yield forecast. This would be the second largest U.S. corn harvest on record.
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LSU AgCenter Co-Hosts Louisiana Food Is Medicine Convening iIn Baton Rouge
The LSU AgCenter recently co-hosted the second Louisiana Food Is Medicine Convening in Baton Rouge in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access, also known as Well-Ahead Louisiana.
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Economic Impact of Tropical Storm Arthur on Louisiana Agriculture Exceeds $112 Million
Although a mostly disorganized system while circulating in the Gulf, Tropical Storm Arthur produced historic rainfall and widespread flooding across portions of central Louisiana on June 18 and 19. That resulted in extensive damage to agricultural production and infrastructure to the tune of more than $112 million, according to a survey conducted by the LSU AgCenter.
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Variable Rate Technology for Fertilizer Highlighted at Jeanerette Field Day
Sugarcane growers learned about a fertilizer management tool designed to improve efficiency and reduce input costs during a field day July 22 at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station.
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Update On Flood Damage In Soybeans From Tropical Storm Arthur
Tropical Storm Arthur brought historic rainfall to portions of Louisiana, with some areas reportedly receiving up to 30 inches of rain in a single day. The resulting flooding and prolonged saturated soil conditions caused widespread damage to soybean fields across the central Louisiana region.
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Tropical Storm Arthur Causes Estimated $112 Million in Losses for Louisiana Farmers
Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated $112 million loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90% of total losses. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Avoyelles received 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
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Master Farmer Program Celebrating 25 Years Of Improving Louisiana Agriculture
For 25 years, the Louisiana Master Farmer Program has helped farmers improve efficiency, sustainability and long-term productivity. A rancher in south Louisiana completed the program, which led her to make environmental improvements.
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LSU AgCenter Master Gardener Classes to Begin Across Louisiana
Louisiana residents with an interest in gardening and community service can receive specialized horticulture training through the LSU Ag Center’s Louisiana Master Gardener program.
Several regional programs are scheduled to begin in August, including a Central Louisiana class that will meet in Mansura.
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'Seeing is Believing': New tech, Methods Could Make NWLA Farmers More Money
It has been a challenging time for farmers. First tariffs, and more recently, restrictions on ships in the Strait of Hormuz carrying fertilizer or the elements and compounds in it, have increased the cost of bringing crops to harvest.
LSU Ag Center’s Dr. Peters Egbedi said farmers have dealt with the increases in different ways. Some, anticipating price hikes, purchased extra fertilizer early.
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For Louisiana Sugarcane Producers, Huge Harvest Tempered by Arrival of Invasive Insect
The predictions of a harvest increase over last year’s were undercut by the news of the arrival of a worrisome, invasive insect at the LSU AgCenter’s annual Sugar Research Station field day July 15.
At the outset of the day, AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Services is indicating a 5,000-to-6,000-acre increase over last year’s crop, with a clearer focus coming into view in August.
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