The Farm Bill is Years Overdue
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain discussing the importance of self-reliance and the Farm Bill. Strain emphasizes the need for countries to achieve self-reliance to buy American products, highlighting the strength of the U.S. dollar. He notes that while countries need to be self-reliant, the U.S. must help them achieve this to maintain trade relationships.
Strain outlines the U.S. strategy to diversify trade by engaging with smaller, less-traveled countries, moving away from reliance on major partners like China.
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Avian Influenza Detected In Second Louisiana Backyard Flock
On December 13, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced the detection of the first presumptive positive human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana. Following a report of increased mortality in the non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) on the property in southwest Louisiana, testing by Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the flock.
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Bird Flu Found in SWLA Backyard Flock After Person Hospitalized
Bird flu has been detected in a backyard flock in Southwest Louisiana after a person exposed to the flock tested positive for the illness.
The SWLA resident was the first person in the state diagnosed with H5N1 and became the first person in the U.S. with a severe case of the disease in the current outbreak. They are hospitalized in Louisiana in critical condition, health officials said Wednesday.
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Avian Influenza Found in Louisiana Backyard Flock; Producers Urged to Take Precautions
Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza in a backyard flock in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. The backyard flock owner alerted the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry of increased mortality in the backyard flock. Following an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry).
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Deadline Extended: Apprenticeship Project For Growing Beekeepers & Honey Producers In Louisiana
The deadline to apply for the Apprenticeship Project for Growing Beekeepers and Honey Producers in Louisiana is now December 6th.
The LDAF announced the opportunity to participate in the Apprenticeship Project for Growing Beekeepers and Honey Producers in Louisiana last week.
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Ag Commissioner Mike Strain Heading to the U.K.
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is set to visit the UK to promote Louisiana spices, meet agricultural officials, and tour farms and other agricultural sites. Strain highlights the UK’s extensive agricultural land, with 71% dedicated to farming, focusing on staple crops like wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. He also notes that UK’s top export is…
“…Beverages…oh yeah. So maybe there might be a little Guinness there I heard. Maybe, a little Guinness and a few other things.”
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Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Deer in Jeff Davis Parish
Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in a deer in Acadiana, officials said.
LSU’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, in coordination with the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, confirmed a positive CWD test Nov. 7 from a deer carcass at a deer farm in Jeff Davis Parish.
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How is this Most Recent Drought Affecting the Ark-La-Miss
It has been very dry the month of October as rain has been very hard to come by. Drought conditions have followed behind and although not usually ideal for the area, the time of year might be ideal for these conditions.
With the recent lack of rain most areas are seeing drought conditions within their area, especially further towards the northwest. However because of the timing of the year with this drought, conditions might ideal for at least right now.
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How This Current Drought Can Affect Our Crops in the Coming Year
It’s hard to remember the last time our area received rain. Sept. 5 was officially the last time Southwest Louisiana saw significant rainfall. The worsening drought is a real worry for local farmers, especially crawfish farmers. But right now, it’s nothing like last year’s extreme drought.
State agriculture commissioner Dr. Mike Strain said we can’t afford a repeat of last year.
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LDAF Fights Highway 67 Fires, Urges Vigilance In Continued Dry Conditions
On October 22, numerous wildfires were reported along Highway 67 in Clinton, Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) fire crew personnel, along with local firefighters and several Mississippi fire departments, worked tirelessly to extinguish the fires.
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Multiple Fires North of Clinton Under Control, Roadway Back Open
Officials in Clinton worked multiple brush fires just north of the town Tuesday evening.
About 10 to 15 fires were set for about five miles on the west side of LA 67 going toward LA 432.
Department of Agriculture and Forestry officials said the fires were not arson, and likely a mechanical failure.
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Burn Bans Across the ArkLaTex Increase; Sabine Added
The fire danger is growing increasingly worse across the ArkLaTex.
Sabine Parish was added to the list Monday.
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Burn Bans Across the ArkLaTex; Bossier, Natchitoches, DeSoto Added
The fire danger is growing increasingly worse across the ArkLaTex.
The latest to be added are Bossier and Natchitoches parishes.
Bossier Parish Police Jury President Philip Rodgers issued a state of emergency burn ban for the parish beginning Wednesday at the request of parish fire chiefs due to extreme heat and a lack of rainfall in the area.
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Local Farmers, State Officials Stress Importance of a New Farm Bill
An important deadline for congress has passed.
On Sept. 30, the current farm bill expired, leaving many in the agriculture industry concerned about what the future holds.
“Farmers aren’t going to stop working. We can’t this isn’t a wait and see type of deal. Lawmakers have that luxury. Farmers do not,” said farmer Brandon Vail.
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Protecting Farm Equipment During Post-harvest Season
According to the Louisiana State Department of Agriculture and Forestry, farmers can risk thousands of dollars if their equipment doesn’t get stored properly during off-season.
Commissioner Mike Strain of the department told KNOE Tuesday morning that even though farmers are still active in the fields during this time of year, they should be thinking about how they’re going to store their equipment to avoid rodent damage, which can become costly.
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