The Louisiana Master Farmer Program, an LSU AgCenter-led initiative that teaches about conservation, recently graduated its 2020 class. Five new Master Farmer certifications as well as 14 recertifications were awarded Jan. 13 during a virtual meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts. Also, Mead Hardwick, of Tensas Parish, was named the 2020 Louisiana Outstanding Master Farmer.
Read MoreDr. Don Groth, a Louisiana State University AgCenter plant pathologist, will retire in January after 37 years. The university in December posted a notice for assistant or associate plant pathology professor to be based at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Crowley.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter is conducting a training for those certified pesticide applicators with category 1 and 10, agricultural consultants and RUP Salespersons whose certification will expire before February 2022 must attend one of these recertification conferences.
Read MoreIntegrating winter cover crops into an agricultural system is not new, but the potential for improved soil health and crop production have renewed producer interest over the past decade. According to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture survey, cover crop acreage increased by 50% between 2012 and 2017 across the United States and includes expansion of acreage in the Mid-South.
Read MoreWith the growing global population and intense variability in climate, there is a mounting need for environmentally and economically sustainable production practices to support the increasing need for food and fibers.
Read MoreAnyone who has ever visited the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center or the neighboring campus of LSU Alexandria has probably noticed — and maybe even stopped to snap a photo of — a pair of huge live oaks that stand in a field behind an office building.
Read MoreThe December 2020 Price & Production Summary gives prices for cattle, poultry, hogs and dairy.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter is planning to shift most of the rice meetings it holds each winter to a virtual format this year. Topics will include rice economics, pest control, fertilization, variety development, soybeans and crawfish. Presentations for Evangeline, Acadia, Jefferson Davis and the rest of southwest Louisiana will be online. Videos can be accessed via the internet at an address to be provided soon.
Read MoreBrian Gautreau, LSU AgCenter youth wetlands and education outreach program coordinator said the curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to provide an opportunity for students to complete the lessons digitally.
Read MoreA new farmers market launched in Labadieville in November. The weekly market is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cookie’s Thrift Store, located at 3218 Louisiana Hwy. 1.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter recently held a series of virtual webinars to prepare those working with youth to recognize trauma and how to help. The Helping Communities Cope training was offered to help 4-H agents across the state who are noticing the impact of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes on youth and communities, said LSU AgCenter regional 4-H coordinator Lanette Hebert.
Read MoreFollowing a House vote of 359 ‘yeas’ to 53 ‘nays’, the Senate voted 92-6 on December 21, 2020 in favor of both the $892 billion coro-navirus aid linked with a $1.4 trillion spending bill that will fund the government through September. The 5,593-page bill funds the federal government for fiscal year 2021 and includes extensions of tax incentives for biofuels and renewable biofuels, new benefits for rural health providers, and a two-year water resources authorization bill that could accelerate reconstruction of waterway projects.
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