From rooting up crops to destroying farm infrastructure, Louisiana’s growing population of feral hogs causes $91.1 million in damage to agricultural and timber lands each year, according to a newly released LSU AgCenter estimate.

Based on responses to a 2021 survey, the study found that hog damage costs landowners $66.2 million in crop losses and $24.9 million in other expenses annually.

Described as a “visionary” and “inspiration” by colleagues, Saralene Seals was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in a ceremony held earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

The link to the Louisiana Crops Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 9 - October 2022 is below.

According to the latest Beige Book published by the Federal Reserve, the Sixth District (Atlanta) observed that demand for agricultural products remained strong and that hot weather and dry conditions damaged crop yields, especially corn, in many areas of the District.

Three young chefs from Winn Parish brought home the Reserve Grand Champion award in the National Food Challenge contest at the Texas State Fair in Dallas on Oct. 4.

Claire Zak, LSU AgCenter Food and Fitness Board administrator and coordinator of the Louisiana 4-H Healthy Living program, said this is a major accomplishment because it is the first year for Louisiana 4-H to enter the competition.

This newsletter contains a summary of ag policy-related issues from the recent quarter.

More than a dozen LSU AgCenter scientists will give presentations on their work during a set of conferences to be held early next year in Baton Rouge.

The 26th annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, Southern Soybean and Corn Conference, Delta States Irrigation Conference and Southern Precision Ag Conference will take place Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Crowne Plaza hotel conference center.

If you happen to be taking a walk in the all-too-brief temperate weather of October in Louisiana and stumble upon a tree with wide leaves and beautiful, yellow-orange fruit, don’t think about picking one and taking a bite. You will be in for a bitter disappointment.

The LSU AgCenter, and the LA Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will be hosting a workshop to enable agricultural landowners to burn their lands safely and legally, October 18 starting at 8:30 at 176 Research Station Road, Leesville, LA 71446.