How Drought is Destroying the US Crawfish Sector
Over the past decade, crawfish (often known as crayfish outside the US) production in Louisiana and the surrounding region has grown to become, arguably, the second most valuable sector in US aquaculture behind only catfish. This low-input, environmentally sustainable industry is based on management practices that mimic natural hydrological and vegetative cycles. It is also, however, greatly influenced by the weather and when normal precipitation patterns are disrupted crawfish populations (and harvests) can be significantly impacted. This 2023- 2024 season is a sobering illustration of how severe those impacts can be.
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US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Invest $166,668 to Louisiana State University through Rural Energy of America Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Louisiana State Director, Deidre Deculus Robert, will announce that USDA will invest $166,668 to Louisiana State University through the Rural Energy of America Program – Technical Assistance Grant (REAP TAG).
These funds will provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems, like solar, and energy efficiency measures. This investment not only help producers and small businesses lower energy costs, but also access new markets and strengthen their operations.
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Lee Touts LSU AgCenter, College Of Agriculture Successes In Spring Update
Speaking from a bustling John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum during another successful AgMagic, Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture, highlighted many achievements during a virtual statewide spring update March 22.
After inviting AgMagic coordinator Hannah Devall to acknowledge the 7,000 teachers, students and volunteers who participated in this year’s event, Lee spoke about the impact of AgCenter research.
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LSU AgCenter Mentor Helps Student Win Accolades With Innovative Catfish Experiment
Under the watchful eye of her mentor, Lily May carefully measured catfish fillets, powdered gelatin and water. May was preparing an experiment to test the effects of coatings on the omega-3 fatty acids in refrigerated catfish.
May’s mentor, Evelyn Watts, a seafood extension specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, has supervised graduate and undergraduate students conducting research in her lab, but May, a junior at St. Joseph’s Academy, was the first high school student Watts has worked with.
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Cover Crop Field Day Scheduled For Thursday
The 2024 Soil Health and Cover Crop Fielkd Tour is set for Thursday, March 28 at the Northeast Research Station, on HIghway 605 in St. Jo; Registration begins at 8 AM with the program getting underwayiat 8:30.
Lunch will be served.
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Newly Developed Vaccine By LSU Researcher Could Save US Cattle Industry Millions
The cattle industry is losing $1 billion each year with no end in sight. One researcher believes his team can help save it.
Shafiqul Chowdhury, a professor of molecular and researcher at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, has developed a new vaccine that could prevent the spread of bovine respiratory disease.
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Harvesting Knowledge: AgMagic Cultivates Understanding of Louisiana Agriculture
The LSU AgCenter in partnership with nonprofit 4-H is hosting “AgMagic,” an educational event at the Parker Coliseum. This interactive experience, designed to educate children about Louisiana agriculture and wildlife, expects to attract thousands over its weeklong run.
The event began March 18 and will last until March 24, with March 18-22 reserved for school groups visiting from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and March 23-24 being open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Master Farmer Program 2024 Phase 1 Traianing
The 2024 Master Farmer Program Phase One Training sessions have now been set.
Pre-registration is required, and a minimum of five participants per session is also required.
Lunch and refreshments will be served and the program is being sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.
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LSU-Developed Vaccine Could Save U.S. Cattle Industry $1 Billion Annually
An LSU researcher has developed a new vaccine against bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and related illnesses that kill around 8 million calves each year and cost the U.S. cattle industry more than $1 billion.
Most cattle producers now use a commercially available modified live BRD vaccine containing several live viruses (a cocktail) to protect their herds. Still, the diseases kill more than one out of every five calves.
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Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction has Three Inductees in 2024 Class
Three individuals who have made contributions to advancing agriculture in Louisiana are the newest inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. One inductee, former North Louisiana Congressman and Physician Dr. Ralph Abraham served the largest agricultural district in the nation.
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Crop Market Update for Corn, Soybean, Rice, and Cotton: March 2024
The WASDE’s March outlook for 2023/24 U.S. corn remains relative to last month. The season-average corn price for producers has been lowered to $4.75 per bushel based on observed prices to date.
The outlook for U.S. soybean supply and use for 2023/24 also remains unchanged for March. While soybean crush is unchanged, the soybean meal extraction rate has been bumped up slightly, and soybean meal exports are mostly higher due to lower domestic use. The U.S. season-average soybean price forecast stays unchanged at $12.65 per bushel.
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Congresswoman Julia Letlow Announces Over $37 Million in Community Project Funding For the Fifth District and Hundreds of Millions in Funding for Louisiana
Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) announced she secured $37.39 million in community project funding that will directly go back to the Fifth District of Louisiana. In addition, hundreds of millions in programmatic funding will benefit the State of Louisiana in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
Congresswoman Letlow requested and received funding for the Fifth District and State through the following subcommittees: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
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Revival Of An Ancient Crop: Industrial Hemp
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) was legalized for commercial production in Louisiana under the supervision of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry in 2019. Following legalization of hemp, the LSU AgCenter Industrial Hemp Working Group (IHWG) was established to conduct research, establish production practices and perform extension activities for Louisiana.
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Talent Pool: STEM Youth Make a Splash at the SeaPerch Regional Competition
Louisiana 4-H recently hosted 22 teams from 10 parishes at the LSU Natatorium for the SeaPerch regional competition, a showcase for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, programs.
SeaPerch challenges youth to build and engineer a submersible, remotely operated vehicle to complete a series of underwater challenges. More than 100 competed in this second year Louisiana 4-H has put on the event.
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Targeting Insects In Louisiana Hemp
Research efforts across all aspects of hemp production are currently needed to aid in the successful reestablishment and long-term success of this crop in the U.S. A 2020 survey of licensed U.S. hemp farmers determined one of the most challenging aspects of production was the lack of information on the efficacy of currently labeled hemp insecticides.
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