LSU sociology professor Tim Slack uses his research and expertise to share a closer look at rural Americans’ lives and challenges as they prepare to vote in the 2024 election.
An expert in social and economic issues, Professor Slack explains the unique struggles facing rural communities—like changes in jobs, health concerns, and population shifts.
Read MoreThe prevalence of litter today is mind-boggling. Trash here, trash there, trash everywhere, along the roadsides, parking lots and anywhere humans congregate. To borrow the title of TV commentator Chris Hayes’ podcast, why is this happening?
It’s 2024, and everyone should do better.
Louisiana, consistently ranked among the worst states for litter by the American State Litter Scorecard, is taking a significant step to tackle the problem by creating the LSU Litter Institute, perhaps the first of its kind in the U.S.
Read MoreIt 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.
Read MoreThe LSU Red-N-Sweet watermelon will be featured on an episode of the PBS series “The Key Ingredient with Sheri Castle” during the show’s upcoming third season.
Red-N-Sweet was developed at LSU AgCenter Calhoun Research Station in Ouachita Parish. The first crosses that led to its development were made in 1972 and the variety was released in 1987.
Read MoreThe Society of American Foresters recognized 22 of their members this past year after each had been nominated for “longstanding service to forestry” and “advancement of the forestry profession.” After more than 50 years of being a part of the forestry industry, work across multiple states and even a foray into Canda, LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources professor Cornelis De Hoop was more than deserving of this recognition.
Read MoreUnmanned aircraft, also known as drones, have several uses in farming operations. One use that continues to increase is the application of pesticides and plant growth regulators. Drones can apply crop products precisely in areas where aircraft travel is difficult. There are regulations governing the use of drones in agriculture.
Read MoreLSU President William F. Tate IV embarked on a four-day whirlwind tour across Louisiana last week, connecting with communities and showcasing LSU's dedication to the state's future.
The Scholarship First Bus Tour focused on aligning the university's research with Louisiana's economic needs, as Tate met with students, alumni and industry leaders across several key communities in Louisiana from Oct. 15-18.
Read MoreAn agriculture expert says this year’s Louisiana sugarcane crop had great growing conditions although Hurricane Francine’s strong winds damaged some crops.
An estimated two million tons of sugar is expected to be produced from this year’s crops.
Read MoreThe LSU College of Agriculture Student Association hosted a pumpkin painting event Monday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to connect students and spread the fall spirit as midterms wound down.
ASA’s mission is to represent LSU Agriculture students, guiding them through personal growth, good fellowship and networking to create a better career path for the students. The organization acts as the voice for the College of Agriculture students at LSU.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station hosted the second annual Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference Oct. 11 and 12. The convention invited locals interested in homesteading to check out local vendors as well as hear from experts on topics surrounding farming and self-sufficiency.
Read MoreLSU students and alumni have created a new, AI-powered tool called FarmSmart that puts decades of LSU AgCenter research right under the green thumbs of Louisiana’s farmers. With a few clicks on their smartphones or computers, farmers and gardeners can quickly access actionable intelligence on how to best manage their crops and get rid of weeds.
Read MoreLouisiana experienced extremely dry summer and fall seasons in 2023. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, the worst drought continued from June to late September in the southern U.S., including Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. This has put a strain on quality forage production
Read MoreA strong autumn cold front has swept through delivering a real taste of fall.
Unfortunately, that front pushed through as a 'dry' front. Given the current state of dryness/drought across Louisiana, conditions after the frontal passage will set that stage for increased wildfire threats.
Read MoreAccording to the findings of the 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, American farmers produced and sold $9 billion worth of edible commodities directly to consumers, retailers, institutions and intermediaries. This represented a 3% increase in direct food sales since 2015, with 33% of this economic activity being the result of direct-to-consumer food sales.
Read MoreKids growing up on farms in southern Louisiana date themselves according to hurricanes and sugarcane variety releases, Louisiana State University sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois jokes. 2024 will be known as the year of Hurricane Francine, and hopefully only Francine, as sugarcane producers race tropical storm season to finish out harvest with minimal crop damage.
Hurricanes are not a new obstacle to sugarcane production. The very nature of a tropical crop both harvested and planted during hurricane season demands hardiness.
Read More
