Rice is one of the world’s most important cereal crops. Cereal crops are members of the grass family (Gramineae or Poaceae) grown for their edible starchy seeds. The term “cereal” is derived from the Greek goddess, Ceres or “giver of grain.” Rice and wheat are two of the most important cereal crops and together make up the majority of the world’s source of calories. They feed the world.
Read MoreTo find inspiration for his interior design of LSU’s latest University House, Kenneth Brown had to put down his pencil and put on his sneakers.
“When I finally said yes to this project, I just walked the lakes,” says Brown, an LSU alumnus whose design portfolio includes high-profile jobs both in Hollywood and here in his Baton Rouge hometown.
The home’s social calendar is packed many months out. Recent events have included a 50-person seated dinner, a breakfast meeting, and a luncheon for an LSU Foundation Board of Directors member who received an honorary degree. For a dinner held in conjunction with Louisiana Farm Bureau, the menu included biscuits made with LSU-grown sweet potatoes and a sweet potato cheesecake for dessert.
Read MoreConcordia Parish’s soybean harvest is nearing completion, according to Kylie Miller, LSU AgCenter extension agent.
“Right now, farmers are just trying to get the later beans in,” Miller said. “Here in the next week or so, we should be fully wrapping up.”
Read MoreDiana Amaya, a Ph.D. student in agricultural economics at LSU, is breaking new ground as the university’s first recipient of the prestigious FFAR Fellowship. The program from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research offers participants professional development and career guidance.
Amaya is part of a national cohort of 33 scholars selected for their potential to drive innovation in agriculture through interdisciplinary research and professional development.
Read MoreTiming is the most important element in a maximally efficient rice crop. Planting early is the key element to producing top yield, and it all begins with fall field prep.
Ron Levy, Louisiana State University Extension rice specialist, is a firm believer in preparing a fall foundation for infallible spring rice planting.
Read MoreIn Louisiana, where heat and humidity dominate much of the year, raising high-quality beef that tolerates the weather is challenging. Traditional cattle breeds that thrive in cooler climates often don’t adapt well to the Gulf South. Brahman cattle, a breed known for its resilience but not necessarily for premium beef, are typically found throughout the state.
Read MoreThe September 2025 issue of the Louisiana Crops Newsletter by the LSU AgCenter is now available online.
Read MoreGrowers can optimize nearly everything in the production process, including cultural practices, herbicide and insecticide treatments, and fertilization regimes, said Brayden Blanchard, who grew up on a sugarcane farm before becoming a geneticist working on plant breeding at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.
Read MoreLocal farmers and hunters who want to improve their knowledge of cattle management and hunting techniques should check out the upcoming beef, forage and wildlife field day at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station.
The field day will be held Nov. 1 at the station, which is located at 4419 Idlewild Road in Clinton. Registration for the event will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Drought Team continues to expand areas suffering from rainfall deficits in recent weeks, with the first signs of drought developing in the Florida Parishes.
Read MoreDerick Ostrenko and Jason Jamerson, faculty in the LSU College of Art & Design, along with engineering advisor David Ben Spry, are pioneering a new approach to industrial innovation using digital twins. The effort is supported by a $217,403 use-inspired research and development (UIRD) award from Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL).
Read MoreThe U.S. rice industry has made impressive gains in sustainability over the last 40 years. Yet the crop is still at risk due to climate change, disease outbreaks, pests and human activity that can cause disturbances in production. The LSU AgCenter is continuing its research on rice sustainability, in large part thanks to a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Read MoreAfter four people have died and several others became sick after eating raw Gulf oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, the LSU Ag Center is urging you to use caution before eating raw oysters. Seafood extension specialist Evelyn Watts says the risk is especially high during the summer.
“Oysters are affected by Vibrio vulnificus. That is a pathogen that mostly grows in brackish or salt water. Mostly, it’s going to be in the warm months,” Watts explained.
Read MoreThis month’s 2025/26 U.S. corn outlook indicates greater supplies, larger exports, and a slight reduction in ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks for 2025/26 are 20 million bushels higher based on a lower use forecast for 2024/25, with reductions in imports and corn used for ethanol partially offset by an increase in exports. Corn production for 2025/26 is forecast at 16.8 billion bushels, up 72 million from last month as a 2.1-bushel reduction in yield to 186.7 bushels per acre is more than offset by a 1.3 million acre increase in harvested area to 90.0 million acres.
Read MoreTwo people recently died in Louisiana after eating raw Gulf oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Now that we have returned to the “r” months of autumn, a period historically considered safer to consume the mollusks on the half shell, seafood lovers are rightfully on edge about enjoying what many consider a saltwater delicacy.
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