In a pocket of central Louisiana, a surprising crop for that area is taking root — sugarcane.
Sugarcane, a tropical crop, has traditionally been limited to south Louisiana. But by using precision breeding techniques, LSU AgCenter researchers are developing sugarcane varieties that can withstand colder temperatures.
Read MoreTrycera herbicide from Helena Agri-Enterprises has received federal registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in sugarcane. Trycera is the first triclopyr product to be approved for use in the crop. It offers sugarcane growers a new tool to control Divine nightshade and other problematic weed species, pending approval by state regulatory agencies.
Read MoreUSDA is struggling to manage sugar supplies amid soaring domestic and international prices and a drought that continues to devastate Mexican growers, slashing the amount they can export to U.S. food and candy manufacturers.
Read MoreDespite 2023’s drought, Louisiana’s landowners, sugarcane producers and millers continue to have confidence in sugarcane in 2024.
Kenneth Gravois, the LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist, is not surprised.
Read MoreThe nation’s sugar farmers are in Washington, D.C. this week as part of the American Sugar Alliance annual fly-in. Patrick Frischhertz, a member of the American Sugar Cane League National Legislative Committee and a Louisiana farmer, says the event helps Congress know what’s important to the sugar industry.
Read MoreRio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. recently announced it is closing after 51 years in business, citing dwindling water for irrigation and an ongoing dispute with Mexico over water supplies.
The closure will result in layoffs of 435 employees, including 101 company truck drivers, for the sugar-growing operation and mill based in Santa Rosa, Texas. The mill’s closure will be finalized by April 29.
Read MoreLouisiana's sugar cane production is booming.
Despite a severe drought, the state's 2023 harvest produced more than 1.8 million tons of sugar. The number of acres of sugar cane harvested has been increasing over the past few years, as has the tons of sugar per acre, due to more sugar-intense varieties.
It's not just Louisiana.
Read MoreThe River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville holds important pieces of Louisiana history. The organization maintains a former Rosenwald school and one of the first sugarcane planting machines created by two Black men.
In the early 1900s, education wasn’t easily accessible for everyone. By the middle of the century, two prominent Black men had created dozens of schools in the South, one of which is now in Donaldsonville.
Read MoreThe American Sugar Cane League’s annual meeting will feature guest speaker Robert Johansson, the director of economics and policy analysis of the Washington-based American Sugar Alliance.
Johansson will make his remarks at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6 at L’Auberge Hotel & Casino in Baton Rouge. He will speak on renewal of the farm bill and national sugar policy.
Read MoreWhen considering a sugarcane soil fertility program, follow these guidelines. The number one priority should be the soil pH. Soil pH that is outside the optimum ranges will adversely affect the availability of all other applied nutrients. The second most important component of your fertility program should be nitrogen, followed by potassium, sulfur and phosphorus. Soil testing should be a regular part of your soil fertility program. Periodic leaf tissue analyses can verify midseason plant health
Read MoreThe Louisiana Sugarcane Industry has now completed 229 years of commercial sugar production. Considering it’s the northernmost sugarcane growing region in the world, that’s certainly something to be proud of.
Read MoreBe sure to mark February 6-7 on your 2024 calendar. Those are the dates of the annual meeting of the American Sugar Cane League. The League, founded in 1922, depends on the continued support of the sugarcane industry’s growers, millers and landowner members and we’d like everyone to be there.
Read MoreLouisiana Sugarcane Cooperative located in St. Martinville processes sugar from nine parishes. Ag. Division Manager John Hebert said the sugarcane yield from the summers crop were the effects of the drought.
Read MoreDespite losses of $1.69 billion in Louisiana agriculture and forestry from the statewide drought, only portions of Iberia Parish are affected and as farmers strive to overcome it, industry continues to move into the region.
Sugarcane profits in Iberia Parish dropped by 30% because of the drought affecting much of the region, according to local farmer Ronnie Gonsoulin.
Read MoreRecently, big corporate candy executives have been pushing a false narrative that there is a domestic sugar shortage. According to a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture, not only are these reports totally false — there is actually a plentiful supply of sugar, assuring American families they will once again enjoy another holiday season with all their favorite treats.
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