Keeping It Sweet in Seattle
The urgent need to pass a five-year Farm Bill took center stage at the 39th International Sweetener Symposium in Seattle earlier this month, where farm leaders from the sugar industry gathered with lawmakers and policymakers to review the legislative and economic landscape.
With the Farm Bill extension scheduled to expire in the coming weeks, this year’s discussions were timely, and the key takeaway was clear: there is unity and momentum from both farm country and Capitol Hill for a Farm Bill that includes a strong U.S. sugar policy to support sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and more than 151,000 American jobs.
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USDA, USTR Name New Agricultural Trade Advisors, Including AFBF, USA Rice and ASCL Representatives
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the appointment or reappointment of 55 members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees.
The advisory committee system was created by Congress to ensure that U.S. agricultural stakeholders have input and insight into U.S. trade policy and negotiating objectives.
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Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Guides for Louisiana Producers
Louisiana agriculture generates approximately $3 billion in sales each year, but in most years agricultural productivity is negatively affected by hurricane damage. Louisianans are familiar with the devastation and loss of life and property that can accompany a hurricane event as the state experiences, on average, one hurricane every three years. The total economic losses from a single hurricane can reach tens of billions of dollars, while agricultural losses can exceed one billion dollars. Louisiana is a major agricultural producer for the United States, but the structures, livestock, and crops are highly exposed to extreme wind and flooding during hurricane events.
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Sugarcane Ripener Recommendations for 2024
Chemical ripeners for sugarcane in Louisiana provide an important benefit. When properly applied, ripeners can maximize recoverable sugar and minimize cane yield (tonnage) losses.
In 2024, the following glyphosate formulation is recommended as a chemical ripener: Roundup PowerMAX 3. Roundup PowerMax 3 contains 4.8 pounds of glyphosate acid per gallon and is formulated as a potassium salt.
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LACA Walking And Talking Fields: July 2024
In the 11 coastal parishes we consult in, lack of rainfall has not been a problem. Many areas have already exceeded the mean annual rainfall accumulation, and it’s not even August. We have already in some areas received in excess of 65 inches, so we are certainly experiencing the opposite of what we dealt with last year.
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Sugarcane Crop in Better Shape This Year
There is more optimism in the Louisiana sugarcane industry this year compared to last year as near-normal rain patterns have the crop in good shape. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report from the cane fields of south Louisiana.
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Sugar Cane Farmer Says New Delta Biofuel Facility Comes at ‘The Perfect Time’
"This is a byproduct of cane—this is our trash—and you're converting that trash into energy, creating jobs, it's a win-win for everybody."
Out with the old and in with the new, renewable energy production on a full-scale is coming soon in Iberia Parish.
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New Technology Offers Soil Fertility Benefits
This year’s annual field day at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station drew a large crowd of participants eager to hear updates on topics ranging from sugarcane varieties to crop management strategies.
One stop on the farm tour, led by AgCenter soil scientist Brenda Tubaña and postdoctoral researcher Bruno Nicchio, highlighted biostimulant research and practices that improve soil fertility.
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Best Attended Sugarcane Field Day Ever Highlighted by the Latest Research
The largest crowd to ever attend an LSU AgCenter sugarcane field day learned the latest news and research in varieties, soil fertility, biostimulants, weed management and plant pathology.
AgCenter Sugar Research Station coordinator Al Orgeron approximated that there were 280 attendees based on the number of lunches served.
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An Inside look at LSU Athletic's Official Rum
LSU introduced Oxbow Distillery as its official rum and now CEO Olivia Stewart is trying to change the way locals view local spirits, and make it more known in the state of Louisiana.
"Rum was the primary spirit that was drunk in America at the time of the revolution. George Washington, for instance, requested 400 barrels of rum to be there to celebrate his inauguration," Stewart said.
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Sugarcane Biofuel Plant in Iberia Parish Nears Completion
Delta Biofuel’s $100 million sugarcane bagasse plant in Iberia Parish is almost complete, as it looks to sustain renewable energy for the state of Louisiana.
This facility is the first to be used in North America for its use of bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane production. By using a fuel-powered system, it will have the ability to convert the bagasse into over 340,000 metric tons of biomass fuel pellets every year.
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U.S. Sens. Cassidy, Boozman visit AgCenter Sugar Research Station
Funding for agricultural research — which helps protect the livelihoods of countless American farmers, ensure national security and promote economic development — is critical, U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Boozman said during a July 12 visit to the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.
Cassidy, of Louisiana, and Boozman, of Arkansas, toured the station, where they saw the fields and facilities where scientists develop new, higher-yielding sugarcane varieties as well as strategies to help farmers manage pests and improve other aspects of production.
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Last Chance to Come Celebrate Sugar Journal's Sugar Notables on July 20
On July 20 2024 the staff of Sugar Journal will celebrate the winners of the 2024 Sugar Notables. “We have so many outstanding individuals in our sugar industry that have done so much to improve and move the industry forward, that we felt we should celebrate the ‘best of the best’ that were selected,” said Romney Richard, publisher and editor of Sugar Journal.
Friday evening Charley and I welcome the Notables, friends and family to our home for cocktails and a meet and greet. That will be at 6pm, 125 South Cortez St. From the hotel it is a short Uber or streetcar ride.
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Farmer, Mother, Author: Meet the Louisiana Woman Helping Kids Learn About Agriculture
As a first-generation sugar cane farmer and a fourth-generation cattle producer, Amanda Duhon has intimate knowledge of how the nation's meat, grains and produce make their way to grocery shelves and homes.
The food that her family farms on their 800 acres, spread between Lafayette and Maurice, is worked daily by Amanda and her husband, Kelsi Duhon. Often she's working with a baby strapped to her chest, or caring for the Duhon's three sons while her husband is out late during planting season.
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Impact Fusion International Inc.: Louisiana State Legislature Unanimously Passes LA HCR-42 Focusing on Bagasse Utilization
On May 28, 2024 bipartisan legislation passed both the Louisiana House with 99 Yeas and 0 Nays and the Louisiana Senate 31 Yeas and 0 Nays. LA HCR-42 (2024) places focus of bagasse utilization and was generated by testimony provided by Dr. Clyde (Pat) Bagley and Agricultural Commissioner, The Honorable Dr. Michael Strain.
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