Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2026 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 3, 2026.
Read MoreThe USDA has officially declared a number of parishes and counties in Louisiana and Arkansas disaster areas, and that impact is stretching into parts of Texas, too.
For farmers, it's been a tough stretch that started months ago. Many have been dealing with drought since last fall. On top of that, a winter storm hit making an already difficult situation even worse.
Read MoreMore than 120 agricultural and conservation organizations are urging Congress to address staffing shortages at local USDA offices, warning that reduced personnel levels are making it harder for farmers and ranchers to access critical programs and services. In a letter to Senate agriculture appropriations leaders, 123 groups called for adequate fiscal year 2027 funding for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.
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Federal and Texas state leaders held a news conference Monday afternoon in Kerrville, Texas, just hours after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of two new cases of New World screwworm within the nation’s borders. In front of large signage that boasted the “War on Screwworm,” the goal of the conference was to reassure livestock producers and other Americans that the government is taking a proactive stance against the spread of the infestations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm, including two in Texas, according to the agency's animal health arm.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on June 1, 2026, issued a disaster designation extends to 3 contiguous parishes in Louisiana, East Carroll, Madison and Tensas.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is expanding payment limitation and payment eligibility provisions that affect program payments including allowing for the equitable treatment of business entities. Additionally, producers will benefit from an increased payment limitation for certain programs, and a broader definition of farming income that will result in more exceptions to income limitations.
Read MoreToday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched the Small Processors Action Plan (PDF, 2.3 MB), a new set of actions to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers.
Read MoreThe June 1, 2026 USDA NASS national crop progress database shows that while Louisiana's corn and cotton crops are steadily progressing, they have experienced different impacts from recent weather.
Read MoreThe Agriculture Department announced a new Great American Cotton Plan on Thursday, saying it aims to strengthen cotton farm income, expand trade and increase demand for U.S.-grown cotton.
Read MoreU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for June 2026, which are effective June 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.
Read MoreThe United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) opened the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility today that will provide the U.S. cattle industry with innovative tools and advanced technologies to manage and eliminate the invasive fly and tick pests that threaten the U.S. cattle industry.
Read MoreA hybrid online and in-person program designed to help increase the number of people growing fruits and vegetables for distribution (sale and/or mutual aid models) in communities across the state of Louisiana.
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