Unprecedented Heat, Drought Pushing Southern Fire Danger to Extremes
Unprecedented Heat, Drought Pushing Southern Fire Danger to Extremes

The Southern U.S. has faced a challenging summer with unrelenting daily temperatures above 100 degrees, abnormally low relative humidity, critically dry vegetative fuels ready to burn, wildfires exhibiting extreme fire behavior, and to top it off — a hurricane.

Hot summers and wildfires are not new to the South, nor is interagency cooperation in responding to and suppressing wildfires. But this summer has been far from normal, and in the case of Louisiana wildfires, this August — unprecedented.

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Forestry, LDAFAvery Davidson
2023 Rice Sustainability Award Nominations Open
2023 Rice Sustainability Award Nominations Open

While insiders know U.S.-grown rice is one of the most sustainable and responsibly grown crops in the world, telling that story to those who are unaware is increasingly important. To help recognize the crop’s unique environmental qualities and the men and women who improve rice’s sustainability every day, USA Rice annually presents the Sustainability Award to identify and promote efforts in this area.

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Ricedon molino
Two Louisiana Parishes Affected By Arkansas Disaster Declaration
Two Louisiana Parishes Affected By Arkansas Disaster Declaration

On July 26, 2023, the Arkansas State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requested a primary county disaster designation for seven counties in Arkansas due to losses caused by excessive rain, hail, high winds, lightning, and tornadoes that occurred during June 7 through July 14, 2023.

In accordance with Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, additional areas of Louisiana are named as contiguous disaster counties.

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USDAdon molino
Wildfires Wipe Out Income For Louisiana Forest Landowners
Wildfires Wipe Out Income For Louisiana Forest Landowners

In west-central Louisiana, where wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of drought-stricken forests in recent weeks, more has been lost than just trees.

For many people, the towering pines that define the landscape of this rural region represent family inheritances, years of investment and hopes for the future. Growing trees takes a long time, but the cash they bring in when cut is worth the wait.

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Forestrydon molino
National FFA Officer Candidates to Vie for 6 National Positions
National FFA Officer Candidates to Vie for 6 National Positions

It takes a highly motivated individual to become a successful national FFA officer — an opportunity afforded to only six FFA members every year.

In May, State FFA staff initiated the national officer candidate application process. Each state can declare one candidate for the national FFA office annually — officer candidates must be active FFA members, hold the American FFA degree at the time of election, and retain active membership through their term of office. 

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FFAkristen oaks
Avian Flu Mutations Raise Concerns for Human Transmission
Avian Flu Mutations Raise Concerns for Human Transmission

Aside from the economic implications of culling millions of birds due to avian flu outbreaks, the risk of increasing human infections has been a rising concern. 

Now, a study from researchers in China and England has discovered that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to humans.

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Poultrykristen oaks