McNeese Rodeo Team Holds Costume Rodeo Fundraiser

Like many college organizations, the McNeese Rodeo team is finding ways to help prospective students using scholarships. But that money has to come from somewhere. That’s why they will be holding a costume rodeo fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 26, right before this weekend’s rodeo.

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Avery Davidson
Raised In Louisiana Special Shines the Spotlight on Students Competing in ALTAC Jr. Livestock Sale

One of the biggest days of the year for local students is almost here. It's when the best of the best compete in the ArkLaTex Agricultural Council's Jr. Livestock Sale at the State Fair of Louisiana.

It's set for Nov. 1 in the fairgrounds Sale Arena. Students from across the state have put in blood, sweat, and tears for months getting their show animals ready for auction. Prospective buyers will be on hand ready to offer up the highest bids.

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4-H, LivestockAvery Davidson
LDAF Launches New Website

After months of hard work and dedication, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) invites visitors to explore its new website. The new site URL is www.ldaf.la.gov.

The LDAF designed the new website to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing stakeholders to see the full scope of services the agency provides to Louisiana.

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LDAFdon molino
Family Tradition The Appropriate Theme Of The 86th International Rice Festival

Once again, this historic city of 12,000 in southwest Louisiana became the center of the rice world last week with tens of thousands gathering here to celebrate the great grain with four days of music, competitions, and more for the 86th International Rice Festival (IRF). This year's theme, “Rice…A Farming Family Tradition,” was chosen by Festival President Kevin Spell, and it proved exceedingly prescient.

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Ricedon molino
86th International Rice Festival Inspires the Next Generation of Rice Farmers

It's a time filled with live bands, carnival rides and of course, festival food. It's also a time to remember the struggles that rice farmers faced this year with the drought and high temperatures effecting rice crops and the industry.

KATC spoke with one family who has been rice farming for 6 generations and hopes to pass on the love of rice and stress the importance of it for the future generations to come.

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RiceAvery Davidson
Weather Culprit of Pine Tree Stress

A series of year-long weather events have put added stress on weaker and older pine trees, leading to their demise, according to Carol Pinnell-Allison, LSU AgCenter Extension agent.

While traveling through Concordia, Catahoula, Franklin, and Tensas parishes, dead or dying pine trees can be seen scattered throughout the landscape. Trees with brown-needles are a stark contrast against the dark green evergreens.

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ForestryAvery Davidson
AgMagic at the State Fair

Take a captivating journey through Louisiana Agriculture with LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic at the State Fair of Louisiana! AgMagic is an interactive and educational experience for young children and their families. Kids will learn about the important connections among agriculture, the environment, and their lives.

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LSU AgCenterAvery Davidson
Louisiana Milk Production Report: October 2023

Louisiana milk production during the July - September 2023 quarter was 20.0 million pounds, down 9 percent from the same period in 2022 and down 31 percent from the April - June quarter. The average number of milk cows on farms during the quarter was 7,000 head, 1,000 head lower than the same period last year and 1,000 head lower than the previous quarter.

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Dairy, USDAAvery Davidson
Ten-Hut! Farm Bureau Women Sharpen Skills at Communications Boot Camp

Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Program graduates will use their training to strategically support Farm Bureau’s priority issues.

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USDA Allocates $27.6 Million To Empower Underserved And Veteran Farmers And Ranchers Through The 2501 Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking substantial strides to fortify the foundations of American agriculture with the announcement of $27.6 million in grants. This funding will be channeled into training, outreach, and technical assistance programs designed to empower underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters, enabling them to thrive as the stewards of successful farms, ranches, and forest lands. Administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), these funds signify a resolute commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and accessibility to USDA programs and resources.

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USDAkristen oaks