The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for January 2024, which are effective Jan. 2, 2024. USDA’s 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that USDA is accepting grant applications for community-driven programs that will help create high-wage jobs and new businesses in underserved rural communities. The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program encourages regional, innovation-driven approaches to economic development by funding job accelerator partnerships in low-income and underserved rural communities.
Read MoreAs U.S. producers continue to make production decisions regarding the 2024 season, the weather forecast is an important consideration. Will El Nino break the Southwest drought? What about rainfall in the Southeast? Will the Mississippi River see relief? What is the moisture outlook in the Western U.S. in states such as California?
Read MoreA Louisiana float in the Rose Bowl Parade has been honored with an award.
According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Celebration Riverboat float was awarded the Showmanship Award for the most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment.
Read MoreThe Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Southern University Ag Center or SU Ag Center) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saint Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Education.
The signing of the MOU by Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D., Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, was held on December 27, 2023, hosted by Dame Marcella Liburd at the Government House in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Read MoreDespite 2023 challenges farmers and workers in the agriculture industry kept pushing forward, many going above and beyond. Farm Press wanted to take a second to recognize those who were honored with awards in 2023. Congratulations to all, and we can't wait to see what things are accomplished in the year to come.
Read MoreA record-breaking number of natural disasters that each caused at least $1 billion in damage cost the United States a total of $81 billion this year, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows, including a devastating wildfires in Hawaii, Hurricane Idalia in western Florida and a drought that killed more than 200 people across the South and Midwest.
Read MoreThe Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees is welcoming two new members — a longtime 4-H volunteer from Tensas Parish and the CEO of one of the state’s largest agricultural equipment companies.
Kristen VandeVen, a technology consultant from Newellton originally from Ferriday, joined the board in October, and Rob Richter, the president and CEO of Sunshine Quality Solutions Inc. from Baton Rouge, will join in January.
Read MoreAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed four new members to the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Federal Advisory Committee (Committee). The new members are replacing four members whose terms are expiring and rotating off the Committee. The Committee is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to support urban agriculture and innovative production, creating a network for feedback. The Committee’s public meetings give the urban and innovative production community and others an opportunity to witness deliberations and voting procedures.
Read MoreSen. John Kennedy (R-La.) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to purchase $36 million of shrimp to help alleviate food insecurity. The USDA made the purchase under the Agriculture Act of 1935, which provides for national food assistance during emergencies.
Read MoreBorn on the third day of Christmas in 1944, the owner of New Orleans area Christmas tree farm that delighted families for decades has died — on Christmas Eve.
Clarke J. Gernon Sr. made it to the end of one last holiday season, his son Clarke J. Gernon Jr. said. He would have turned 79 on Wednesday.
Read MoreResearch efforts across all aspects of hemp production are currently needed to aid in the successful reestablishment and long-term success of this crop in the U.S. A 2020 survey of licensed U.S. hemp farmers determined one of the most challenging aspects of production was the lack of information on the efficacy of currently labeled hemp insecticides.
Read MorePecans and pecan trees are quintessential parts of the southern diet and landscape, although, as reflected by its scientific name (Carya illinoinensis), the pecan tree’s native range extends beyond the South.
A primary criterion for choosing pecan varieties for yards and home orchards is resistance to a fungal disease called pecan scab.
Read MoreAccording to the Crowley Post-Signal, the Acadia Parish Police Jury has unanimously approved a motion to grant a permit to build a second solar installation in the parish.
The proposed solar installation would be located along Louisiana Highway 91, near Iota, as well as in areas along the east and west sides of the roadway, the newspaper reports.
Read MoreIn January 2024, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will hold three hearings to get the public’s opinion on the black bear hunting season notice of intent (NOI). The NOI was passed in November 2023 by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
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