Syngenta Continues Decarbonization of Global Operations – US Site Recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Syngenta Group, one of the world’s leading global agriculture technology companies, announced today that its manufacturing facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, US, has been recognized as a top user of green power by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Syngenta is the only company within the agricultural sector to be included in the latest EPA’s National Top 100 List of top users of green power from the Green Power Partnership. 

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Avery Davidson
LSU AgCenter Brings Beekeeping Lessons to State Prison Staff, Inmates

Inside a small building on the grounds of the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center near Cottonport, a group of prison staff and trusties gathered around a table where LSU AgCenter agent Keith Hawkins had spread out an array of tools used in beekeeping.

Following along in a thick stack of printouts, the correctional officers and inmates listened intently as Hawkins ran through a slide presentation outlining the basics of setting up beehives, caring for bees and extracting honey.

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LSU AgCenterAvery Davidson
LDAF is Now Accepting Applications for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is now accepting grant applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI).

The LDAF will work in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)to award $4.6 million for equipment and infrastructure projects to Louisiana food and farm businesses, as well as other eligible entities including nonprofits, local government entities, tribal governments, schools, and hospitals.

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LDAFAvery Davidson
USDA Rallies Partners to Help with Outreach to Beginning, Veteran and Socially Disadvantaged Producers on the Conservation Reserve Program-Transition Incentives Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing almost $1.8 million in cooperative agreements with six partner organizations for outreach and technical assistance to promote awareness and understanding of the Conservation Reserve Program-Transition Incentives Program among agricultural communities. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers the program as an important tool to help beginning, veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers access land, as well as keep agricultural lands in production.

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USDAAvery Davidson
Record Drop in Farm Income Expected in 2024

Farmers can expect the largest recorded year-to-year dollar drop in net farm income in 2024. Income is estimated to be nearly $40 billion lower this year compared to 2023, down more than 25%. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the latest USDA data in a Market Intel.

Net farm income is the profit farmers see after paying for operating expenses. Two major factors are impacting income forecasts – lower prices paid to farmers for crops and livestock, and increased costs for supplies.

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Cow Country Reporter: February 2024

February is still the shortest month of the year, however, this year is Leap Year, so we gain a day.

Cattle receipts at our local sale barns are historically light this time of year, but with sharply higher prices in January this trend could continue especially for slaughter cows.

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LivestockAvery Davidson
Federal Judge Upholds Removal of Louisiana Black Bear Protections

A federal judge has dismissed a PEER-led lawsuit and upheld a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to remove the Louisiana black bear from endangered species status.   

PEER and a coalition of groups including the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, the Louisiana Crawfish Producers Association, and the Sierra Club had challenged the FWS’s decision on the grounds that the bear is still in danger of extinction from illegal hunting, vehicle strikes, and habitat loss. 

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Avery Davidson
State Peanut Organizations Seek National Peanut Board Nominees

The Georgia Peanut Commission, Texas Peanut Producers Board, South Carolina Peanut Board and the Louisiana Farm Bureau are seeking eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board.

Nomination election meetings will be held to select two nominees each for member and alternate from each state to serve on the National Peanut Board. All eligible producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.

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