Abundant Rain And A Long Growing Season: How The Louisiana Climate Affects Agriculture

The Louisiana climate is heavily influenced by the Gulf of Mexico and the subtropical climate that we share with the four other Gulf Coast states. Of those Gulf Coast states, we are on average the wettest. That rain is a big component of why we call Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise, and the abundance of water that creates a green environment is a monster contributor to Louisiana agriculture.

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The Farmer's Forecast: Rain and Heat

It’s officially summer, which typically means scattered storms or a hurricane on the way. Fortunately, it’s just the first of those two for us as of this writing. Over the last week, most of the state has seen rain, although some north of I-20 have stayed completely dry. The North Shore near Slidell, and areas south of I-10 between Lake Charles and Lafayette saw 3+ inches. This is typical of summer in the south, as we range from nothing, to a decent rain over short distances. 

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Allie Shipley
2024 Sugarcane Variety Performance

Sugarcane varieties are the lifeblood of the Louisiana sugar industry. Therefore, variety selection is one of the most important decisions on the farm. This decision has long-term consequences. The goal is to maximize profitability on every acre of the farm for each year of a long crop cycle.

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Sugarcanedon molino
USDA Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Draft Guidance for Old Growth Management on National Forests

Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is taking the next step to advance President Biden’s commitment to conserve old growth forests by publishing a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed national old growth forest plan amendment. The proposed amendment will be available tomorrow in the Federal Register, and will be open for public comment for 90 days following publication.

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ForestryAllie Shipley
Raw Milk Ban May Soon be Lifted

When many people think of a dairy farm, they probably think of cows. Well on a farm in St. Landry Parish, you won't find any there.

Bridget and Jacob Stelly are the owners of JaBri Farms. They've been operating their farm for 11 years and have dedicated their efforts to raising goats.

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DairyAvery Davidson
Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition: June 16, 2024

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, June 16, 2024. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 12 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 8 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus.

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USDAdon molino
Protect Your Livestock During Severe Weather

Taking a ride through Southwest Louisiana, you often see horses, cattle, and other livestock. In the event of a hurricane, while it may be easier to evacuate your family, owners of these animals face some hurdles.

What steps should be taken to ensure your livestock has proper shelter?

There are a lot of moving parts to this question, and it all depends on several factors, including the size of the operation.

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Houma’s Revitalized Feed Store Announces New Nonprofit, Dedicated to Passing on Culture to Future Generations

The Feed Store, a 115-year-old structure nestled in the heart of Downtown Houma, is coming back to life– and will be bringing more to the community than just good times.

The Feed Store owner Stephanie Thompson announced in April 2024 that the historic space will re-open this year, serving as a multi-use covered space for a host of community events– including, but not limited to, frequent farmer’s markets, craft shows, live music, private parties, and a permanent home for food trucks. Stephanie’s business, Thompson Rentals and Renovations, LLC, will serve as the official organization that helps run these events. However, the Feed Store will also house a new, associated nonprofit, The Feed Store Project.

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Avery Davidson
Message from the CED: Terrie Robinson

Report any crop damage due to natural disasters within 15 days of the occurrence. Livestock owners or contract growers must file a notice of loss within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is first apparent as well as file an application for payment within 60 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred.

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USDAAvery Davidson