What the Mississippi River Running Low Means for Farmers
The water level of the Mississippi River is unusually low for the third straight year, forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits.
It was just two months ago that much of the Mississippi River was above flood stage north of St. Louis. Since then, the river level has dropped steadily. The area south of St. Louis has been hit especially hard, mirroring low-water concerns that began around this same time of year in both 2022 and 2023.
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Minding the Forest: Louisiana's Forest Economy
Brooks Mendell, founder, president and CEO of Forisk Consulting, was one of the guest speakers at the 77th annual convention of the Louisiana Forestry Association.
His company does extensive research in the industry throughout the United States and Canada. During the late August event, Mendell sat down with us to talk about the forest productions industry in Louisiana for the September episode of Minding the Forest, LFA's podcast.
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Inaugural Louisiana Farm to School Institute Teams Kick Off 2024-25 Action Plans
The return to school marks the official implementation of action plans developed by four Louisiana school districts as part of the first cohort of the Louisiana Farm to School Institute sponsored by Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and the LSU AgCenter.
The Louisiana Farm to School Institute is a yearlong professional development program designed to support selected schools that are expanding and implementing effective farm to school programs throughout their districts.
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Ruston Farmers Market to Host Annual Autumn Dinner October 3rd
The Ruston Farmers Market, a beloved fixture in our town for the past 16 years, invites the community to a special evening on October 3rd from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Held in the market’s charming warehouse, the event promises a warm and inviting atmosphere enhanced by twinkling string lights.
Guests will enjoy a catered dinner by the Desi Bourgeois, complemented by an open bar and the lively sounds of Mixed Notes.
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U.S. Rice Sales to Iraq Resume After Banking Issues Resolved
U.S. rice sales to Iraq have resumed after months of delays due to newly-placed financial restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on Iraqi banks that would normally provide dollars for U.S. rice shipments to the country.
Earlier this month, Archer Daniels Midland’s Rice Division completed a sale of 80,000 tons of U.S. rice, which was expected to be loaded and shipped to Iraq in early fall. Another 40,000 tons was sold by Supreme Rice, according to the USA Rice Federation.
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Francine Could Have Devastating Impacts on Rural Louisiana
As Hurricane Francine approaches the Gulf Coast, Louisiana’s farmers and rural communities are preparing for yet another potential blow to their livelihoods. While much of the media attention focuses on urban evacuations and storm preparedness, the long-term impacts on agriculture and fragile ecosystems often receive less attention. Based on previous storms, the damage to crops, fisheries, and the state's wetlands is likely to have significant and lasting effects on the state's economy.
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Governor Landry Declares State of Emergency
Governor Jeff Landry signed a State of Emergency Executive Order in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine. The storm is developing over the Western Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a hurricane as it tracks toward the Gulf Coast. It is expected to bring four to eight inches of heavy rainfall across the southern part of the state, potential tornadoes, and damaging winds.
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Important Tips For The Storm's Aftermath From LaHouse
In the aftermath of the storm, the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center is reminding homeowners to prioritize safety and be vigilant when assessing damage and beginning cleanup. With the potential for structural damage and downed powerlines, it’s critical that residents take precautions to avoid further harm.
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Walking and Talking Fields September 9, 2024
We’ve had 5-7 inches rainfall in some areas the past five days, so we’re looking for a dry spell, but I don’t think we’re going to get it since they’re giving more tropical moisture this week through Thursday or Friday, so it doesn’t look like we’re going to get it any time soon. Most of our cane beans that were planted early April or even March have been harvested already, and those had good quality and good yields. Now we’re just trying to finish up on some of the later beans.
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The Farmer's Forecast: Watching Francine
Francine is making a push toward the Louisiana coast, with today being our last day to prepare. I know preparations can be impossible if you are about to harvest, or farm hundreds of acres, but I’ll do my best to give you and idea about what’s on the way for Louisiana.
Francine has steadily strengthened, and appears to be making the turn toward Louisiana.
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Tennessee Man Arrested for Felony Theft and Other Charges
On September 4, inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission (LBC) arrested 53-year-old Bert E. Smith, IV, of Lewisburg, Tennessee, on an arrest warrant out of Anderson County, Kansas.
Smith is a known cattle buyer and regularly buys at several sale barns in Louisiana. For that reason, LDAF’s LBC was notified of the warrant by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Once made aware of the warrant, LBC inspectors took Smith into custody without incident. He was booked in the Avoyelles Parish Jail.
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Get the New GOHSEP Get A Gameplan App Before Francine Arrives
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has updated the features on the Get A Game Plan App offering people in Louisiana a new resource for developing and finalizing their emergency plans. The Get A Game Plan mobile app is designed to prepare Louisiana residents for emergency events with preparedness tools, guides and push notifications.
The app includes contact information for all parish Offices of Emergency Preparedness and OEP directors.
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Educational Pumpkin Patch Opens in Evangeline Parish
Clint and Raquel Manuel, co-owners of Manuel Farms Cattle Co., recently announced the opening of a new educational pumpkin patch in Evangeline Parish, designed specifically for local school field trips. This fall, the Manuels are inviting preschoolers, homeschool co-ops, and small educational groups to experience the magic of agriculture through a hands-on, interactive pumpkin patch experience.
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The LSU AgCenter Needs Your Help to Update Crawfish Data
The LSU AgCenter continues to be a leading resource in crawfish data. Many of you know, LSU and their data sources have been key in all funding opportunities and communications with USDA on any assistance programs we have been able to secure over the past few years. As recently as the ELAP excessive heat calculations of 2023, LSU AgCenter agents and faculty were the leading resource for information on our niche “farm raised fish.” In an effort to continually improve those figures, we are supporting their effort to update key information that is a general resource for the industry and allows their scientists and economists to provide quality anonymous information back to the industry when needed.
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USA Rice, Agricultural Groups Urge Meaningful Farm Bill Action
USA Rice, all state rice organizations, and nearly 300 other agricultural groups sent a letter to Congressional leaders: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) calling for action on a meaningful Farm Bill reauthorization before the end of the year.
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