“Timely and Urgent Response” Needed to Stave Off Looming Farm Crisis
U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, called for Congress and the administration to provide a “timely and urgent response” to the looming farm crisis in the form of emergency assistance to farmers and called for a redoubling of efforts to pass a farm bill before the end of the calendar year in a speech on the Senate floor.
On emergency assistance, Boozman said, “Farmers across the country need a bridge to help their family farms survive into next year. We’ve seen previous ad-hoc assistance programs established in a period of weeks, as demonstrated by then Secretary [Sonny] Perdue when the COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions for producers. That level of timely and urgent response by Congress and the administration is once again warranted.”
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Budget Battle Limiting Congressional Work for Farmers and Ranchers
With elections looming, the Congressional calendar is tight. Right now, Congress is locked in a funding battle. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the deadline is quickly approaching.
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Proposed $1.35 Billion Investment in Southeast Louisiana Would Establish Large-Scale Renewable Natural Gas Plant and Green Hydrogen Facility
Woodland Biofuels, Inc., announced a planned $1.35 billion investment at the Port of South Louisiana to establish one of the world’s largest renewable biofuels production facilities. The Toronto-based company would utilize waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuel used in transportation, heating and electricity generation.
If the project moves forward as outlined, the company expects to create 110 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of more than $90,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates that the project would result in 259 indirect new jobs for a total of 369 potential new jobs in the Southeast Region. Woodlands Biofuels estimates that the project would create approximately 500 construction jobs.
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Sign the Petition Regarding EPA's Draft Insecticide Strategy
EPA has open for public comment its draft Insecticide Strategy (IS), comments for which are due on September 23. EPA’s intent is to use the draft IS to put in place a framework of runoff/erosion, spray drift, and in some cases on-field mitigations to reduce risks to endangered species and their critical habitats, aiming to bring its pesticide program into compliance with the Endangered Species Act. However, many who have reviewed the proposal are concerned with the cost, complexity, and reduced pest management effectiveness it could impose on U.S. agricultural users of insecticides.
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Louisiana Crops Newsletter: September 2024
For many cotton growers, hurricane/tropical storm Francine has thrown a wrench in cotton defoliation and harvest plans. Prior to Francine, there were many reports of cotton lodging, or “laying over”. This was most likely due to the fruit shed event Louisiana experienced in August. After shedding fruit in the lower canopy, cotton plants became heavier further up the canopy as bolls continued to develop and mature. As the bolls grew, the plant became heavier.
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2025 Social Media Ambassador Applications Open
Applications are now open for the American Farm Bureau Social Media Ambassador Program at the 2025 FUSION Conference to be held March 7-10, 2025, in Denver, Colorado! If you are seeking an opportunity to apply what you are learning through your coursework, get creative with social media and/or engage the public in a conference experience, apply today.
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SU Ag Center Set to Host 2nd Annual Calf Roping on the Bluff
The Southern University Ag Center will host its 2nd Annual Calf Roping on the Bluff on September 29, 2024 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, in Baton Rouge 70807. Books will open at 9 a.m. and roping will begin at 10 a.m.
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SU Ag Center launches Disaster Education Resource through EDEN and the Extension Foundation
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, SU Ag Center, staff recently launched a new resource titled, "Advancing Disaster Education: 1890 Research-Based Curriculums, Lessons and Workshops." The project compiles educational modules, workshop agendas, and a collection of relevant fact sheets related to disaster education from 1890 land-grant institutions.
The publication was made possible by an Extension Disaster Education Network Development (EDEN) Grant and published by the Extension Foundation.
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“We Don’t Need an Extension, We Actually Need to Get a Farm Bill Done”
More than 300 ag groups are calling on Congress to pass a Farm Bill before year’s end, underscoring the need for a stronger safety net as farmers cope with a number of market hurdles.
Kenny Hartman with the National Corn Growers Association spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on the need for an updated bill, if an extension will pass by the end of the year, and the importance of a strong ag safety net.
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Ballot Initiative Seeks to Enhance Restoration of Louisiana's Coast
On Nov. 5, voters in Louisiana will decide on an initiative to deposit federal funds from renewable energy into Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.
Currently, oil and gas production is the primary source of funding, but since the U.S. government began producing wind energy off Louisiana’s coast in 2023, the Pelican state has the opportunity to see revenue shares from alternative energy production.
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Meryl Kennedy Farr, Kennedy Rice Mill CEO in Mer Rouge, Represents NELA on LEDP Board
The Louisiana Economic Development Partnership appointed 11 board members to help promote economic growth throughout the state, and one of them resides in Morehouse Parish.
Meryl Kennedy Farr, the chief executive officer of Kennedy Rice Mill and 4Sisters Rice in Mer Rouge, is now sitting on the board that was established by ACT 590 in the 2024 legislative session, which is known as the “Positioning Louisiana to Win” bill.
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LSU AgCenter Experts Surveying Hurricane Damage to Sugarcane, Soybeans
Sugarcane growers in south Louisiana were making preparations for the upcoming harvest season when Hurricane Francine came ashore last week, bringing winds that knocked their crop over and heavy rains that flooded fields that were already saturated from recent rainfall.
Now, farmers in several parishes of Louisiana’s cane belt are waiting for things to dry out and for the crop to stand itself back up. With a few days of sunny weather in the forecast, they’re optimistic they will soon be back on track.
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USA Rice Joins Panel Discussion On Trade Relations With Cuba
Last week, the Alliance for Cuba Engagement and Respect (ACERE) hosted a virtual briefing titled, “U.S.-Cuba Cooperation on Food and Climate Security: Opportunities for Growth.” Among the five expert panelists was Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director for international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, who provided valuable insights into U.S. rice industry perspectives on trade and collaboration with Cuba.
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Livestock Brand Commission To Host Saddle Microchipping Event September 26
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission will host its next saddle microchipping event Thursday, September 26, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the LSU AgCenter’s Lafourche Parish office located at 115 Texas Street in Raceland, Louisiana.
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LaHouse Encourages Building Back Stronger After The Storm
If your home was damaged by Hurricane Francine, the tremendous work, expense and stress can mean a daunting and difficult ordeal ahead. But if you restore for more than before, you can return to a stronger, more resilient, comfortable and healthy home.
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