Test the soil from each field regularly for every complete crop rotation or every two to three years before making any fertilization decisions.
Collect soil samples from 0 to 6 inches in depth and choose a lab that uses Mehlich-3 extractant.
Obtain fertilizer recommendations based on the soil test for specific crops from the respective state soil testing lab, as these recommendations vary by crop and state.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. This significant step continues USDA's commitment to keeping farmers and ranchers financially viable and support for agricultural communities.
Over the past two years, USDA acted swiftly to assist borrowers in retaining their land and continuing their agricultural operations. Since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022, the USDA has provided approximately $2.4 billion in assistance to more than 43,900 distressed borrowers.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board is accepting grant applications for the purpose of supporting the growth and development of the Louisiana equine industry by enhancing research, education, promotion, facilities, tourism, events, and equine-related activities throughout the state.
Read MoreThis past week, the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter held a Model Farm Rice Field Day as part of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Grant, designed to provide up-to-date information on rice production and how it relates to conservation, sustainability, and best management practices (BMP). The gathering took place at Richard Farms, north of Kaplan.
Julie and Christian Richard’s farm is a familiar site for field days in southwest Louisiana, as they host several events throughout the year, opening their operation whenever asked to welcome guests from both the rice industry and those outside the agriculture world.
Read MoreLouisiana 4-H’ers are ready — ready to learn by doing; ready to get their hands dirty; ready to show up for their communities.
For more than 100 years, 4-H has been preparing youth from across the state to be ready for service, STEM, leadership and life.
Read MoreThe American Sugar Cane League has hired Cheryl Michelet who will be the next public relations director in the organization. She will work closely with Sam Irwin who recently announced his retirement from the League in February of 2025 after 13 years of service.
Michelet is the CEO and founder of Michelet Strategic Communications and most recently served as the director of communications for BREC, the East Baton Rouge Parish Park system.
Read MoreTodd Tarifa, who has spent his career educating Louisiana’s young people through organizations and in the classroom, was named interim associate director of youth development for the LSU AgCenter effective Oct. 1.
He now oversees both Louisiana 4-H and Louisiana FFA, which together reach nearly 126,000 youths.
Read MoreOver the past two years, Congress has held numerous hearings that have documented a brewing financial crisis caused by falling commodity prices, high input costs, and tightening farm credit. Members have heard from farmers and ranchers across the country about the need for a new Farm Bill. Now, it’s time for Congress to act. Waiting would be a mistake.
I was the chief economist at the Department of Agriculture when the last farm bill was written and saw firsthand the impacts on our agricultural and food system caused by the changing climate, a trade war, and a global pandemic.
Read MoreSylvia “Tweety” Trahan has been named the 2024 Cattlewoman of the Year.
Trahan’s honor comes as part of the 74th Annual Louisiana Cattle Festival, which will begin on Friday in Abbeville.
Tweety, as she is known by family and friends, has been a member of the Vermilion Cattlewomen's and Louisiana Cattlewomen’s Associations for 30 years. She has been a member of the American National Cattlewomen's Association for 25 years.
Read MoreThere’s this tiny town in the Cajun country of Calcasieu Parish called Iowa. That’s Iowa, Louisiana—population 3,121, and Iowa’s pronounced with a “hard A” on the end. But this quaint little community is only that big and booming when all the rodeo rigs pull back into their hometown driveways on Denison Road, down in “the country part of Iowa that’s north of I-10” that they call LeBleu Settlement. Imagine the block-party barbecues being planned there this week, as two native sons and a daughter just crossed the National Finals finish line ranked among the Top 15 in the world and are headed to Vegas.
Read MoreIn a significant move to strengthen agricultural ties and explore innovative agribusiness opportunities, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew toured the McIlhenny Company’s manufacturing and agricultural operations, the home of the world-renowned TABASCO® Brand, on October 01, 2024. This visit comes amid growing efforts by St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance its agricultural sector through international partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment in sustainable food production.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded farmers and small businesses from 34 states, including Arkansas and Louisiana, grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills.
In Louisiana, farmers and small businesses were awarded more than $2.2 million to combat the climate crisis.
Read MoreOn October 2, the Vernon Parish Cattlemen Association held its 11th annual “Vernon Parish Cattlemen’s Farm Youth Day.”
This year the event took place at Porter Ranch in Leesville and 170 Vernon Parish students attended.
Students arrived at 9 a.m. and began their day learning about farm safety, cattle care and career opportunities in agriculture.
Read MoreHumans began farming thousands of years ago, but a new study co-authored by two LSU professors says ants had us beat by millions of years.
LSU AgCenter mycologist Vinson P. Doyle and LSU Department of Biological Sciences professor Brant C. Faircloth lent their combined expertise to a study led by Smithsonian Institution entomologist Ted Schultz, which demonstrates that ants began farming fungi after an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago, causing a global mass extinction.
Read MoreThe clock is ticking for the annual National Rice Month (NRM) Scholarship video contest! The deadline for entries is Tuesday, October 15.
Less than two weeks away but more than enough time for eligible students, graduating high school seniors from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Texas, to create a short video – three minutes or less – that educates, entertains, and tells why rice is special to you, to your state, or to the world.
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