Cow Country Reporter: October 2024

Hurricane Helene caused record destruction and deaths from Florida, Georgia, The Carolinas and into Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and beyond. My prayers go out to the families, loved ones and friends who died and those who lost homes and businesses. This tragic event was followed by the longshore union strike. We as a nation have got to come together and assist those in need.

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LivestockAvery Davidson
LACA Scholarship Application Deadline November 1, 2024

Preference is given to applicants currently enrolled at a Louisiana college or university, and following an agricultural curriculum that emphasizes one or more of the following: Agribusiness/Economics; Agronomy; Entomology; Plant Pathology; Plant Science; Soil Science; Weed Science.

A minimum of one undergraduate and one graduate scholarship will be awarded in February of 2025. If funding is available, a third, and possibly even a fourth graduate scholarship will be awarded.

Each scholarship is valued at $2,000.00.

LACA 2025 Scholarship application deadline is November 1, 2024.

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don molino
Learn Forest Management, Earn CEs

The Louisiana Logging Council, Drax Biomass, Hunt Forest Products, LaSalle Lumber Co. and Kisatchie National Forest are offering an opportunity for loggers to learn about Complimentary Forest Management, At-Risk Species, Timber Extraction and Restoration efforts on the Calcasieu District.

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ForestryAvery Davidson
Producers use Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance to Manage Risk

In recent years, drought has been common in many Southern states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that approximately 65% of this area was experiencing some level of drought as of October 1, 2024 (Fig. 1). Producers are increasingly adopting the USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance (PRF), recognizing its crucial role in supporting ranchers during these challenging times.

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LivestockAvery Davidson
National Rice Month Video Contest Deadline Approaches

The 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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Ricedon molino
USDA Invests More Than $46 Million for Underserved, Veteran, and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Projects Nationwide

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced a more than $46 million investment in projects supporting America’s veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers to help aspiring producers enter the business and improve their skills and knowledge to sustain their operations for years to come.

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USDAAvery Davidson
Protecting Farm Equipment During Post-harvest Season

According to the Louisiana State Department of Agriculture and Forestry, farmers can risk thousands of dollars if their equipment doesn’t get stored properly during off-season.

Commissioner Mike Strain of the department told KNOE Tuesday morning that even though farmers are still active in the fields during this time of year, they should be thinking about how they’re going to store their equipment to avoid rodent damage, which can become costly.

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LDAFAvery Davidson
Senator Cassidy Hosts Second Rural Community Funding Summit

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted his second Rural Community Funding Summit of 2024, together with Minden Mayor Nick Cox, the Louisiana Municipal Association, the Police Jury Association of Louisiana, and LITACorp. Cassidy encouraged local officials in attendance to take advantage of his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the opportunities it provides.

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Avery Davidson
Volunteer Fireman Arrested in Union Parish

On October 2, Christopher Kyle Holman was arrested following a three-month investigation between The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Enforcement Division and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

In June of 2024, LDAF’s enforcement division received a complaint involving a local volunteer fire department (VFD) setting fires.

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LDAFAvery Davidson