How to Negotiate With Your Ag Lender and Win
As margins tighten, concerns mount for operating and equipment loan appointments. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous heading into a banker’s office during drought or a period of low prices, but a few simple preparations can help alleviate the stress around securing critical financing.
Louisiana Land Bank CEO Stephen Austin shared factors loan officers value when making financing decisions. Approaching the meeting with preparation and purpose can be key to leaving a lending meeting feeling victorious.
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Local Farmers, State Officials Stress Importance of a New Farm Bill
An important deadline for congress has passed.
On Sept. 30, the current farm bill expired, leaving many in the agriculture industry concerned about what the future holds.
“Farmers aren’t going to stop working. We can’t this isn’t a wait and see type of deal. Lawmakers have that luxury. Farmers do not,” said farmer Brandon Vail.
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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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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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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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AgFirst, CoBank, Farmer Mac and the Texas Farm Credit District Join in Hurricane Helene Relief Effort
AgFirst, CoBank, Farmer Mac and the Texas Farm Credit District have joined together to provide $315,000 in relief aid for those hard hit by Hurricane Helene. These entities share a common mission of supporting rural communities and American agriculture with financial and other services. Funds will be donated to the American Red Cross.
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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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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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Black Bear Hunting Lottery Over, Hunt Starts December 7
Ten lucky hunters are counting the days until Dec. 7.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery concluded Sept. 25 with 973 total applications and 814 individual applicants entering.
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USDA/NRCS Louisiana Announces Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sign Up Dates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in Louisiana announced today that it is opening an application period for the Open Pine Landscape Restoration Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. The signup period will begin on November 18 and run until December 13, 2024.
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Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network Senior Farm Broadcaster Is Named King Cotton
For Don Molino, serving as this year’s King Cotton is a great honor.
He said, “When you look at people who have been King Cotton in the past, I’m in pretty dadgum good company. It’s something I didn’t expect. It came out of the blue. This is great.”
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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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‘Shining Light’ Sophomore Promotes Urban 4-H in Calcasieu Parish, Beyond
The motto of Washington-Marion Magnet High in Lake Charles is “Forward. Onward. Upward.” And that is precisely how sophomore Armund Wilson lives his life.
Wilson’s infectious optimism has helped grow 4-H — an organization he once didn’t know much about — in his high school, his community and even nationally.
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Yellow Rails and Rice Festival: Birders and Farmers Go in Search of Elusive Marsh Bird
The heart of Cajun Country in Louisiana’s southwest prairie region is bracing for an influx of visitors for a unique agritourism event.
The 16th annual Yellow Rails and Rice Festival has birders from 30 states and Washington, D.C., flocking to Thornwell for a three-day event beginning Oct. 30.
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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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