Louisiana Lawmakers Conclude Special Session on Tax Reform
In Baton Rouge on November 22, 2024, the Louisiana Legislature wrapped up a special session focused on tax reform, culminating in the approval of a substantial tax package. This legislative action is set to reshape the state’s tax landscape with significant reductions in some areas, increases in others, and the establishment of a permanent stipend for teachers.
However, the implementation of these changes is contingent upon voter approval of a crucial constitutional amendment in the upcoming election.
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ADM Makes Second 2024 Sale of U.S. Rice to Iraq
The ADM Rice Division’s sale of 44,000 metric tons of U.S. long grain rice to Iraq is being called “a breath of fresh air” for rice markets that haven’t had much of that commodity lately.
The sale, which is expected to be shipped in January, comes after India removed its Minimum Export Price, which had been the equivalent of $490 per metric ton.
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AFBF Comments on Nomination of Brooke Rollins for Agriculture Secretary
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the nomination of Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture.
"We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture. We're pleased she has a good relationship with our state Farm Bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she's confirmed by the Senate.”
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Traditional Thanksgiving Meal Cheaper in Louisiana Than National Average
Although grocery prices remain high historically nationwide, they have dropped for a second year in a row.
Louisiana consumers will spend even less this Thanksgiving. According to a statewide sample of prices for the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Dinner Price Survey, Louisiana residents should expect to spend $12.24 less than the national average for a classic Thanksgiving dinner for ten people.
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SU Ag Center Continues its Partnership with the NMSDC Acres Program
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SU Ag Center) and the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) have continued their partnership to enhance NMSDC’s 2025 Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture program.
In its second year as NMSDC’s educational partner, the Southern University Ag Center will continue to provide instructors and course material for the Acres 12-week learning curriculum focused on growing program participants’ capacity to take on major national contracts with NMSDC corporate members.
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Louisiana Sugarcane Industry Increases Acreage and Economic Impact
As we move into the holiday season, we have much for which to be thankful when we look at the broader picture of the Louisiana sugarcane industry. The final report for 2023 shows that the industry remains strong as it enters its third century of sugar production. We’ve seen growth in both acreage and economic impact.
In 2023, sugarcane production expanded in a number of parishes, bringing the total acres of sugarcane planted in Louisiana to 532,000—an increase of 12,000 acres.
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Governor Jeff Landry Concludes Historic Tax Reform Special Session
Governor Jeff Landry marked the close of the special legislative session on Tax Reform. When Governor Landry ran for office, he promised the people of Louisiana that he would work to achieve a government as good as the people of Louisiana. As Governor, he has focused on fixing crime, improving our education system, and rebuilding our economy.
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With Farm Bill Stalled, Future Uncertain for Louisiana Farmers, Nutrition Programs
Cars pack a gravel lot outside Hope Ministries, a Methodist nonprofit situated in the 70805 zip code, where the per capita yearly income is $18,340. The organization’s mission is to prevent homelessness and promote dignity.
A week before Thanksgiving, residents wait patiently for their turn at the organization's Client Choice Food Pantry.
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President-elect Donald Trump Selects Brooke Rollins to Serve as Secretary of Agriculture
President-Elect Donald Trump has made another pick for his Administration.
He has elected Brooke Rollins to hold the position of the new Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins served as president of the America First Policy Institute, an organization closely allied with President-elect Donald Trump.
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Louisiana Farm & Ranch: November 2024
Thanks to Buck Leonards and the staff at Louisiana Farm & Ranch for providing the digital edition.
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Here’s What Q4 USDA Reports Signal Ahead of Mid-January
There is evidence the supply-side of the 2024/25 balance sheets for corn and soybeans is still a moving target, which means there’s potential for more market volatility in the next six weeks. On the demand side, questions remain as well.
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Senate Ag Committee Members: 1 in 5 Farmers at Risk Financially
A trifecta of high input prices, high interest rates, and depressed crop prices have Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) bringing focus to the economic stress for farmers.
Earlier this week at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing: A Review of Disaster Funding, the senators asked colleagues to broaden the scope to include market loss assistance for the nation’s agricultural sector.
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Legislation Would Provide One-Time Assistance Payment for Louisiana Farmers
The Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act would provide farmers with a one-time assistance payment for the purchase of eligible commodities such as barley, corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, and wheat. Payments also can be used to pay down debt from the 2024 crop year.
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The LSU Agcenter Welcomes 3rd & 4th Graders to Annual ‘Agmagic Cenla’
November 20 & 21, The LSU Agricultural Center is holding the annual ‘AgMagic Cenla’, an educational experience for third and forth graders to learn about agriculture and the environment.
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Last Night’s 58th CMA Award Show Was Full of Agriculture Ties and Roots!
What a night at the 58th annual Country Music Association Awards show in Nashville, Tennessee.
Several of the big winners from this year’s CMA’s have ties to agriculture. For starters, one of the hosts, Lainey Wilson was raised on a farm in northeastern Louisiana. Luke Bryan grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia.
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