AFBF: New Tariffs Will Impact America’s Farmers

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall expressed alarm about potential harm to farmers resulting from the order signed by President Trump imposing stiff tariffs on the United States’ top three agricultural markets by value. An economic emergency was declared to put duties of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, with limited exceptions, as well as 10% on all imports from China. Canada and Mexico both announced they would impose retaliatory measures.

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Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) Fiscal Year 2025 Application Cycle Open

Need help paying off that student debt AND plan on practicing in Louisiana?! Listen up!!

The USDA offers a veterinary medicine loan repayment program (VLRMP) that helps pay off student debt in return for service in areas where there is a shortage of large animal veterinarians. This program allows you to live in attractive locations, while practicing food animal medicine in a more rural setting.

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How Winter Freeze Impacted CENLA Crawfish Season

Crawfish season is officially underway, but could a recent winter storm have caused temporary delays?

With the snowy weather that swept through the south, cold weather can slow down crawfish activity and make them harder to catch as the ice and snow that covered crawfish crops can make it harder for farmers.

Louisiana Gulf Seafood in Pineville shared its experience with the recent cold weather and how it could have impacted local crops.

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Trump's Influence Dominates American Farm Bureau Convention

As farmers and ag industry types flocked to the American Farm Bureau Federation convention, a man nowhere in sight was getting lots of attention. President Donald Trump’s presence was felt throughout San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. From the main stage to the exits, and seemingly everywhere in between, there was no escaping the newly re-inaugurated president.

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Hessian Fly Control in Winter Wheat

The Hessian fly, one of the most serious pests of small grain crops worldwide, poses a significant threat to winter wheat grown in the eastern United States. Clemson University scientists are leading efforts to combat this issue.

This research supports the mission of Clemson’s Advanced Plant Technology Program and is part of a broader effort across the southeastern U.S. Similar research trials are ongoing at Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Georgia.

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LSU AgCenterAvery Davidson
LDAF Accepting Applications For 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS).

Applications must be received no later than the close of business (4:30 p.m.) Friday, March 17, 2025.

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NOTICE: Final Rule - Seafood Consumer Protection

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, pursuant to ACT 148 in the 2024 Regular Session submitted a Notice of Intent with the Louisiana State Register giving public notice that the Department, through the Office of Agro-Consumer Services, Weights and Measures Division, intended to adopt LAC 7:XXXV.Chapter 5. Subchapter C. Seafood Consumer Protection.

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Cotton Prices: Will 2025 Mirror 2024 Trends?

I started attending the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in 1985, so I think this year represents my ruby anniversary. New Orleans was fun – good friends, good food, and lots of discussion about the cotton market. Here are a few points that I picked up on in the Economics and Marketing section. 

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St. Helena Students Gain Real-world Skills Through Innovative Career Academy Partnership

In St. Helena, the school district has introduced a new program that will allow high schoolers to better prepare for post graduation. In a parish with limited resources, the district says this will increase the chance for student’s success post graduation. 

Health science, agriculture, business management, arts and technology, and transportation and logistics are all realms of the career world that learners at the St. Helena College And Career Academy are getting a jump start on.

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Avery Davidson