Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner, discusses the impact of tariffs on the state’s agriculture and seafood industries. He emphasizes the importance of promoting local seafood, which is a significant part of Louisiana’s economy, contributing about $1.6 billion annually. Strain highlights the need to enjoy and support local seafood, such as crawfish, shrimp, and crabs, which are currently abundant and reasonably priced.
Read MoreNominations are underway for the 26th class of Peanut Efficiency Award winners. Farm Press is looking to recognize four peanut growers from across the peanut belt who produce high yields using regenerative practices.
"The awards are determined by the producer’s entire peanut operation rather than an individual farm or small plots, and the data submitted is kept confidential," says Farm Progress Senior Content Director Brad Haire.
Read MoreHoney production during 2024 from Louisiana producers with five or more colonies totaled 3.40 million pounds, up 48 percent from 2023. There were 68,000 honey producing colonies in 2024, up 17,000 colonies from previous year. Yield per colony averaged 50 pounds of honey, up 11 percent from 2023. Honey stocks held by producers on December 15, 2024, were 1,156,000 pounds, up 618 percent from a year earlier.
Read MoreSpring is near in Louisiana. The birds are singing, and flowers are beginning to blossom in our landscapes.
It’s a great time to be outdoors. Watch your step, though, or you might become a victim of another sign of the changing seasons: fire ants.
Read MoreThe latest trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union is hitting close to home, as the EU moves forward with $28 billion in retaliatory tariffs in response to the Trump administration’s increase on steel and aluminum tariffs.
While international trade disputes may seem like a high-level game of economic chess, the reality is that Louisiana’s farmers, manufacturers, and exporters could be among the hardest hit.
Read MoreCraving seafood? Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this is the time to get some crabs from your favorite local seafood spot … because they’re some of the BIGGEST he’s ever seen.
“I was in St. Bernard Parish at White Boot Warriors and he’s got some of the biggest crabs I’ve ever seen. I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve never crabs this fat,” Strain pointed out enthusiastically.
Read MoreCotton producers in Louisiana may be eligible for Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). LDPs are payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a Marketing Assistance Loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity. The deadline to apply for an LDP on 2024 crop-year cotton is May 31, 2025.
Read MoreWith the threat of tariffs being thrown left and right, many farmers here in Southwest Louisiana are feeling uncertain.
“It is indeed the biggest problem we are facing, the uncertainty of what is going to happen in the market, the tariffs are on, then the tariffs are off,” said local farmer Hilery Gobert
Read MoreLast week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) released the 2025 Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) allocations, with USA Rice receiving nearly $5 million, in addition to the $6.5 million in Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) funds allocated at the end of last year.
Read MoreIf you participate in USDA programs, including our farm loan and conservation programs, it’s time to start preparing for tax season. It is important to not overlook USDA payments when calculating your taxes. USDA issues documentation for your taxes, including 1098 forms for USDA farm loans and 1099 forms for program payments.
Read MoreApplications are now open for the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences Beginning Agricultural Youth Opportunities Unlimited (BAYOU) Summer Program.
The program targets rising high school seniors who have completed 11th grade and graduating seniors (incoming college freshmen) and provides first-hand knowledge about career opportunities in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business, or the natural sciences.
Read MoreSchool nutritionists are raising alarms about the future of school meals for children, as recent and potential cuts by the Trump administration loom.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced cuts to two programs that allowed schools and food banks to acquire food from local farms, a move that experts warn could jeopardize vital connections between schools and local agricultural communities.
Read MoreLouisiana Tech University has named Dr. Paul Jackson the new director of the School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry. Jackson, a faculty member with more than 12 years of experience at the University, brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and leadership to his new role.
Read MoreThe United States Department of Agriculture awarded Louisiana Tech University a $300,000 grant for a research project. Louisiana Tech officials say the grant will fund their efforts in monitoring and investigating the upcoming Forest Products Innovation Center on campus.
Read MoreAgriculture is a major industry in Louisiana, and I’m proud to be a champion of our farmers and ranchers in Washington D.C. I recently asked President Trump’s new Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to enhance access to foreign markets for Louisiana rice exports. As a leading rice-producing region, Louisiana producers play a key role in growing the national food supply and strengthening our rural economy. Additionally, I recently had the honor of meeting with an outstanding group of young farmers from Louisiana while they were visiting Washington to advocate for pro-agriculture policies.
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