Editorial: Congress Should Work to Protect Louisiana’s Farmers
Amid the furor over the Trump administration's tariff proposals that went into effect last week, other, more direct economic moves received less attention but could also have a big impact in Louisiana.
At the end of last month, the USDA froze payments made through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Steward Program, programs that assisted farmers who wanted to upgrade their operations by improving sustainability. Farmers could use the money to improve their water retention and slow soil erosion, among other things.
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Letlow, Deluzio Proposal Seeks to Boost Rural Economic Development
Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) today introduced legislation to boost rural economic development by better coordinating federal-state partnerships designed to promote entrepreneurship.
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Soybeans in the Crossfire as Chinese Trade Tensions Escalate
Soybeans are once again caught in the crosshairs of a brewing U.S.-China trade war, as escalating tariffs are creating a challenging environment for American farmers. U.S. soybean exports to China now face a 60 percent tariff — double the rate seen during the 2018 trade war — and analysts warn that figure could rise further if retaliatory measures continue between the two economic powers.
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Sugarcane Pest Management Strategic Plan: Survey And Workshop
The Southern IPM Center, LSU AgCenter, and the Sugarcane Research Unit are working together to update the sugarcane crop profile and develop a statewide sugarcane pest management strategic plan.
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SU Ag Center Small Farmers Academy To Hold Its Spring Session
The SU Ag Center’s Small Farmer Academy will begin its Spring session in mid-April.
The five-session course will include topics on business plans and structures, hydroponics, hoop house construction, leadership, social media, and more. Farm tours will also be included in the session.
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Despite Tariff Confusion, Low Cotton Prices Are Likely Temporary
It’s only temporary. The talking heads will go to sleep, and their tariff confusion will disappear sooner than later. Cotton prices at 63 cents are little changed from six weeks ago. Equities, bonds, and most commodities can’t say that. December at 67 cents is moving higher.
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Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition
This report contains the results from the Crop Progress and Condition weekly survey.
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National Sorghum Foundation Opens 2025–2026 Scholarship Applications
The National Sorghum Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 academic scholarships for college students studying agriculture.
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Some Louisiana Businesses are Benefiting from Trump Tariffs
Amid President Trump’s steep import taxes, most sectors of Louisiana’s economy are expected to suffer, according to economist Dr. Loren Scott. He emphasizes that economists generally oppose tariffs, calling them “an evil plan.” However, a few industries may benefit. The Louisiana timber industry is poised to benefit from reduced competition from Canadian wood.
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Louisiana Shrimp Industry Celebrates Trump Tariffs. 'We Can't Live Like This Anymore.'
After decades of plunging prices and a dwindling workforce, Louisiana shrimpers are cheering President Donald Trump’s tariffs on countries supplying the U.S. with almost all of its shrimp.
The coastal industry has for years struggled to compete against cheap foreign imports and a pattern of fraudulent mislabeling at seafood restaurants.
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Louisiana Master Farmer Classroom Trainings Scheduled for 2025
Since its inception over 24 years ago, over 4,100 agricultural producers and landowners have participated in at least one phase of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, offered by the LSU AgCenter and other program partners. This program was developed for producers, regardless of commodity or size of operation, and focuses on helping them address environmental concerns and enhance production through Best Management Practices.
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Louisiana Soybean Planting Update and Tips
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimates Louisiana farmers will plant 1.05 million acres of soybean in 2025. This estimate is down 5% from 2024.
By March 30th, farmers had planted 6% of the Louisiana soybean crop which is 2% more than the 5-year average, according to the USDA-NASS.
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2025 H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Field Day
The H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Annual Rice Field Day will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. This event is one of the most well attended events of its kind, routinely having over 400participants. It serves as a forum for scientists, industry members, farmers, and LSU AgCenter and Rice Industry leaders to come together to celebrate success and look towards the future.
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Planting Roots: Melanie Netterville Beavers Finds Her Place in the Field
Melanie Netterville Beavers grew up riding horses on the land she now farms in southern Tensas Parish. That’s where the seed was planted for a future she once only dreamed about.
“And I always thought, you know, how cool would it be to be the farmer?” she said.
As a young girl, Melanie had no idea how to make that dream a reality.
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The Cow Country Reporter: April 2025
April is a month where the cattle industry really gets busy, this year is no different, except, we have some exciting things happening. For example, price for slaughter steers and heifers (fat cattle) are setting new records and calf and yearling prices continue to set new highs.
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