Physical loss loans through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.
Read MoreIt is springtime again, and the crawfish season is at its prime. KALB’s Johnny Atkinson went on a journey to see just how crawfish are raised, how they’re caught and then how they’re sold.
Read MoreIn 2021, LSU AgCenter researchers Lawrence Datnoff and Brenda Tubaña published a paper analyzing the role silicon plays in plant stress reduction and why the element is not used as a fertilizer in agricultural production. Since its publication in the Plant Disease journal, the paper has been downloaded more than 11,000 times and has been cited 45 times.
Read MoreWith everything you have on your “to do” list, it can be easy to forget about signing up for USDA programs. FSA’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) are two key safety net programs created to protect farmers from significant losses due to fluctuations in crop price or revenue. Don’t delay!
Read MoreThe American Sugar Cane League is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamison Cruce as an additional Washington Representative, effective June 2025.
Cruce will join the League from the USA Rice Federation, where he currently serves as Vice President of Government Affairs. He brings with him more than a decade of experience in agricultural advocacy and trade association operations. His prior roles at the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Georgia Peanut Commission have equipped him with a broad perspective on commodity issues and program development, making him a strong addition to the League.
Read MoreThe world’s largest “blue” ammonia plant will be built in Ascension Parish and create more than 100 permanent jobs, Gov. Jeff Landry and the companies involved announced Tuesday. CF Industries, which has teased the project since 2023, revealed its funding partners that intend to move the development forward.
Read MoreAmid 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.
Read MoreRep. 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.
Read MoreSoybeans 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreIt’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.
Read MoreThis report contains the results from the Crop Progress and Condition weekly survey.
Read MoreThe National Sorghum Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 academic scholarships for college students studying agriculture.
Read MoreAmid 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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