USDA Beginning Farmer And Rancher Veterans Webinar Series

Register for a free webinar series for military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. This webinar series is designed to provide information about USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs and resources for the military community.

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USDAdon molino
Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition: April 2025

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 27, 2025. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 8 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

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USDAdon molino
Year-Round E15 Helps Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer season.

“Farm Bureau appreciates EPA’s decision to keep ethanol blended gasoline available nationwide through the summer season. People who choose E15 fuel experience an average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, which is much-needed relief for families suffering with high prices.”

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Ranking Member Angie Craig, Ag Democrats Urge Restraint in USDA Mass Layoffs

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) led fellow Agriculture Committee Democrats on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressing deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) anticipated Reduction in Force (RIF).

The letter comes after months of chaos and discord at USDA have sowed confusion and uncertainty throughout the farm economy and rural America.

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USDAAvery Davidson
EPA Addresses E-10 Standards, Allows for Nationwide Year-Round E15 Sales

In response to requests from the Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking action to address the States’ concerns about E10 fuel standards by issuing an emergency fuel waiver.

Specifically, the agency has waived provisions that would have otherwise made E10 gasoline sold in those states meet a more stringent standard than conventional gasoline in other parts of the country.

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CornAvery Davidson
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Announces Major Win for Texas Farmers and Ranchers in Water Negotiations with Mexico

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces a major win for American agriculture by securing the agreement of the Mexican government to meet the current water needs of farmers and ranchers in Texas as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. The Mexican government committed to transfer water from international reservoirs and increase the U.S. share of the flow in six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries through the end of the current five-year water cycle.

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Sugarcane, USDAAvery Davidson
City of Lights Crawfish Cook-off Returning to Natchitoches

The third annual City of Lights Crawfish cook-off is returning to Natchitoches.

To join the competition, the cost is $400 per team, which includes six team wristbands. Crawfish will be supplied for all teams. Guests can pay $30 on the day of entry for all-you-can-eat crawfish or pay $25 for early bird entry. All proceeds will be given to the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.

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Rep. Troy Carter Meets with Farmers, USDA Employees

Rep. Troy Carter (D, Dist. 2) is back in his district planting sweet potatoes with Leory Conish, a produce farmer in St. James Parish.  

Conish gave him tips on how far apart to drop each seed potato in the row.  Despite being accustomed to getting his hands dirty in Washington, D.C., Carter said getting his hands dirty in this field is a good thing.  

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USDAAvery Davidson
LA Tech Marks The Start Of Two New Projects

Louisiana Tech had a busy day on April 25, with two groundbreakings.

It began with the groundbreaking of the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success, a place where university leaders say student athlete’s educational demands will be met.

Tech’s expansion doesn’t end at the Student-Athlete Success Center. They also marked the start of the Forest Products Innovation Center, which will focus on the vast timber industry in Louisiana.

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UL Solar Farm to Be Part of National Department of Energy Research Network

The U.S. Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories designated UL Lafayette's Louisiana Solar Energy Lab as a regional test center for emerging solar technologies.

The facility, whose main building was named Antoun Hall after Acadiana area philanthropist and UL alumni Georges Antoun at a Friday ceremony, will be the DOE's sixth Regional Test Center and will be used for research into new solar technologies to advance American energy markets. 

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kristen oaks
Two Cited in Sugartown for Alleged Turkey Hunting Violations

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that two men in Beauregard Parish were cited on April 17, for alleged hunting violations.

LDWF agents said a person had complained that a turkey hunter was taking over the daily limit of turkeys near Sugartown. After investigating, agents said they made contact with Chad Cole, 48, of Sugartown and Konner Seal, 24, of DeRidder. 

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kristen oaks