How to Grow the Next Generation of Agriculture: Start Small

Growing up in the Mississippi River Delta, Willis Nelson says his family’s 800 acres was the biggest farm he’d ever seen. When he and his brothers took over the operation, he dreamed of growing the operation to 1,000 acres, but he didn’t know how to start.

“I went to a field day hosted by Harper Armstrong and he had 2,500 acres and he was a black guy,” Nelson says. “Then I got involved with the National Black Growers Council and saw all the big growers and I thought 1,000 was not enough. It gave us a role model we hadn’t seen before.”

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LSU Faculty Leadership Expresses Confidence in the University’s Interim Appointments

In an email to faculty Monday, LSU Faculty Senate President Daniel Tirone expressed confidence in the interim leadership that’s taken over at the university in the face of several high-profile departures, including former President William Tate IV.

Tirone said he’d met with Interim President Matt Lee for over an hour on Friday discussing priorities.

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Crawfish Season Lasts Longer Than Usual After Record-breaking Year

While it’s the time of year when many crawfish lovers would mourn, as the season usually comes to an end, this year is different. After an epic season, a plentiful one that has been unusually extended, the season is still ongoing. 

“We’ve had a record-breaking season this year,” stated Louisiana Crawfish Company, adding that record production has been achieved across the board. To add to the abundance, the company states that fishermen are reporting that weather conditions are pointing toward an extended season.

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Farm Bureau Applauds Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard requirements for 2026 and 2027. 

“Farm Bureau applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for recognizing the importance of biofuels for farmers and America’s families. EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 would increase domestic biofuel production, prioritize home-grown crops, and enable producers to meet the demands of emerging international markets. America’s families who choose to use biofuels could see much-needed relief at the gas pump, with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon.”

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Acadiana Rice Mill Launches $6M Renovation

Falcon Rice Mill in Crowley has launched a $6 million renovation that will increase efficiency and add 16 jobs.

The project, much of which is will launch next month, will include purchasing and installing new equipment that will improve workflow, increase energy efficiency and double its production capabilities, according to its application with Louisiana Economic Development.

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Three Northeast Louisiana Parishes Declared Contiguous Natural Disaster Areas

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. 

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Farm Bureau Welcomes President Trump’s Commitment to Farmworkers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s commitment to preventing labor disruptions in the food supply.

“We appreciate President Trump’s comments this afternoon recognizing the contributions of farmworkers who play a vital role in growing food across America, and committing to preserve the ability of farms to provide a safe and secure food supply.”

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AgriCapture Issued Third Round Of Carbon Credits From Nation’s Largest Rice Methane Project

AgriCapture recently announced the third issuance of carbon credits from the largest rice methane reduction project in U.S. history. This newest issuance of 33,996 carbon credits includes the first of any agricultural credits to market from the 2024 growing season. These credits reward farmers for cutting methane emissions and conserving water through improved irrigation practices.

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Technology Taking Over Farming

If you close your eyes and visualize work being done on a farm you may think of basic or antiquated technology. If that is true, you would be incorrect. Technological advancements have not escaped the agricultural world. Heliworx Aviation out of Monroe, La. is a local example of how technology is changing the landscape for this field.

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USDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters

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.

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