As the U.S. rice harvest hits full speed in late August and early September, growers are facing the stark reality that U.S. rice prices are 37% lower than they were at the beginning of the 2024 season.
When Keith Glover, the president and CEO of Arkansas-based Producers Rice Mill, cited that number in a speech to the Little Rock Rotary Club in early August, some analysts questioned it. Glover stands by the percentage.
Read MoreCases of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that infests livestock and sometimes humans, have risen sharply in Mexico. According to Mexican government data cited by Reuters, as of August 17 there were 5,086 recorded infestations in animals — a 53 percent increase in just one month, with 649 active cases.
Read MoreAn ag economist says the increased trade tensions between the U.S. and China are starting to negatively impact soybean prices.
Read MoreWhen Hurricane Katrina hit the coast on Aug. 29 and Hurricane Rita followed on Sept. 24, much of south Louisiana sustained tremendous damage. The storms caused more than 1,100 deaths, according to the Louisiana Department of Health; displaced several communities; and led to $108 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service. LSU AgCenter economists estimated that the state’s agricultural sectors sustained nearly $1.6 billion in losses from the storms.
Read MoreCase Farms has completed the acquisition of Foster Farms’ Farmerville, Louisiana complex, marking a strategic expansion of its poultry operations.
The deal covers the Farmerville Fresh Chicken, Prepared Foods and Protein Conversion facilities, along with a feed mill in Arcadia and a hatchery in Athens, Louisiana. Both companies said they will work to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers and suppliers.
Read MoreIn the USDA Crop Progress report released on Aug. 25, 12 states reported soybeans dropping leaves. Here’s a closer look at the 12 states that reported for that crop growth stage.
Read MoreAn invasive insect pest of rice, the rice Delphacid (Tagosodes orizicolus), has been detected in Louisiana. No adverse impacts on rice have been observed in Louisiana as yet, but the detection is certainly a concern. The inset is a major pest of rice in Texas, particularly late-planted and second crop rice.
Specimens were first detected in July in Tensas Parish. Subsequent surveys detected an infestation in western Calcasieu Parish, but its distribution in the State remains largely unknown. It was not detected during initial observations in other areas of northeast or southwest Louisiana, but its occurrence in those are still being investigated. Producers in Calcasieu and Tensas Parishes should exercise caution to avoid additional spread. Rice straw or hay should not be moved out of these Parishes. Producers in other Parishes that detect possible Delphacid infestations should report the sites to LSU AgCenter extension agents.
More information on rice delphacid biology and management can be found on the LSU AgCenter website.
Read MoreIn honor of National Farm to School Month this October, Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and the LSU AgCenter are inviting K through 12 students across Louisiana to showcase their creativity in the 2025 Louisiana Farm to School Art Contest. Students are encouraged to explore Louisiana agriculture and create artwork featuring foods grown in the state, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood.
Read MoreFSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.
Read MoreThis week in WBRZ history, six different hurricanes made landfall, putting Morgan City's Shrimp and Petroleum Festival at risk each year.
One particularly devastating storm that struck Morgan City — Hurricane Andrew — made landfall on Aug. 26, 1992. This was one week before the 57th festival.
Read MoreShrimping has been an industry and a tradition for over a century, but for many on the job, there are concerns about what comes next.
Fourth-generation shrimper, St. Mary Councilman, and member of the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, Rodney Olander says shrimping today isn't what it used to be.
Read MoreWe are very pleased to introduce our 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year, Amelia Kent!
Amelia Kent is a fourth-generation farmer who started her own farm immediately after graduating from Wellesley College. Amelia, her husband, Russell, and their daughter Avery, raise cattle through Kent Farms LLC, located in Clinton, Louisiana.
Read MoreIn coordination with local, state, and federal officials, environmental sampling and analysis have been conducted following the fire at the Smitty’s Supply Facility. Based on the data currently available, there is no indication of any imminent threat to public health from the soot or smoke residue deposited in the surrounding area.
Out of an abundance of caution, residents are advised to take general hygiene precautions, including washing any outside surfaces that may have been impacted by soot or smoke and practicing good handwashing after contact with outdoor surfaces.
Read MoreThe Southern University Ag Center will host its 20th Annual Business Development and Procurement Conference October 27-29, 2025. The conference, themed “A Legacy of Leadership: 20 Years of Innovation and Impact,” will be held on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge, La.
Whether your business is just a dream waiting to be launched or an established enterprise ready to scale, the 20th Annual Business Development and Procurement Conference is the place to be.
Read MoreI hope the weather has been treating you well! It looks like we've had enough rain to escape any sort of major droughts in the state, though this recent string of dry days probably has some of you wanting some rain. It looks like we will get plenty in the Friday to Sunday timeframe. Yes that's right, right on the long, Labor Day weekend.
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