The USDA reported the most recent condition ratings for corn and soybeans earlier this week. There are clear “winners” — states with the highest rated crops — and “losers” — states with the lowest rated crops.
Read more about which states came out on top, and which are trending the wrong way just before harvest.
Read MoreMidwest crop producers have experienced a significant downturn in corn, soybean, and wheat prices since late 2023, resulting in a drop in net returns in 2024. Moreover, current expectations are that prices will continue to remain at or below the cost of production for at least a couple more years. Consequently, a key question being asked is as follows: “Who is the most vulnerable financially during this downturn”? To explore this question, we analyze farm-level financial data from the Farm Financial Management (FINBIN) database, focusing on operating profit margins and debt-to-asset ratios, to identify which operations face the greatest risk as the downturn deepens.
Read MoreUSDA’s September 2025 net farm income forecast, released Sept. 3, projects net farm income will rise sharply from 2024. While stronger performance in some sectors is a factor in the increase, much of it is tied to continued support from government disaster assistance.
Read Morein August, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) welcomed a team of 11 Mexican grain importers to New Orleans to offer a better understanding of U.S. grain export procedures, regulatory frameworks, logistics and operations in maritime shipping.
Read MoreMembers of the Louisiana Cotton Association have been working on the 71st annual Louisiana Cotton Festival, which will be held from Monday, October 6, through Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Read MoreThe National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has opened applications for spring 2026 semester internships in the association’s Colorado headquarters and Washington, D.C. office. Internships are available for public policy, producer education and sustainability, and meetings and events.
The U.S. soybean crop seems to be getting smaller. Drier weather has set in across much of the Midwest, which could taper soybean yields. Disease pressure is also starting to mount. But even with the potential for the soybean crop estimates to shrink, analysts warn without China coming to the table, soybean prices could be stuck in this low price pattern.
Read MoreTwo people recently died in Louisiana after eating raw Gulf oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Now that we have returned to the “r” months of autumn, a period historically considered safer to consume the mollusks on the half shell, seafood lovers are rightfully on edge about enjoying what many consider a saltwater delicacy.
Read MoreThere is one word that fully describes the cattle market: HIGHER! Who would have thought that according to USDA, The National Weekly Feeder and Stocker Summary for the week ending August 23, 2025, showed 400-700 lbs. steers bringing $650.00-$700.00 per head more than the same time a year ago in the Southeast region. Many are saying the market will go higher. Again, PLEASE don’t get caught with a cow herd that has an average age of over 10 years.
Read MoreThe Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Task Force officially named its members Thursday, Sept. 4.
The task force was created during the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Regular Session to study and recommend best practices for managing and mitigating CWD in the state.
The 21-member panel includes a state senator, a state representative, a Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries commissioner, officials from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), a veterinarian from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and representatives from the Louisiana Landowner Association, Natural Resource Management Association, Louisiana Forest Association, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Louisiana Farm Bureau, private industry, and landowners.
Read MoreYear-over-year Mississippi River levels at St. Louis and Memphis are currently measuring above last year. But, without significant rain in the forecast and concerns for the volume of water coming from the Ohio River valley into the lower Mississippi, this could elevate levels of concern, particularly in the next few weeks.
Read MoreThe purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.
Read MoreIn August, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) welcomed a team of 11 Mexican grain importers to New Orleans to offer a better understanding of U.S. grain export procedures, regulatory frameworks, logistics and operations in maritime shipping
Read MoreThe Rice Delphacid (RD) is an invasive insect that has been a serious pest in rice in Central and South America and in the Caribbean. It was discovered in Texas in 2015 and has caused damage sporadically since that time. However, in 2025, the level of infestations and damage has increased significantly. The insect is also a vector of a disease called Rice Hojo Blanca Virus (RHBV).
Read MoreThe Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission will host its next saddle microchipping event on Friday, September 19, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the Raceland Ag Building located at 115 Texas Street in Raceland, Louisiana.
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