Cotton Jassid Invades Southeast, Texas Braces For 2026 Impact

The cotton jassid, or two-spot cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula Ishida, is wreaking havoc in Southeastern U.S. cotton fields. While probable detection has been identified on a Wharton County, Texas, farm, the insect, which has multiple hosts, has been spotted in several big-box nurseries throughout much of the state where hibiscus is sold.

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Cottondon molino
Office of Louisiana Highway Construction Aims to Repair 62 Rural Bridges by the End of 2026

The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction has set an ambitious goal of fixing 62 small bridges in rural areas of Louisiana by end of next year. The Louisiana Legislature established this new office earlier this year and granted the new agency with emergency procurement powers. The director of this new office, Archie Chaisson, says that allows them to hire contractors faster.

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kristen oaks
Looking for Landrys: a Global Family Reunion

Members of the Landry family are invited to connect during a special reunion at Vermilionville Historic Village, celebrating Cajun and Acadian heritage with food, music and genealogy. The event is being hosted by The Landry Family Association.

The Landry Family Association Reunion is set for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, from 5–9 p.m. as part of the week long Grand Réveil Acadien, or “Great Acadian Awakening.” Held only once every five years, the festival runs Oct. 11–18 across Acadiana and highlights language, culture, tourism and family ties.

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Avery Davidson
LSU AgCenter Furthers Rice Research with New Grant

The U.S. rice industry has made impressive gains in sustainability over the last 40 years. Yet the crop is still at risk due to climate change, disease outbreaks, pests and human activity that can cause disturbances in production. The LSU AgCenter is continuing its research on rice sustainability, in large part thanks to a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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LSU AgCenter, RiceAvery Davidson
USDA and DOI Announce Bold Federal Reforms to Improve Nation’s Wildfire Response System

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America's wildfire prevention and response system. This policy direction enacts common-sense reforms that modernize and streamline federal wildfire system. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued his own memorandum to streamline capabilities and strengthen federal, state, and local partnerships.

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USDA, ForestryAvery Davidson