The Southern University Ag Center will host a drone certification test preparation training at the M.A. Edmound Multi-Purpose Building, 14600 Scenic Hwy., in Baton Rouge from Oct. 13-16, 2025.
The four-day training is designed for farmers, researchers, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in using drones for agriculture, research, business applications, or anyone seeking to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
Read MoreRice Farmer John Owen says inflation and recent tariffs are undermining the 2018 farm bill and increasing the need for a new one.
“We’ve had about three years of prices that were below the cost of production,” Owen said. “We’ve gone, we’re almost three years without a meaningful farm bill. ”
Read MoreChemical harvest aids are applied to almost every cotton acre in the Midsouth. These products allow the perennial crop to be manipulated into a timely, single-pass harvest. Leaf material remaining on the plant at harvest is the primary source of staining and trash. When properly applied, the removal of leaves and opening of bolls generated by harvest aids results in a substantial increase in yield, improvement of fiber quality, reduction of boll rot, and increase in picker efficiency. Harvest aids used in cotton production are broadly organized as either defoliants, boll openers, or desiccants.
Read MoreSugarcane farming in New Iberia is embracing new technology, including drones, to improve efficiency and profitability, according to veteran farmer Ricky Gonsoulin.
Ricky Gonsoulin, who has been farming sugarcane for 39 years, highlighted the industry’s evolution through the adoption of new technologies each harvest. This year, a large drone was used to drop holy water on the sugarcane crops as part of a blessing ceremony.
Read MoreIn Louisiana, where heat and humidity dominate much of the year, raising high-quality beef that tolerates the weather is challenging. Traditional cattle breeds that thrive in cooler climates often don’t adapt well to the Gulf South. Brahman cattle, a breed known for its resilience but not necessarily for premium beef, are typically found throughout the state.
Read MoreLouisiana’s food markets offer a special peek into the state’s vibrant culinary culture. From historic city markets to countryside specialty shops, these spots showcase the best Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors.
Whether you’re hunting for fresh seafood, homemade sausages, or local produce, these ten markets deliver authentic Louisiana tastes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced sugar loan rates for crop year 2025 (fiscal year 2026). The rates, which were raised in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reflect the first meaningful increase to sugar loan rates in 40 years. CCC also announced no actions taken under the Feedstock Flexibility Program.
Read MoreSeptember National Rice Month (NRM) is always a whirlwind of activity in Louisiana! There are so many celebrations, cooking contests, and charitable donations during NRM that they don't all fit. Stay tuned for the 88th International Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana, October 16-19.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payment to eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. Of the authorized $10 billion in ECAP assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already provided over $8 billion in payments to eligible producers to mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City.
Read MoreOnce again, we are hearing rumblings about transportation along the Lower Mississippi River. Anyone south of the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers will tell you we haven’t had much rainfall in the region since the start of July.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Strategic Partnerships and Veteran Outreach program will host a Farmer Resource Fair on Thursday, October 9, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. It will be held at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station located at 262 Research Station Drive in Bossier City.
Read MoreGrand Isle, Louisiana, U.S.A.-based oyster brand Grand Isle Jewels has landed a distribution deal with Tucker, Georgia, U.S.A.-based Inland Foods, a national supplier of specialty products.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival is bringing excitement and tradition back to New Iberia with its annual celebration. This beloved event, honoring sugar as a key local commodity, promises a variety of activities for attendees.
Read MoreFederal officials have not yet made public the list of hazardous materials present at a Tangipahoa Parish petroleum products plant that caught fire and exploded last month, saying that doing so might reveal “confidential business information.”
Read MoreThe sugarcane crop development in Louisiana shows improving crop ratings for this time of year. The percentage of the Louisiana sugarcane crop that is rated good or excellent was falling closer to the bottom of the five-year range but has rebounded quickly over the past several weeks (Figure 6). However, summer is the critical period for both crops in terms of putting on sugar content.
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