Deadline Approaching: USDA To Provide $1B To Flood & Wildfire Impacted Livestock Producers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced eligible livestock producers will receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire in calendar years 2023 and 2024. The program is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits. Sign-up begins on Monday, September 15. Livestock producers have until October 31, 2025, to apply for assistance.
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September 28 Louisiana Crop Report
According to USDA, as of last Sunday, 96 percent of the Louisiana soybean crop was coloring, 93 percent dropping leaves, 88 percent mature and 78 percent has now been harvested. The bean crop is reported at two percent excellent, 20 percent fair and 78 percent good.
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From the Desk of Craig McCain
Hey there, it’s me again! It is hard to believe that we are past Labor Day and rolling headfirst into Fall. Speaking of Fall, we were blessed with some nice weather during
Well, it seems that Fall has arrived again! While we had a few days of unseasonably cooler weather during late August, summer came back for what we hope is one last round.
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Louisiana Woman Shares Her Tips on Cooking the Perfect Pot of Gumbo
Gumbo, what some Louisianians would call a staple dish to serve during the cold months, is a blend of vegetables, meats, and roux.
Stacy Spedale, a Louisiana native who grew up in Milton, first learned how to cook gumbo from her husband in 2008.
Since then, she’s learned her way around a gumbo pot, including making the most important ingredient, the roux.
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USDA to Host Data Users’ Meeting to Gather Public Input on Statistical Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting in West Des Moines, Iowa, on October 21, starting at 1 p.m. CT. The free and open-to-the-public event will also have a virtual attendance option. For both methods, registration is required.
The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public and to solicit input on these and other programs important to agriculture.
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Fall Field Prep Boosts Early Rice Planting Success
Timing is the most important element in a maximally efficient rice crop. Planting early is the key element to producing top yield, and it all begins with fall field prep.
Ron Levy, Louisiana State University Extension rice specialist, is a firm believer in preparing a fall foundation for infallible spring rice planting.
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SU Ag Center To Host Ag Drone Certification Test Prep Training
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.
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North Louisiana Farmer On The Status Of The Rice Industry
Rice 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. ”
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2025 Mid South Cotton Defoliation Guide
Chemical 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.
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Evolution of Sugar Cane Farming
Sugarcane 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.
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Breeding Better Beef: LSU’s Research Works to Transform Louisiana’s Cattle Industry
In 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.
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Exploring Hidden Food Markets In Louisiana That Tourists Miss
Louisiana’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.
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USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Sugar Loan Rates and No Actions Under Feedstock Flexibility Program
The 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.
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Rice Celebrates Rich Tradition In Louisiana During National Rice Month
September 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.
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USDA Issues Second Economic Assistance Payment To Agricultural Producers
The 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.
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