Low Mississippi River Levels To Again Disrupt Harvest Shipping
Agri-Pulse's Noah Wicks reported that "water levels in parts of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers are likely to reach critically low stages soon, forcing shippers to light-load harvest-season grain barges for the fourth year in a row."
"Readings on the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois, have already fallen below that gauge's 'low threshold,' while those on the Mississippi River at Memphis, are projected to do so by Tuesday," Wicks reported. "With harvest season already underway, agricultural shippers are being forced to load their barges lighter due to the threat of low water conditions developing in coming weeks. 'We've had low water levels for four years in a row now,' said Mike Seyfert, president and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association. 'What I would say is, it certainly doesn't make things easier.'"
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Farm Bureau: "Time Is Running Out" To Get Trade Back On Track
Soybean growers this week are set to hear details of a potential bailout. The White House is promising to make farmers a “fortune” after their largest buyer, China, left the market and has not returned.
Meanwhile, critical services are on hold as the government shutdown continues. The Senate will gather this afternoon for another vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government.
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Squirrel, Rabbit Hunting Seasons Begin In Louisiana
Squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons in Louisiana kicked off on Saturday, October 1, and will run through Saturday, February 28.
For people ages 18 and above who are interested in hunting for squirrel’s or rabbits, a basic hunting license is required. You can buy a license online, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge, or at many license retailers.
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Louisiana Agriculture Hall Of Distinction Accepting Nominations
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its annual induction ceremony, which will be held Feb. 26, 2026, in Baton Rouge.
The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through any parish LSU AgCenter office. The deadline for receiving nominations is Nov. 19.
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Cow Country Reporter: October 2025
The majority of our Louisiana cow/calf producers have sold their 2025 calf crops and made a good size profit compared to last year. The feeder cattle and calf market has not been paying much attention to the CME Futures Market because throughout September these prices continued to get higher even when the futures market was $6.00-$7.00 per lb. lower some weeks while the live market continued higher.
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Farm Bureau to Cut Auto Rates for 80,000
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple on Friday announced that Louisiana Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company will reduce auto insurance rates by 11.8% for more than 80,000 policyholders statewide beginning Jan. 1.
The reduction marks one of the largest single decreases in recent years, coming as insurers report fewer accidents and cite growing confidence in Louisiana’s legal reforms.
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DMR Technologies Bets on Louisiana: 500+ Jobs Coming to First U.S. Industrial Drone Factory
An American drone manufacturer is placing a major bet on domestic production, announcing plans to build its first full-scale U.S. manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Louisiana. DMR Technologies will create 521 jobs over the next decade with an average salary of $85,000 to produce agricultural drones for the American market.
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Louisiana Farm to School Program Packs Nutrition, Healthy Eating Habits into School Lunches
Many things come to mind when it comes to cafeteria food: frozen smiley fries, hot dogs that have been sitting in the fridge for a month or questionable chocolate milk.
The Louisiana Farm to School Program is trying to put an end to that.
Founded in 2017, the Louisiana Farm to School Program is supported by an agreement between the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Education.
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Outlook Conference Adds Export Market Panels And Gene Editing Speaker
The 2025 USA Rice Outlook Conference, now less than 10 weeks away, strives to offer relevant and timely programming that will improve the sustainability and viability of the U.S. rice industry. To that end, and to live up to the line “If rice is your business, this is your conference,” five export market panels and a session on gene editing in agriculture have been added to the schedule.
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Zoetis Rolls Out New Weapon Against NWS
An animal health company says the first and only approved treatment against New World Screwworm is a significant step forward for the livestock industry.
Mike Lormore, director of cattle and pork technical services with, says the company’s latest injectable drug – Dectomax – CA 1 – provides producers and veterinarians with another tool in the fight against the pest. “It is a big deal. Producers across the country seem to be breathing a little easier the past couple of days.”
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Turkey Farm Challenges Could Affect Thanksgiving Prices
Shoppers preparing for upcoming fall holidays, including Thanksgiving, should brace for higher turkey prices this year. New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel series says economic factors as well as disease challenges have driven wholesale turkey prices up about 40%. While prices may be higher, the analysis shows there will be enough birds to meet consumer demand and Thanksgiving specials are likely to be offered by retailers.
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National Cattlemen's Foundation Accepting Applications For CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) encourages college students pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.
Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.
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New Agriculture Wage Rate Rule Important Step in Reform
A new wage rate rule for agricultural guestworkers takes a much-needed step towards reforming regulations that have put labor out of reach for many of America’s farmers. The Department of Labor announced its new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States. The new rule revises agriculture wage rates for all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
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Vernon Parish Students Learn Ins and Outs of Cattle Ranching
Some Louisiana high schoolers traded their books for boots today, learning firsthand how cattle are raised and what it takes to bring beef to the table.
The Vernon Parish Cattlemen’s Association held its 12th annual event today to show teens where beef really comes from. Their classroom for the day was Porter Ranch, a working cattle ranch spread over 800 acres.
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Leesville Man Cited for Deer Hunting Violations
A Leesville man must pay restitution for violations made while deer hunting in Vernon Parish.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) cited William Decker, 34, for hunting deer during illegal hours using an illegal weapon.
In the early morning of Sept. 29, a complaint came in of shots fired, according to Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.
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