The Louisiana Drought Team, in coordination with national USDM authors, increased the coverage of D1 (‘Moderate Drought’) across west-central and south-central Louisiana. In addition, D0 (‘Abnormally Dry’) coverage was increased across all portions of Louisiana.
Statewide coverage of D1 increased from 16% to 21% while the statewide coverage of D0 increased from 40% to 55%. Just over three quarters of the state is designated as D0 or D1, the most since 10/29/2024.
Read MoreThe U.S. cattle market ended last week in turmoil as futures tumbled in reaction to President Donald Trump’s comments about a plan to lower beef prices, followed by a weekend statement that the U.S. could import beef from Argentina.
Read MoreWorking full-time outside of agriculture while also advocating for the industry can sometimes feel a bit disjointed. On the one hand, I’m trying to tell everyone our farms are sustainable, innovative, and modern. But the rest of the world seems deadset on believing that agriculture is the root cause of every environmental crisis. I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing this disconnect.
Read MoreRural broadband growth is reshaping how farms across the South connect and compete. A new USDA survey released in August 2025 shows sharp increases in online input purchases and marketing activity, even as some producers scale back precision agriculture tools amid tighter margins.
Read MoreThe United States Department of Agriculture and the Food Safety Inspection Service have announced a recall of a popular breakfast item that is currently included as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. These items have been sold and served nationwide, including in schools in Louisiana.
Lafayette, of all places, could become a major player in the drone industry.
Earlier this month, global drone manufacturer DMR Technologies announced it will house its manufacturing base in Lafayette, where it will employ more than 500 people and build its Field Ranger X50. The 10-foot by 10-foot device can weigh 220 pounds when its 13-gallon tank is full and fly for nine minutes on a fully charged battery.
Read MoreThe Climate Prediction Center says there’s a 71% chance of La Niña conditions developing from October through December, while also issuing a La Niña Watch. However, one meteorologist expects La Niña to make a quick exit.
Read MoreThe Environment and Health Council of Louisiana cordially invites local fishermen, shrimpers, and agricultural specialists to attend our “Seafood and Louisiana” conference, an event where local and national experts will speak on the ongoing issues impacting Louisiana’s seafood industry.
Read MoreRice season is in full swing in South Louisiana, where third-generation farmer Eric Unkel is navigating his 30th rice season.
As Unkel’s second harvest of the season is approaching, he reflected on how this years crop has performed.
Read MoreAt least eleven Louisiana parishes had declared outdoor burn bans by Friday afternoon, because of increasingly dangerous dry conditions. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says for more than a third of the state the fire danger is rated as high. But he emphasized that there is some relief in sight, as a cold front will boost rain chances over the weekend.
Read MoreMidway through a particularly tough farming season, Congress has delivered a win to farmers looking to buy new equipment this year. President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act restores 100% bonus depreciation, reversing a scheduled wind-down triggered by the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, while simultaneously raising the Section 179 deduction cap to $2.5 million.
Read MoreCanada is committed to advancing the common economic interests of the three signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a pact that strengthens all of North America, said Donald Boucher, director, general sector development and analysis, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ottawa.
Read MoreIn Louisiana, the 2025 cotton crop is the smallest crop on record, but on the flip side, the yields have been strong. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report from northeast Louisiana.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter will begin a free training program for Louisiana’s beginning farmers this spring.
Grow Louisiana offers a comprehensive range of services to support agricultural communities. These include whole-farm planning, horticulture and business training, online resources and access to support, networking and mentoring opportunities.
Read MoreA just-launched national Women in Agriculture Study is a comprehensive effort to capture women’s voices from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The survey remains open through March 31 to gather insights from women working in production agriculture, agribusiness, education and advocacy, as well as from men and others in related fields who can offer perspectives on women’s roles in agriculture.
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