USDA To Conduct 2025 Organic Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the 2025 Organic Survey. In Early December, NASS will mail survey codes to respondents with an invitation to reply online. NASS will follow up by mailing the full questionnaire in early January. Last conducted in 2021, this Census of Agriculture special study will look to gather new data on organic production, marketing practice, income, and expenses in the United States. This effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of organic agriculture production on the nation. The results will be available on October 30, 2026.
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Trump to Loosen Environmental Rules on Ag Equipment to Cut Costs
Bloomberg’s Skylar Woodhouse reported that “President Donald Trump pressured farm-equipment manufacturers to drop prices for tractors as he announced $12 billion in farmer relief, his latest efforts to address Americans’ concerns about shaky economic conditions under his leadership.”
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United Soybean Board Elects Brent Gatton as New Chair for 2026
Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Brent Gatton from Bremen, Ky., as the new chair during the organization’s December board meeting in St. Charles, Mo. He’s joined by nine newly elected farmer-leaders to serve alongside him on the Executive Committee for the upcoming year.
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U.S. Farmers Say $12 Billion Bailout Won’t End Industry Slump
US growers say the Trump administration’s US$12 billion (S$15.5 billion) aid package brings temporary relief, but is unlikely to kickstart a lasting recovery for the American farm economy.
President Donald Trump on Dec 8 unveiled a package to a key base of support that includes as much as US$11 billion in one-time payments to crop farmers who have been hit hard by his tariff regime and low crop prices.
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The Louisiana Purchase: How $15 Million Reshaped American Agriculture
In 1803, the United States completed one of the most important land acquisitions in history: the Louisiana Purchase. For just $15 million, approximately $18 per square mile, the U.S. acquired a vast territory from France. This purchase would not only expand the nation geographically but also profoundly impact the future of American agriculture.
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Day One Of The USA Rice Outlook Conference Looked Into the Future
The 2025 USA Rice Outlook Conference General Session started local and expanded into the distant future. It began with greetings from the 88th International Rice Festival Queen Ansley Dawson and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation President Richard Fontentot who both spoke about the importance of the rice industry, thanked attendees for joining them, and, of course, invited everyone back to the 89th International Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana, next October.
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Louisiana Girl Earns Junior Bronze Award From American Angus Association
Rylee Symons, Pearl River, La., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
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LSU AgCenter Exports To Offer 2026 Ag Market Outlook At January Event
The LSU AgCenter will hold its third annual Louisiana Agricultural Outlook Forum Jan. 22.
The free event will be held at the State Evacuation Shelter, 8125 U.S. Highway 71, south of Alexandria. Doors will open for registration at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin shortly thereafter and run until 2 p.m. with a break for a provided lunch.
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Trump Threatens Rice Tariffs on India in Discussion With Louisiana Mill Owner
Unveiling a US $ 12-billion farm aid package at the White House a day ago on December 8, US president Donald Trump further raised the tariff heat on India on the topic of rice exports.
Trump’s aid package is aimed at helping farmers who are impacted by low crop prices.
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Letlow Statement on Farm Aid Announced by President Trump
Congresswoman Julia Letlow released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in support for farmers affected by recent economic and trade disruptions. Letlow introduced legislation in June that would equip the Trump Administration to support farmers suffering from trade-related losses.
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Vermilion Parish Broadband Milestone Advances Louisiana’s Plan for Expanded Internet Access
State and local officials, alongside Cajun Broadband, today announced the completion of a broadband deployment project in Vermilion Parish, connecting businesses in some of the parish’s largest sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing, and delivering access to households in places like Gueydan and Erath.
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Cleveland: Declining Demand Spurs Market Closing Below 64-Cents
The nearby March contract, as expected, closed the week in search of the expiring December contract’s 62-64 cent level. The contract made its first weekly close below 64 cents, closing at 63.91 cents. It fell below the 10-day trading range, losing 78 points on the week.
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Corn Hybrids For Grain 2026
Corn hybrid performance is annually evaluated in official hybrid trials (OHTs) by LSU AgCenter researchers to provide Louisiana farmers, seedsmen, county agents and consultants with unbiased performance data for commercial corn hybrids submitted for evaluation by private companies. Selection of superior hybrids that are well adapted for a given region is essential for maximizing yield and profit.
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Dr. Ronnie Levy Honored With Rice Industry Lifetime Achievement Award After Four Decades Of Service
For more than four decades, Ronnie Levy has been a steadfast presence in Louisiana agriculture, shaping its growth and guiding its future. Levy joined the LSU AgCenter in 1979, and throughout that time, he worked in various roles including county agent; soybean, corn and grain sorghum specialist; and interim regional director for the Central Region. But it is his work in rice that will crown his career.
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Rice Industry Leader Meryl Kennedy Farr Weighs In At Monday's Oval Office Visit
Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program which will provide $11 billion to U.S. row crop farmers, including rice, as an economic bridge until next year’s One Big Beautiful Bill investments kick in through the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs.
Former USA Rice Millers’ Association Chair and CEO of Louisiana-based Kennedy Rice Mill Meryl Kennedy Farr was selected to provide remarks as part of a Cabinet Room press conference.
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