Throwing and catching gold, green, and purple beads is a cherished Mardi Gras tradition, but as it turns out, these petroleum-based plastic beads have a heavy impact on the New Orleans environment long after celebrations have ended.

Traditional Mardi Gras beads are produced from natural gas and oil-derived feedstock and take an estimated 500 years to decompose. And when they do, they release heavy metals and other toxins into the environment. According to Louisiana State University, they can even clog sewer systems across the city.

Technology moves fast. For example, five years ago, we were just seeing commercially available selective spraying machines in the U.S., now a handful of companies have hundreds of machines across the country.

Changes in the industry were recognized by Ag Data Transparent, an industry group founded 10 years ago with the goal of bringing greater transparency for farmers and the industry in how data is used, collected and stored.

The red-cockaded woodpecker, which lived on the edge of extinction for more than four decades, is making a comeback in central Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest.

Progressive Tractor & Implement Co., one of the region’s most respected agriculture and equipment dealers, has been named a Community Partner with Building a Better Avoyelles, strengthening a shared commitment to cultural, educational, and civic outreach across Avoyelles Parish.

A new elementary school, complete with a working farm, is on track to open in Baton Rouge in the fall after winning preliminary approval to operate, despite a negative review by an independent evaluator.

We've chipped a little of the severe drought away, but rain is still very much needed across a large part of Louisiana. My main concern is that we don't want to be dry when things start to warm up. 90 degree days, and dry ground aren't a good thing. I do have some short term hope.