A slimy pest is plaguing Louisiana - causing utter destruction for crawfish and rice harvesters.
The apple snail, native to South America, is an invasive species that carries a parasite called rat lungworm, which can be fatal to humans and devastating to crops.
Read MoreAs we look ahead to another year of challenges in the farm economy, indicators of farm financial health are under close inspection. Filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy is a last resort for farmers who have undertaken large debt to continue operating with increased flexibility for payments. AFBF Market Intel reports have long followed annual filings of Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies, and this year’s uptick is another reminder of the strain American farmers and ranchers face.
Read MoreLouisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) issued a disaster declaration for the crawfish industry Wednesday, according to a press release.
Read MoreI had my first platter of boiled crawfish for the 2026 season last week, and it was well worth the wait.
Crawfish Time on Ridge Road in Lafayette was bustling the week before Mardi Gras, with crowds in the restaurant and drive-thru focused on one thing: putting away 3 or 5 pounds of succulent, tender crawfish and fixings.
Read MoreU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Read MoreThe USA Rice Farm Policy Fly-in held here this week marked the final leg in the two-year Rice Leadership Development Class program and the 2024 Class participated in events and were recognized at a graduation ceremony.
Read MoreThanks to Buck Leonards and the staff at Louisiana Farm and Ranch for providing the digital edition.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to review and revive key local food purchasing programs that have supported farmers and ranchers while providing fresh, nutritious food to schools and food banks across Louisiana.
Read MoreLouisiana officials are trying to remove 400,000 of them every year. Maryland spent two decades and $30 million hunting them down. California farmers are finding their almond orchards under siege. The culprit? A South American rodent that can weigh over 20 pounds, sports bright orange teeth, and breeds so prolifically that a single female can produce around 200 offspring in her lifetime.
Read MoreToday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.
Read MoreTexas is home to eight of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has seen its population grow from 19 million to 29 million over the past 20 years, with no signs of slowing down. Over the past decade, feral hogs emerged as a concern along the suburban boundaries of cities such as Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.
Read MoreU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced Friday U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion. Eligible applicants who applied for ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) assistance will receive 100% of their eligible calculated payment in a single lump sum. USDA is also making a second payment to producers who previously received their initial factored payment for ELRP 2023 and 2024 assistance for losses due to eligible drought and wildfires.
Read MoreTomorrow is Valentine’s Day, one of the sweetest days of the year and a day to celebrate those you cherish. Many Americans plan to incorporate treats into their holiday, with the National Retail Federation finding that 56% of Americans planning to give a Valentine’s Day gift have their eye on candy. We are grateful to help you celebrate, whether you’re gifting a heart-shaped box of chocolates or whipping up a home-baked dessert.
Read MoreIt looks like a decent wave of rain will move through Louisiana Saturday evening into Sunday morning. This could bring isolated severe weather, with damaging wind being the main concern. I also think this will bring 1-2 inches of rain across most of the state. Even if you miss out on the stronger storms, I expect wind gusts in the 30-35 mph range Saturday evening into Sunday.
Read MoreThe Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) will host its VET Explore 2026 event on April 25, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70807.
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