Louisiana Weekly Climate Summary - March 11-17, 2026

Louisiana saw its second tornado outbreak in less than a month on March 11, with eight tornadoes touching down in the Florida Parishes in just 90 minutes and six more in southwest Mississippi. Despite the fast-moving storms and numerous warnings, damage was limited and no casualties were reported. Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions slightly, but nearly three-quarters of the state remains in some level of drought, with continued dry conditions and elevated fire risks in several parishes.

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Weatherkristen oaks
US Cattle Placements Increase Despite Tight Supplies

An ag economist says cattle placed into feedlots were up 4 percent from last year. Charley Martinez is with the University of Tennessee.  “Part of the reason why we see that and kind of going against the trend that we saw last year,” he says.  “I think drought’s really putting some pressure on folks throughout the country that we just can’t hold on to some of these animals.”

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Livestockdon molino
Cleveland: Cotton’s Bulls Pause For A Rest

Cotton’s three-week rally gave us the 68 cents suggested last week, and then some. Yet, the market has now posted three consecutive down days. That should not be viewed as evidence that the rally is over. To the contrary, the same factors that sent prices higher are still in the market

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Cottondon molino
Effects Of The March 17, 2026 Freeze On Soybean Plants And Their Recovery

The initial planting for a soybean date of planting by population trial at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center occurred on March 3, 2026. On March 17, 2026, a freeze event resulted in damage to the unifoliate leaves and apical meristem (the primary growing point) of the main stem. However, by March 23, 2026, most plants exhibited axillary branch development originating from the cotyledon node.

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U.S. Soybean Shipments To China Rise As Summit Delay Clouds Trade Outlook

A surge of U.S. soybean shipments to China is providing a boost to export demand, even as uncertainty grows over the future of trade talks between the two countries. Recent export activity shows increased volumes of U.S. soybeans moving to China, the world’s largest buyer, as previously arranged purchases are fulfilled. Bloomberg reports the shipments come amid shifting global competition, particularly from Brazil, and reflect continued reliance on the Chinese market for U.S. growers. However, market sentiment has been tempered by delays surrounding a potential summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders, raising questions about future trade policy and demand stability. Analysts say uncertainty over negotiations could weigh on soybean prices and influence farmer marketing decisions. China remains the top destination for U.S. soy exports, making trade relations a key factor for the farm economy. Any disruption or delay in talks could have ripple effects across commodity markets.

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Trade, Soybeansdon molino
Farm Groups Call On Trump and Congress to Include Farmer Aid in Military Funding Package

As Congress considers a military funding package, relief for farmers might become a key component of the legislative equation. More than 50 farmer groups are asking President Trump and Congress to include aid in the package. The letter sites severe weather conditions, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and sustained market pressure as their reasons for additional funding.

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kristen oaks
Farmer Share of Food Dollar Shrinks

In another sobering reminder of the economic challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, new data show that farmers’ share of the money consumers spend on food continues to shrink, even as expenses rise. The latest Market Intel from American Farm Bureau Federation economists shows that in 2024 farmers and ranchers received a combined 5.8 cents of every food dollar after accounting for expenses, down from 5.9 cents in 2023. 2024 is the latest available data from USDA.

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