January 2026 in Louisiana was marked by a major late-month ice storm that severely impacted the northern half of the state, causing widespread power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and nine fatalities. Temperatures fluctuated dramatically throughout the month, ranging from highs in the 80s early on to freezing conditions and wind chills in the teens by late January. Rainfall remained below average for the eighth consecutive month, contributing to ongoing drought conditions affecting up to two-thirds of the state.
Read MoreMexican cattle exports fell off sharply in 2025, sending shockwaves through the North American beef supply chain and raising urgent questions about the long-term sustainability of U.S. cattle feeding operations.
Read MoreLouisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot says farmers are entering the 2026 growing season with uncertainty on several fronts, from weather delays in the field to ongoing policy and labor concerns in Washington.
Read MoreUncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition assistance and regulatory provisions have slowed progress. Reuters reports key sticking points include the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, disaster aid funding and proposals to expand year-round sales of higher ethanol blends such as E15. Farm groups have urged Congress to act quickly, citing financial stress among producers and the need for policy certainty ahead of planting season. Without a new farm bill, many existing programs will continue under temporary extensions, leaving long-term policy questions unresolved. Lawmakers have indicated negotiations are ongoing, but no clear timeline has emerged for final passage.
Read MoreEach year, the Feeding the Economy report provides one of the most comprehensive looks at the full economic footprint of U.S. food and agriculture. While often discussed in terms of farm receipts or commodity production, the report highlights a much broader reality: agriculture is not just a sector, it is a foundational driver of economic activity that supports millions of jobs, trillions in output and significant tax revenue across every state.
Read MoreThe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced the rules, timeframe and subject species for the 2027 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp, or Louisiana Duck Stamp, competition. In its 39th year, the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp will feature the wood duck.
Read MorePresident Donald Trump has rolled out a wide-ranging set of policy changes that he says are designed to provide relief and stability for farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday announced the removal of the DEF sensor requirement for all diesel equipment, stating that the sudden speed losses and shutdowns caused by DEF system failures unacceptably compromise safety and productivity. The agency vowed to continue to pursue all legal avenues to address American’s complaints and keep farmers from losing days in the field.
Read MoreIt’s a busy day at the White House as farmers, ranchers, and biofuel leaders gather for a “Celebration of Agriculture,” with potential policy announcements expected from the Trump Administration.
Read MoreEgg prices have dropped sharply from last year’s record highs as national laying flocks continue to recover from widespread losses tied to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Read MoreState lawmakers have advanced a variety of new proposals to continue Louisiana’s crackdown on the mislabeling and misrepresentation of imported seafood.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s call on Congress to pass a farm bill and to provide market relief for America’s farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreThe U.S. EPA has granted a Section 18 Quarantine Exemption allowing the use of Courier insecticide (buprofezin) from April 15, 2026 through March 19, 2029 to control rice delphacid (insecticide label below). Courier is registered at 9.0–13.6 fl oz/acre with up to two applications allow per year. Several studies have demonstrated effective control of delphacid nymphs with Courier applied at 13.6 fl oz/acre.
Read MoreFirst South Farm Credit announced today that it will distribute $23.2 million in patronage refund checks to its member/borrowers in April. A patronage refund is a payment from a cooperative to a member/borrower based on its earnings and financial performance in proportion to the borrower’s use of the cooperative.
Read MoreLouisiana has received no rain in the last 7 days. I mean, it's possible there was a trace here or there, but as I look at the data over the last 7 days, I'm not seeing anything more than a couple drops. It looks like we have more dry time on the way, along with low relative humidity this weekend. That means high fire danger, especially on Saturday, and worsening drought conditions as we start to heat up.
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