The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to speed up progress in plant science by calling on universities and stakeholders to help build new AI tools that can translate the huge amount of germplasm data the agency collects.
Through the Genesis Mission and the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), USDA is expected to launch an Agricultural National Science & Technology Challenge later this year.
Read MoreU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The FRRCC provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities.
Read MoreAgriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is urging Congress to approve more than $11 billion in additional farm assistance, telling lawmakers many producers continue to struggle with high input costs despite efforts to improve the farm economy.
Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rollins says the Trump administration is pursuing both short-term financial relief and long-term strategies to reduce production costs, including expanding domestic fertilizer manufacturing.
Read MoreCongressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act.
Congressman Higgins and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) introduced the legislation in April 2025. The bill would authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to destroy imported products that pose significant health risks.
Read MoreLouisiana residents with an interest in gardening and community service can receive specialized horticulture training through the LSU Ag Center’s Louisiana Master Gardener program.
Several regional programs are scheduled to begin in August, including a Central Louisiana class that will meet in Mansura.
Read MoreThe United Soybean Board (USB) is pleased to announce that Courtney Knupp will join the organization as its chief executive officer starting October 1. Knupp currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council. USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its July board meeting in Indianapolis.
Read MoreThe Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills.
Read MoreFor row crop producers across the nation, late winter and early spring is a key seasonal window for fertilizer sourcing. Just as producers are making their final cropping decisions for the coming planting season, they will also think about plant and soil nutrition.
Read MoreA tropical system is moving toward Louisiana, and my concern level is pretty low. This system has had a hard time organizing, and it looks like the track will be further north. That means this system will have less time over water, and any sort of Louisiana impact will likely be minor.
Read MoreA crown may distinguish the young woman chosen to serve as Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen, but it is her commitment to agriculture, her passion for people and her willingness to share the stories of Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers that define her role.
Beyond the sash and title is a year of service travelling across the state to represent the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation at agricultural events, community celebrations and educational programs.
Read MoreWhat a difference a month makes, seems like just yesterday that 90% of our State was in severe or extreme drought…what a change! As you are aware, recent storms associated with Tropical Storm Arthur brought record breaking amounts of rainfall to the South-central portion of the state.
Read MoreA District Court has denied St. Landry Parish’s request for a preliminary injunction against Artall Brothers Farms, stating the Parish failed to establish the legal grounds required to restrict the family’s longstanding farming operations.
St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard filed the lawsuit after complaints of flooding in the Schexnayder Lane area around Melville.
Read MoreThe 89th annual International Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana, is scheduled for October 15-18, 2026, and organizers have released this year's entertainment lineup.
Read MoreLouisiana’s $2.4 billion seafood industry is growing despite constant competition from international products, and a partnership between Tulane Hospitality and the Audubon Nature Institute is working to keep Gulf cuisine at the forefront by training the next generation of culinary professionals.
Read MoreThe Ike Hamilton Expo Center is preparing to host the 42nd annual Junior Beefmaster Breeders Show this week, bringing youth cattle exhibitors from multiple states to West Monroe.
Roughly 200 competitors from Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas will present their animals Wednesday and Thursday for evaluation by a panel of judges. Organizers say the event helps develop the next generation of agricultural leaders by emphasizing responsibility and sound breeding practices.
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