Fresh produce markets run on strict timing. Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, harvest windows are often short, and growers generally cannot store a crop while waiting for prices to improve. A few weeks of excess supply can determine whether a season ends in profit or loss.
Imports are an essential part of this system. They fill seasonal production gaps, support year-round consumer demand, and strengthen integrated supply chains.
Read MoreTaking the lectern at the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony, state office honoree Robert F. Richard recalled a time from the late 1980s where he met a St. Martin Parish youth who wanted to show a lamb at a livestock show like her older brother had done.
Read MoreThe stumpage prices below are the statewide averages and are intended to demonstrate the general trends in the market. The current value of timber can differ greatly across parishes, species, tree quality, market access, and other factors. Forest landowners considering a timber sale are encouraged to contact a consulting forester for assistance.
Read MoreUSDA says a Texas facility designed to produce sterile flies for New World Screwworm control will open in spring 2027, earlier than previously expected. The facility is expected to produce 100 million sterile flies per week by the end of 2027, increasing to as many as 300 million weekly by the end of 2028.
Read MoreThis month’s 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook is for lower supplies, unchanged domestic use, larger exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 16.0 billion bushels, up just 13 million from last month with a 1.2-million acre increase in harvested area that was largely offset by a reduced yield forecast. This would be the second largest U.S. corn harvest on record.
Read MoreSince the war in Iran started in February, diesel prices have skyrocketed, deepening the financial strain on farmers’ bottom lines. In January 2026, diesel prices were $3.52 per gallon. By August, prices surged to $5.34 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Joint Economic Committee (JDC) shares that farmers in America have spent $1.4 billion more on diesel during the conflict.
Read MoreU.S. farmers and ranchers are closely watching the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement negotiations. Virginia Houston, the senior director of congressional affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Mexico and Canada as trading partners are vital to the success of U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreAspiring 4-H chefs sharpened their culinary and competition skills during the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans.
Read MoreCongressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced that he will hold a town hall meeting in Crowley on Thursday, August 13, 2026, jointly hosted by American Legion Acadia Post 15 and Harold Bossley VFW Post 6720. Congressman Higgins will answer questions and discuss his work in Congress and issues facing South Louisiana. The event is open to the public.
Read MoreUSA Rice staff traveled across the Mississippi Delta last week to participate in industry meetings and field days that highlighted the research, promotion, and policy work underway to strengthen the U.S. rice industry.
Read MoreLouisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says pay close attention to the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warnings pertaining to crops exposed to flood waters as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur. The FDA’s information can be accessed at Guidance for Industry: Evaluating the Safety of Flood-affected Food Crops for Human Consumption | FDA.
Read MoreFarms and ranches who employ workers under the H2-A program now have their federally mandated minimum wage under the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Cameron Castillo, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says wages are set to increase almost entirely across the board.
Read MoreCorn and soybean yields came in a bit lower than analyst expectations while harvested area for both crops came in higher according to USDA’s August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report out on Wednesday.
Read MoreData-center expansion is adding a new source of round-the-clock natural gas demand across Texas and the Gulf region. The growth could increase competition for fuel used by fertilizer plants, food processors, irrigation systems, cotton gins, and rural electric utilities.
Read MoreLast year’s August WASDE report was a shock to the market—with USDA’s record 188.8 bu. per acre corn yield estimate on top of higher acreage by two million acres. This year, the yield debate heading into the August report centers on NDVI models showing above-trendline yields, while row crop ratings are well below 2025. This leaves many in the trade expecting lower yields. Still, there could be surprises on acreage or demand.
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