Credit is an essential part of agriculture, helping farmers manage costs and invest in their operations. But as borrowing costs rise, what does increased reliance on credit say about the overall health of the farm economy? American Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum breaks it down.
Read MoreThe USDA has released updated estimates for Louisiana’s 2026 crop production, including acreage, yields and total production for major commodities across the state.
Read MoreThe Southern University Ag Center’s JagFresh Farmers Market will open for the fall season on the Southern University campus.
The farmers market will feature nearly 30 vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and herbs, honey, and local products. Healthy living information will also be provided by the 1890 Center of Excellence.
Read MoreFarmers, conservation partners and LSU AgCenter researchers gathered for a field day focused on soil health, nitrogen management and watershed protection in rice‑growing areas of southwest Louisiana.
Read MoreUSDA's September 2026 net farm income forecast, released Sept. 3, projects that net farm income, a broad measure of farm sector profitability, will decline to $158.4 billion in 2026. That is $4.3 billion, or 2.6%, below the newly revised 2025 estimate of approximately $162.7 billion. After adjusting for inflation, the decline becomes considerably larger at $9.1 billion, or 5.5%.
Read MoreThe U.S. rice industry is giving away $10,000 to high school seniors in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas as part of The Rice Foundation's annual National Rice Month Video Scholarship Contest. A Louisiana student hasn’t won the top grand prize since 2018 – and they are certainly due!
Read MoreThe Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2026 crop, which will become effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET).
Read MoreA pair of ag economists with the University of Illinois say input costs are likely to continue to limit farmer profitability next season.
Read MoreA new solar-powered livestock watering system implemented with assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allowing Crawford County farmer Ralph Dorale to better utilize his pasture, reduce soil erosion, increase his cow herd, and improve cattle performance on his rented 153-acre pasture.
Read MoreEvidence is mounting that a strengthening El Niño could bring a notably different weather pattern across U.S. farm country this winter, with wetter conditions favored across parts of the southern tier. At the same time, portions of the northern Plains and Rockies could trend warmer and drier.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is improving access to credit for farmers and ranchers by making farm loan policy and technology improvements, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening financial security.
Read MorePresident Trump has signed a pair of executive orders that address market access and competition for America’s farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreFranklin Parish Greg Kincaid says the ongoing drought has given him a mixed bag of results over the last few months. He says rain is much needed for cattle and hay farmers.
Read MoreEntering the second half of 2026, a new farm financial snapshot points to the continued financial challenges facing Southern agriculture, particularly among crop producers. The findings are based on a semi-annual survey conducted by the Mississippi State University Extension. Survey respondents included producers, professional farm managers, land appraisers, commercial bankers, Farm Credit System lenders, and USDA Farm Service Agency personnel operating in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and neighboring states.
Read MoreAs fall approaches and spring-born calves are being weaned, many cattle producers are evaluating whether those calves should be sold at weaning or retained and backgrounded on winter forage before being marketed at heavier weights. Likewise, producers operating stocker enterprises are determining whether current market conditions justify purchasing lightweight calves for winter grazing programs. One factor complicating these decisions in 2026 is the continued drought affecting many areas of Louisiana. For some producers, the ability to successfully establish winter forage may ultimately determine whether backgrounding is even feasible.
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