Crews Contain 32-acre Brush Fire in Ouachita Parish

Ouachita Parish firefighters, with assistance from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, contained a 32-acre brush fire in southwest Ouachita Parish.

The fire was brought under control within a few hours following a quick response from local crews and resources. Smoke from burning material inside the firebreak may remain visible in the area for several days.

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LDAFAvery Davidson
High Diesel Prices Hit Farmers as Officials Push Export Limits

U.S. farmers face record-high fuel expenses this year as the fall harvest kicks into gear while pressure grows on the Trump administration to impose a temporary ban on diesel exports that could bring down prices.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry advised President Donald Trump on social media site X Thursday to order a 90-day ban on U.S diesel exports while Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said Tuesday he is 'open to exploring' federal actions “that would take pressure off prices.”

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Avery Davidson
USDA Extends Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Application Deadline, Announces New Flexibilities for 2023 and 2024 Quality Losses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30, 2026. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. 

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USDAAvery Davidson
USDA Launches Initiative to Bring More States Into Meat Inspection

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Stand-Up Program to provide up to $50 million in new funding to help states start or expand their own meat inspection programs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The program carries out President Trump’s September 4 Executive Order to expand market access for American meat producers and strengthen the domestic supply chain.

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USDAAllie Shipley
How Markets are Changing the Way Landowners Grow Trees

Louisiana’s forest-products sector is facing soft housing demand, pulp-mill closures, and changing timber markets—but the state may be better positioned than its peers for the next upswing. Forisk Consulting CEO Brooks Mendell joins Mind of the Forest to explain what landowners, mills, and policymakers should watch, from pulpwood and recycling to cross-laminated timber, wood energy, and new investment.

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ForestryAllie Shipley