Louisiana Crops Newsletter--September, 2026
There has been an abundance of ear rots reported in Louisiana throughout this growing season. As the harvest window is winding down, and with many growers already finished with harvest, I have heard of one reoccurring issue in particular: aflatoxin. There have been reports of heavy docking and even loads being rejected at the elevators. In addition to this, there are now many growers who are planning to store their grain who have been inquiring about storage guidelines for infected grain.
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Priest Blesses Sugarcane Crop at New Iberia Farm, Kicking Off Grinding Season
A priest blessed this year’s sugarcane crop at Gonsoulin Farms outside New Iberia, a tradition that marks the official start of the grinding season.
Fr. Keith Landry of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church used holy water for the blessing on Friday, Sept. 25, as those gathered prayed for a safe and bountiful harvest. A drone was also used to spray hard-to-reach areas of the field during the ceremony.
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From Farms to Tailgates: Louisiana Agriculture Fuels Gameday Traditions
Long before football fans fire up the grill, stir a pot of jambalaya or gather around sweet treats on gameday, Louisiana farmers are working hard to make those traditions possible.
Rice, beef, crawfish, poultry and sugar are staples of Louisiana cooking, including countless dishes served before kickoff each week.
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US Secretary of Agriculture Visits Louisiana Sugarcane Industry, Announces Support for LSU Research
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Louisiana’s sugarcane industry Friday, touring the Louisiana Sugar Cane Cooperative (LASUCA) in St. Martin Parish and meeting with Gov. Jeff Landry, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and industry leaders to discuss the state’s agricultural economy and challenges facing farmers.
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The Farmer's Forecast: It's Really Dry, Change Coming
The drought continues to expand and intensify. 85% of Louisiana is under at least moderate drought conditions with 25% experiencing severe drought conditions. I know that math seems weird, but the 25% of the state in the severe drought would qualify for “at least” moderate drought. So it’s really dry once again. I think that’s all about to change.
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USDA Invests in Cockeyed Farms to Boost Value Added Elderberry Products
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Louisiana State Director Troy Romero today announced the agency is awarding a $200,000 grant to Cockeyed Farms to expand processing, marketing, and distribution of its American-grown elderberry products.
“As the first elderberry farm in Louisiana, Cockeyed Farms is already bringing innovation to our state’s agricultural production,” said Romero. “With this investment, and so many others like it, USDA is backing producers that put in the hard work to build new markets and create jobs in their rural communities.”
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Try to Spot the Two-spot Cotton Leafhopper: LSU AgCenter Researchers Receive USDA Grant to Raise Awareness
With fall upon us, many a Louisianan’s mind turns to that first piping hot pot of gumbo simmering on the stove. But if the cotton jassid (Amrasca biguttula) has its way, one favorite ingredient — okra — may have to be left off the ingredient list.
Fortunately, LSU AgCenter researchers, armed with U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, just might save your mamaw’s recipe.
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USDA Targets Small Meat Processing Capacity Shortages Nationwide
USDA is targeting shortages in small meat processing capacity as ranchers in some areas face long trips to get cattle harvested. Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears says about 80% of U.S. beef processing capacity is concentrated among four major processors.
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LDAF Brand Inspectors Arrest Bastrop Man for Theft of Livestock
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission inspectors have arrested a 51-year-old Bastrop man on three counts of theft of livestock following an investigation involving registered Highland cattle.
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Louisiana Gas Stays Above $4 as Diesel Hovers Near Record High
Louisiana drivers continue to pay more than $4 a gallon for regular gasoline while diesel prices remain near a state record.
AAA reported Thursday that Louisiana’s average price for regular gasoline was about $4.03 per gallon. Diesel averaged about $6.01 per gallon.
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U.S. Farmers Push for China Commitments on Imports as Trump and Xi Talk Trade
Soybeans, sorghum, and other U.S. farm goods are expected to be high on the agenda at this week’s summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, joining rare earths trade and artificial intelligence as a focus of contention.
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Farm Bureau Reinforces Call to End Beef Imports with Price Data
The American Farm Bureau Federation on Thursday called on President Donald Trump to roll back the additional 300,000 metric tons of beef imports authorized by his administration. The group cited new data showing little change in retail ground beef prices since the lower-tariff imports began entering the United States.
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U.S. Eases Screwworm Ban on Mexican Cattle, but Beef Prices Unlikely to Budge
The United States plans to reopen the biggest port for livestock inspections along the U.S.-Mexican border on Thursday, expanding America’s cattle supplies but not slashing record-high beef prices, government and industry officials said.
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Rice Takes Center Stage at Ragin' Cajun Festival
Last week, USA Rice partnered with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) to celebrate U.S.-grown rice on campus during the Ragin’ Cajun Rice Festival. More than 700 students and faculty joined in the celebration of National Rice Month and the Louisiana rice industry.
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Sugarcane Farmers Thank Governor Landry for Diesel Relief During Harvest
Louisiana sugarcane farmers are receiving much-needed relief from record-high diesel prices as the 2026 harvest gets underway following an executive order signed by Governor Jeff Landry declaring an emergency due to the shortage and high cost of diesel fuel.
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