Agriculture

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission arrested five men on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in the theft of two horses in two separate incidents in Avoyelles Parish.
Armaud R. Walter, 18, Mansura, was arrested on two counts of theft of livestock and one count of simple criminal damage to property.
The four men who were arrested for illegal possession of stolen things include: Dontel J. Hollis, 18, Lecompte; Joquaris R. Jones, 21, Pineville; Dewayne Lair Jr., 18, Lecompte; Wilbert L. Williams Jr., 19, Cheneyville.

Cooler weather is perfect for planting trees and shrubs in Louisiana. Fall and winter are both great times, but especially winter. Trees and shrubs slow their growth in winter, particularly the above-ground portion of the plants. Deciduous plants drop their leaves to conserve energy during the cold months. More important, the roots remain active, but at a much slower pace because soil temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year.

A group of seven Chinese rice buyers visited the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Dec. 12 as part of their tour through U.S. rice-growing areas.
During the visit, China and the U.S. reached a preliminary trade agreement that increases Chinese purchases of a wide range of agricultural products, including rice. A Chinese company bought 40 tons of U.S. rice earlier this year.
Don Groth, Rice Research Station resident coordinator, showed the group how genetic markers are being used to expedite breeding work to develop new varieties.