American farmers receive billions of dollars in federal aid every year to protect them when prices fall due to weather or market fluctuations.
President Donald Trump’s proposal to place tariffs on imported goods has affected farmers in Avoyelles Parish and across the nation as prices drop and supplies pile up as other countries impose tariffs to counter Trump's actions.
Farmers heard about the benefits and challenges of growing furrow-irrigated rice at an LSU AgCenter row rice field day on July 18.
The event was held at the Elliot Colvin Farm near Rayville, where the LSU AgCenter has one of three research fields in a project funded by the Louisiana Rice Research Board. The other two sites are in Tensas and Morehouse parishes.
Keith Collins, AgCenter agent in Richland Parish, estimated that about 10 percent of the 60,000 acres of rice grown in northeast Louisiana use this practice.
The LSU AgCenter will hold a series of field days to help rice farmers learn about the latest recommended practices to improve their crop production.
Experts will make presentations on variety development, fertility, growing soybeans and controlling problems of diseases, insects and weeds.
“These field days give us the chance to provide details about our research projects,” said Don Groth, resident coordinator of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. “Also, our scientists will be available to answer questions from growers.”
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This white sedan was seen on video surveillance in the area of three burglaries in the northern area of Acadia Parish.
Deputies with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating three separate home burglaries which occurred on April 17 in the northern portion of Acadia Parish.
Victims residing on Fournerat Road, the Eunice-Iota Highway and Schultz Road, returned home to find that their homes had been forcefully entered. While inside these residences, suspects rummaged through various areas of the homes stealing jewelry, electronics and guns.
Recent stretches of dry weather have allowed Louisiana rice farmers to get in the field and plant their 2018 crop on schedule.
“In the last two weeks, we’ve made tremendous progress,” said Don Groth, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Crowley. “All in all, it’s starting out to be a good year.”
Dustin Harrell, AgCenter rice specialist, said south Louisiana farmers are more than 80 percent finished with planting. He estimated this year’s rice planted acreage will total approximately 415,000, compared to about 400,000 last year.
465 Aymond St.
Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061
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