The LSU AgCenter has notified the Board of Supervisors of their intent to contract with GB Sciences, Inc., to produce a medical marijuana product for qualifying patients. GB Sciences will work under the LSU AgCenter license in compliance with state law and rules established by regulatory agencies.
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe talks at the Vermilion rice field day on June 25 about new varieties and hybrids under development. (Photo by Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter)
This year’s Louisiana rice planting, estimated at 400,000 acres, is 8 percent less than last year, according to LSU AgCenter rice extension specialist Dustin Harrell.
AgCenter estimates for the 2016 crop were 432,168 acres.
Harrell told farmers at a rice field day in Vermilion Parish on June 25 that the 2017 crop got an early start because of warm weather.
Some rice was planted in February, and rice in those fields have already headed. “We’ll probably be two weeks earlier on our harvest,” he said.
Poor prices, weather and diseases have caused Louisiana wheat production to drop to 16,000 acres, LSU AgCenter experts said at a field day held April 19 at the Macon Ridge Research Station.
Statewide wheat acreage was about 150,000 just three years ago, according to the 2014 AgCenter Ag Summary.
Fusarium head blight, a fungal disease of wheat also known as scab, has been a big problem in Louisiana and is a main reason why acreage is down, said AgCenter plant pathologist Trey Price.
The following are arrests reported by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
March 27
Randy James Faul, 37, 1100 block of Praire Ronde Highway, Opelousas. Issuing worthless checks.
Dylan James Roberie, 28, 200 block of Herbert Ortego Road, Washington. Possession of stolen things, simple burglary.
Rikky Sabastian Dodge, 22, 200 block of Hickory Street, Port Barre. Principal to crime/burglary, simple battery.
Dijon Javontez Serialle Jr., 19, 300 block of Country Ridge Road, Opelousas. Domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery – child endangerment.
Participants at the LSU AgCenter drone workshop are photographed by a drone flying overhead at the Dean Lee Research Station on March 16. (Photo by Randy Price/LSU AgCenter)
Drones can provide an aerial view of a crop’s progress and health, but they won’t replace scouting fields on foot, LSU AgCenter researchers advised on March 16 at a drone workshop held at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station.
Dennis Burns, LSU AgCenter county agent in Tensas Parish, said insects can’t be detected by air unless crop damage is extensive. “The images are only going to show so much,” he said.
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Fax: 337-457-3122