Agriculture

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain speaks to members of the Crowley Lions Club recently about the importance of agriculture in Acadia Parish, across the state and around the world. (Photo by Steve Bandy, The Post-Signal)

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain speaks to members of the Crowley Lions Club recently about the importance of agriculture in Acadia Parish, across the state and around the world. (Photo by Steve Bandy, The Post-Signal)

Talking agriculture

Myra Miller
Friday, July 28, 2023
By Steve Bandy Managing Editor Post Signal CROWLEY – “Now, more than ever people depend on farmers.” That’s how Louisiana Commisioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain opened his address at a recent meeting of the Crowley Lions Club.
Suncredible Saturn sunflower is a 2023 Louisiana Super Plant selection for warm-season color. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Suncredible Saturn sunflower is a 2023 Louisiana Super Plant selection for warm-season color. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Suncredible Saturn sunflower named summer 2023 Louisiana Super Plant

Myra Miller
Friday, July 28, 2023
By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Admired for its striking appearance, impressive size and dogged resilience, the Suncredible sunflower (Helianthus hybrid) is a cultivar that has captured the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

Companion planting – More than ‘Just Friends’

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 21, 2023
Companion planting involves growing plants together for specific benefits. Benefits involve attracting good bugs to manage the bad bugs, enhance plant growth and vegetable production, increase flavor of certain vegetables, attract beneficial pollinators and prevent disease.
Water your plants deeply and early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, allowing the roots to absorb moisture effectively. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Water your plants deeply and early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, allowing the roots to absorb moisture effectively. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Stay cool, stay green and beat the heat with these tips

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 14, 2023
As the scorching summer sun takes center stage, it’s not just us that feel the heat. Our leafy friends also need some extra TLC during these sweltering months. High temperatures, intense sunlight and dry conditions can take a toll on their health and vitality.
Changyoon Jeong, LSU AgCenter water quality specialist. (LSU AgCenter photo)

Changyoon Jeong, LSU AgCenter water quality specialist. (LSU AgCenter photo)

AgCenter scientist receives grant to study climate-smart strategies 

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
By Johnny Morgan jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu  BOSSIER CITY — Identifying climate-smart strategies for water management is the goal of a three-year rice production study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Grow a medicinal herb garden

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 7, 2023
Many herbs have medicinal properties and are very safe when used in food. Basil helps with loss of appetite, head colds, intestinal gas, fluid retention and blood circulation. Thyme is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.
Scout plants several times a week to stay ahead of heavy insect infestations.

Scout plants several times a week to stay ahead of heavy insect infestations.

Summer vegetable gardening solutions: How to be productive in the sizzling season

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 7, 2023
Summer can be a challenging time for gardeners, especially when it comes to the excessive heat and high humidity. This is great for tropical plants — but a plethora of plant pathogens, including fungi, thrive in these conditions too.
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso tells a trailerload of attendees about new rice varieties during the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station’s 114th annual field day June 28. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso tells a trailerload of attendees about new rice varieties during the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station’s 114th annual field day June 28. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Hot weather raises a doubt on the rice season

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
With a heat wave gripping Louisiana, scores of farmers sweated, sipped water and shaded themselves with hats and event programs as they toured the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station during its annual field day June 28.
Betterbuzz Rosa agastache is absolutely covered in gorgeous blooms and a magnet for pollinators. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Betterbuzz Rosa agastache is absolutely covered in gorgeous blooms and a magnet for pollinators. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Give your garden a color splash with agastache

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 30, 2023
This year at the Southern Plant Trials, I fell in love with the herbaceous perennial agastache. This perennial stood out to me with its profuse blooms and delightful fragrance. At each location I visited, the agastache was buzzing with pollinators.