Agriculture

Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair Nicholas Gerace, Outstanding Young Farm Woman Courtney Gerace and Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. (Submitted photo)

Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair Nicholas Gerace, Outstanding Young Farm Woman Courtney Gerace and Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. (Submitted photo)

St. Landry Parish woman awarded Farm Bureau honor

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, July 3, 2025
By Kristen Oaks-White Louisiana Farm Bureau NEW ORLEANS — A St. Landry Parish sugarcane and cattle producer is this year’s Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Outstanding Young Farm Woman.
Interim LSU President Matt Lee, left, shares a light moment with Richard Fontenot, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, at the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station’s 116th annual field day June 24. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Interim LSU President Matt Lee, left, shares a light moment with Richard Fontenot, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, at the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station’s 116th annual field day June 24. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Field day highlights advancements at AgCenter Rice Research Station

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 27, 2025
With harvest season rapidly approaching, rice farmers took a break from their own fields and converged on those at the LSU AgCenter H.
This rain garden features hibiscus. (Photo by Damon Abdi/LSU AgCenter)

This rain garden features hibiscus. (Photo by Damon Abdi/LSU AgCenter)

Turn your yard’s low spot into a high point with a rain garden

(not verified)
Friday, June 27, 2025
From the LSU AgCenter Summer in Louisiana tends to bring afternoon downpours. Where does all that rainwater go? Some of it is absorbed by the ground and plants. Some pools in low spots. And some turns into runoff, rushing into ditches, drains and, ultimately, natural waterways.
New entomology professor Morgan Christman will look to expand the research and knowledge that Louisianans have of local pollinator species. (Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter)

New entomology professor Morgan Christman will look to expand the research and knowledge that Louisianans have of local pollinator species. (Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter)

Entomologist looks to develop research, education on Louisiana pollinators

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 13, 2025
When Morgan Christman was a doctoral student at Utah State University, she studied data from moth traps over a five-year period in Utah. What shocked her most about her findings wasn’t related to moths.
Vermillionaire cuphea’s tubular flowers are the perfect shape and size for hummingbirds’ long beaks and tongues, allowing them to access the plant’s abundant nectar.

Vermillionaire cuphea’s tubular flowers are the perfect shape and size for hummingbirds’ long beaks and tongues, allowing them to access the plant’s abundant nectar.

Hummingbirds love heat-tolerant Vermillionaire cuphea

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 13, 2025
If you’re searching for a plant that will attract hummingbirds to your garden and handle the Louisiana summer like a champ, look no further than Vermillionaire cuphea — one of the LSU AgCenter’s 2025 Louisiana Super Plant selections.

Legislators OK LSU buying equine center in Opelousas

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 13, 2025
Louisiana legislators voted to give $3.5 million in state funds to LSU to purchase a horse facility which the university did not request. The money will go toward the purchase of the 200-acre Copper Crowne Equestrian Center in Opelousas.
Southern highbush blueberries ripen earlier than rabbiteye blueberries. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Southern highbush blueberries ripen earlier than rabbiteye blueberries. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

This is blueberry season in Louisiana

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, June 6, 2025
School is out, and summer is near. Here’s something else to celebrate: Blueberries — those refreshing, deeply hued orbs of sweetness — are now ripening on bushes across Louisiana. Blueberries are among the easiest fruit crops to grow.
Termites can become a problem in raised beds that are filled with pieces of wood. Photo by Aaron Ashbrook/LSU AgCenter

Termites can become a problem in raised beds that are filled with pieces of wood. Photo by Aaron Ashbrook/LSU AgCenter

Termites aren’t just a threat to structures

Myra Miller
Friday, May 30, 2025
LSU AgCenter Get It Growing Termites aren’t just a threat to structures. They can cause trouble in the garden, too. Growing vegetables, herbs and other plants in raised beds holds a lot of appeal. Raised beds give gardeners more control over soil quality and drainage.
Gaura has dense foliage at its base and tall, delicate stems that bear small flowers. Steffi Dark Rose gaura features pink flowers on shorter plants.

Gaura has dense foliage at its base and tall, delicate stems that bear small flowers. Steffi Dark Rose gaura features pink flowers on shorter plants.

Gaura is a superstar in pollinator gardens

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 16, 2025
Lots of people want to plant gardens that attract and nurture bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Fortunately, many plants that are pollinator magnets also provide beauty and interest. Even better?
Foliage plants such as coleus can add color and texture to the garden.

Foliage plants such as coleus can add color and texture to the garden.

Here’s how to simplify spring plant shopping

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 9, 2025
It’s spring, and everyone seems to have the gardening itch. If you head to your local garden center right now, you’re likely to find the place stuffed to the gills with warm-season plants and bustling with customers. Shopping for plants this time of year can be exciting.