Agriculture

AgCenter experts review 2020 rice season virtually

Two LSU AgCenter rice experts gave their perspectives on the past growing season in Louisiana during an online presentation for the 2020 USA Rice Outlook Conference on Dec. 2.

Christmastime is upon us

Christmastime conjures thoughts of red, white and green. And many types of beautiful plant materials are available to work with this time of year to spruce up and decorate your home for the season.

Korean filmmakers document Acadia Parish rice operations

Two Korean filmmakers have been in the south Louisiana area conducting interviews and shooting video as part of a documentary about rice production throughout the world. “We want to talk about the history of U.S. rice so viewers will know the chain of the U.S. rice industry,” said Timothy Hong.

Harrell named resident coordinator of LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station

Dustin Harrell will become the next resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station on Feb. 1, replacing Don Groth, who is retiring at the end of January.

It’s time for caterpillars, butterflies, moths

If you’ve spent any time outside or in the garden here lately, you are sure to have noticed a frenzy of insect activity. Insects, including bees, butterflies, caterpillars and moths, are in full force this fall. Fall is especially busy for caterpillars.

Sugarcane harvest in the path of Hurricane Delta pauses

By Tobie Blanchard tblanchard@agcenter.lsu.edu and Bruce Schultz bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu Chad Hanks started harvesting his sugarcane crop on Sept. 29, a week behind schedule. The Lafayette-area farmer said he waited for Hurricane Sally to pass before getting into his fields.

Displaced after Hurricane Laura, Lake Charles business finds temporary home at LSU AgCenter

Soon after Nick Villaume opened a store selling popsicles in Lake Charles a few years ago, he decided he wanted to add ice cream to his offerings — but he didn’t know how to make it.

Beekeepers experience minor losses from Hurricane Laura

Although Hurricane Laura damage estimates continue to mount, some beekeepers in southwest Louisiana are feeling lucky. Keith Hawkins, LSU AgCenter agent in Beauregard Parish, provides a mixed report of how the storm affected the hives in his area.

Fall 2020 Super Plants are Louisiana natives

2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the Louisiana Super Plants program. This year we celebrate by adding two true native woody plants: American beautyberry and our state tree, bald cypress.

Louisiana sugarcane crop escapes extensive damage

One week after Hurricane Laura came ashore, Louisiana’s sugarcane crop is still showing some signs of the storm, but the damage is not as extensive as feared as Laura approached the state.