Agriculture

Rail facility to develop rice mill in Jeff Davis Parish

Gov. John Bel Edwards and the South Louisiana Rail Facility announced Thursday that SLRF will develop an $11.6 million rice mill in Jefferson Davis Parish.

It’s time to talk tomatoes

I’ve been getting a great deal of questions about tomatoes lately. ‘Tis the season. Most folks who planted vegetable gardens in this spring are now reaping the fruits of their work.

Hail damages portion of rice crop

Rice plants are recovering from a hailstorm last week, but yield losses are expected in some fields. The storm hit on the night of May 26. The National Weather Service indicated hail up to 2 inches in diameter fell on a 200-square-mile area of southwest Louisiana, mostly north of Welsh and Jennings.

Signup for USA Rice, Ducks Unlimited program available

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the 2020 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) efforts led by the USA Rice – Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership.

Poultry, livestock producers face economic challenges from coronavirus

The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation have drafted a request for federal aid for poultry producers, who are not included in the most recent farm aid package — but the request has been turned down. Poultry is the largest agricultural enterprise in Louisiana.

Farmers still planting soybeans despite COVID-19 challenges

Soybeans are Louisiana’s largest crop in terms of acreage, and farmers across the state are busy planting this year’s crop despite the challenges of COVID-19. “About 10% of the state has been planted,” said LSU AgCenter state soybean specialist David Moseley.

Cattle producers face price declines amid coronavirus pandemic

Cattle producers are facing significant price declines because of the coronavirus pandemic. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said prices have fallen about 7% in two months for fed cattle, or animals that are ready for slaughter.

First instance of apple snails damaging rice crop reported

An invasive species of snails has wiped out a 50-acre field of rice, the first time the pest has been known to do that in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter entomologist Blake Wilson said damaged rice and apple snails were found throughout the field. “There was no trace of rice.

Crawfish farmers urged not to drain ponds yet despite drop in sales

ABBEVILLE — Crawfish producer Allen McLain’s business has dropped dramatically because of the coronavirus’ impact on the restaurant business. “We’re struggling. It’s not looking good,” said McLain, of Abbeville.

Rice crop starting well, planting continues

Rice planting is nearing completion in southwest Louisiana, where most of the state’s rice is grown, and it has begun in northeast Louisiana.