Agriculture

Grant supports Farm to School Program

The Louisiana Department of Education Division of Nutrition Support, in collaboration with LSU AgCenter, has announced a multiyear effort toward a statewide Farm to School Program.

Farmers voice concerns about infrastructure, labor

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain wrapped up an agriculture and forestry listening tour at Richard and Neal Fontenot’s R&N Farms in the Evangeline Parish community of Vidrine on Nov. 17.

Louisiana farm broadcaster recognized for 30 years of service

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting recognized long-time Louisiana farm radio broadcaster Don Molino Friday for 30 years of service to the farm broadcasting industry. Molino is the senior farm broadcaster for The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network based in Baton Rouge.

LSU AgCenter names new rice research administrators

The LSU AgCenter has named Don Groth as the new resident coordinator of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. Kurt Guidry, director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region, made the announcement Oct. 3) at a meeting of the Louisiana Rice Research Board.

La. pecan crop coming up short

Expectations for an excellent Louisiana 2017 pecan crop have been dashed by unfavorable weather, according to the LSU AgCenter pecan specialist. “It’s not nearly as good as what we thought it was going to be,” said Charlie Graham, who is based at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station.

AgMagic to teach about food, fiber at state fair

AgMagic, the premier agricultural exhibit of the LSU AgCenter will open to the public Oct. 26 and run through Nov. 12 at the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport. The annual event will feature Louisiana agriculture and commodities following their evolution from past to present.

Boullion named Cattleman of the Year

Blue Boullion of Kaplan is the 2017 Cattle Festival Cattleman of the Year. The 69th Louisiana Cattle Festival will take place Oct. 13-15 in downtown Abbeville. Boullion will be among those recognized at this year’s Honoree Banquet at Magdalen Place in Abbeville, Thursday evening, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.

Nominations open for Ag Hall of Distinction

The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its induction ceremony, which will be held March 22, 2018, at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge. The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.

Chinese group learns about alligators at LSU AgCenter

A group of Chinese crocodile farmers, tanners and others who work in the industry visited the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station and Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising during a trip to Louisiana from Sept. 6 to 8.

Sugar harvest off to a favorable start

The 2017 harvest of the parish’s sugar cane crop appears to be off to a good start, says County Agent Stuart Gauthier. The LaSuCa mill at St. John cranked up last Wednesday, Sept. 20, for a season that is expected to stretch well into December.