Agriculture

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.

Weather slows promising La. corn harvest

Louisiana corn farmers are harvesting what could be a record corn crop — when the weather allows them to run their combines through the fields. Rain showers, particularly in the afternoon, have been plaguing farmers recently.

New rice lines featured at AgCenter field day

More than 400 people attended the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station field day on June 28 to hear about the latest work being done to help rice farmers.

LSU AgCenter selects vendor for medical marijuana program

The LSU AgCenter has notified the Board of Supervisors of their intent to contract with GB Sciences, Inc., to produce a medical marijuana product for qualifying patients. GB Sciences will work under the LSU AgCenter license in compliance with state law and rules established by regulatory agencies.