March 2009 Articles

Archives by Months

Just Rambling September 2013

Just Rambling:
Last month, I told you about my mortality slapping me in the face, when I found out I had a tumor on my pituitary gland. At that time, I was waiting to get an appointment with Dr. Nanda, a neurosurgeon in Shreveport. Well, the appointment I was waiting on has come and gone. I am now scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, September 4th. When you read this, I will have had surgery, and, Lord willing, I will be out of the hospital and home recuperating. When I met with Dr. Nanda,... read more

Vaccination Guidelines – Developing a Vaccination Plan 

Vaccination Guidelines – Developing a Vaccination Plan
Mark Russell, Assistant Professor - Equine, UofA
A vaccination plan is an essential part of horse ownership. Disease prevention should be considered by every horse owner, regard less of whether the horse(s) leave home at any time. The following is some useful information to consider.
A “standard” vaccination program for all horses does not exist. Each individual situation... read more

Researchers make strides in controlling aflatoxin

Researchers make strides in controlling aflatoxin Writer: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana corn farmers learned a tough lesson in 1998 when aflatoxin showed up in amounts that caused significant problems.
Over the years, researchers have learned much about aflatoxin and Aspergillus flavus, the fungus that produces it. They also have learned that not all strains produce the toxin, and those can actually inhibit... read more

Crazy ant population explodes in Baton Rouge

Crazy ant population explodes in Baton Rouge Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologists have been preparing for the tawny crazy ant population to increase in Louisiana for a while – the wait is over for residents in north Baton Rouge.
Residents in the areas of Scotlandville, Baker and Central have seen the populations of these invasive pests explode in the past few days, said LSU AgCenter entomologist Gregg... read more

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Farm

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Farm Source: Wink Alison and Ed Tidwell, LSU AgCenter
We want to inform you of a new insect pest that is showing up in bermudagrass fields.
There have been confirmed infestations of the bermudagrass stem maggot in hay fields in northwest Louisiana and unconfirmed reports of the insect in northeast and central Louisiana.
The bermudagrass stem maggot (Athergona reversura)... read more

USDA Promotes Conservation Programs-Louisiana Farmers Participate in Conservatio

USDA Promotes Conservation Programs-Louisiana Farmers Participate in Conservation Efforts
Source: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner Baton Rouge, La. (August 29, 2013) – Farmers have significantly reduced the loss of sediment and nutrients from farm fields through voluntary conservation work in the lower Mississippi River Basin, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department... read more

Cattle prices expected to hold, might improve

Cattle prices expected to hold, might improve
Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821, 337-250-3876 (cell) or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu
CADE, La. – Cattle prices should stay at the current level – or even increase – because of the expected decrease in beef production, an LSU AgCenter beef economist told cattle farmers on Aug. 21.
“It’s a good time to be in the cattle business,” Ross Pruitt said at the LSU AgCenter pasture field day held at the University... read more

Less Obvious Market Impacts of the Zilmax® Situation

Less Obvious Market Impacts of the Zilmax® Situation
Source: Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
What can be said about the decision to temporarily suspend sales of the feed additive Zilmax® that has not already been said? There are plenty of other news stories that document the suspension of this product and the additional decline in U.S. beef production due to carcasses being slightly smaller than expected prior to the suspension of sales.... read more

Nutrition Key for Conception and Weaning Percentages

Nutrition Key for Conception and Weaning Percentages Steven M. Jones, Associate Professor - Animal Science
The success of a sheep and goat operation depends on the number of lambs and kids raised, weaned and marketed each year. The percentage of ewes, does, ewe lambs and doelings conceived early in the breeding season; the lambing, kidding and weaning percentages; and the percentage of ewes, does, ewe lambs and doelings lambing and kidding unassisted are some of the... read more

USDA and Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission Request the Help of Arkansas

USDA and Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission Request the Help of Arkansas Sheep Producers in Scrapie Surveillance
Dr. Albert Leslie, APHIS, USDA Veterinarian
The National Scrapie Eradication Program is a cooperative state-federal-industry program administered by USDA and the states to eradicate classical scrapie. By the end of October 2012, the percentage of sheep found positive for scrapie at slaughter had decreased 94 percent since the eradication program began in 2003. In this... read more

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation—Presidents Column Congressional Reces

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation—Presidents Column Congressional Recess Source: www.lfbf.org
As a kid on the school playground I always enjoyed recess.
The same can’t be said for members of Congress as they continue meeting face to face with their constituents during the congressional August recess. And for those members who have ag interests in their districts, as Desi would often say to Lucy, “You got some ‘splanin’ to do.”read more

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation—Presidents Column 2013 Crop on Par fo

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation—Presidents Column 2013 Crop on Par for Record Source: www.lfbf.org
Farmers spend a lot of time with their fingers crossed, albeit figuratively in most cases.
But this year I’d bet many farmers have one hand on the combine’s steering wheel while the other has their fingers securely crossed. That’s because the real potential exists for one of the best harvests on record. And that’s across the board, no matter... read more

LGLCI Hosting Healing the Land and Building Soil Health Workshop

LGLCI Hosting Healing the Land and Building Soil Health Workshop
The Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (LGLCI) is a consortium of individuals and organizations working together to maintain and improve the management and health of Louisiana’s grazing lands. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to address the needs of private grazing lands in Louisiana by:
Promoting voluntary action and respect of private property rights... read more

Tips and Advice for Choosing a Bit When Breaking a Horse

Tips and Advice for Choosing a Bit When Breaking a Horse Mark Russell, Assistant Professor - Equine U of A
A horse’s lifelong usefulness is often dependent upon the foundation built by his first teacher. Well-trained and successful horses generally had a solid start as a young horse.
Groundwork is one common method of starting young horses. It teaches horses as early as long yearlings to learn to give to pressure and be responsive to signals and cues such as turning, moving forward and... read more

Spiritual Corner

As I’m about to start my senior year of college and begin my graduate classes as well, I realize that I am getting closer and closer to starting my future career. With my goal of achieving a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in education, my plan is to hopefully work with young people through being a teacher or 4-H agent, or through some other mentor role. Naturally as I get closer and closer to reaching this goal and starting this plan, I have begun to think more about what kind of... read more

Just Rambling:

Just Rambling:
My surgery on September 4th went well according to Dr. Nanda. Needless to say, I am glad that it is behind me, and that I am now home recuperating. The day before my surgery I met with medical personnel from Dr. Nanda’s office to discus my pre-op instructions. I was totally in shock when I was told that my recovery time would be three months, and that during this time I was not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. I couldn't bend over, drink through a straw,... read more

Field day features cattle procedures, winter forage

Field day features cattle procedures, winter forage Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
MANGHAM, La. – Cattlemen interested in learning proper cattle handling procedures were not disappointed by attending a beef and forage field day at the Goldmine Plantation on Sept. 19.
Hearing about a successful technique is better than never hearing, but seeing the technique in action is what LSU AgCenter regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes was able to do as part... read more

How Fast Can the Beef Cow Herd Be Rebuilt?

How Fast Can the Beef Cow Herd Be Rebuilt? Source: Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Historically, the cattle cycles that the beef industry has observed for many years were self-regulating cycles of inventory driven by internal beef industry factors including calf price levels, beef cattle biology and the rigidity... read more

Effect of Corn- and Soybean Hull-Based Creep Feed and Backgrounding Diets on L

Effect of Corn- and Soybean Hull-Based Creep Feed and Backgrounding Diets on Lifelong Performance and Carcass Traits of Calves From Pasture and Rangeland Conditions Source: (Gadberry, M. S., et al., University of Arkansas)
The Professional Animal Scientist 28 (2012): 507-518
Industry perceived lifelong benefits associated with starch-based creep feeding are increased weight gain and improved carcass quality. The objective of the following studies was to investigate the lifelong effect of creep feeding within three separate... read more

Slaughter Cow Considerations for Fall 2013

Slaughter Cow Considerations for Fall 2013 Source: Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter
In a normal year, slaughter cow prices typically are lowest in the fall and highest in the spring. The seasonal price increase from the fall into the spring normally allows for producers to capture an additional gain in price per hundredweight for... read more

Specialist recommends new, affordable technology for cattle production

Specialist recommends new, affordable technology for cattle production
ALEXANDRIA, La. – An LSU AgCenter cattle expert advised owners of small cattle operations that they should consider artificial insemination with technology available to make the option affordable and easier.
At the Dean Lee Research Station Beef Cattle and Forage Field Day on Sept. 12, Glen Gentry, LSU AgCenter cattle reproductive specialist, said a survey showed that less... read more

LSU and LSU AgCenter dairy programs to consolidate

LSU and LSU AgCenter dairy programs to consolidate
Writer: Linda Foster Benedict at 225-578-2937 or lbenedict@agcenter.lsu.edu
BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture will be consolidating dairy science programs over the next nine months to expand and better integrate the research, extension and teaching efforts.
“This will be one of the first steps we take as we consolidate administratively the AgCenter and the College of Agriculture,” said Bill Richardson, LSU vice president... read more

AFBF Objects to Inflammatory Attacks in Privacy Suit

AFBF Objects to Inflammatory Attacks in Privacy Suit Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 13, 2013 – The American Farm Bureau Federation today responded to the inflammatory tactics of three environmental activist organizations who have asked to intervene in AFBF’s recent privacy lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. AFBF’s suit in federal court in Minnesota seeks to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ personal information from disclosure by EPA under... read more

Louisiana part of multistate study to test arsenic in ri

Louisiana part of multistate study to test arsenic in rice growing Writer: Bruce Schultz at (337) 788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu
CROWLEY, La. – Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter agronomist at the Rice Research Station here, is participating in a multistate study on arsenic in rice to determine if levels of the element are higher in different varieties and to see if varied flooding methods affect arsenic content.
“Can we change the water management practices... read more

Strain Responds to EPA Withdrawal of Data Collection Proposal

Strain Responds to EPA Withdrawal of Data Collection Proposal
Baton Rouge, La. (September 6, 2013) – Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says the withdrawal of a proposal that allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect basic and private information from farming operations across the country is a victory for Louisiana farmers. The EPA was seeking the information under the Clean Water Act Section 308, but was adamantly opposed by the agricultural... read more

Strain Named Secretary-Treasurer of NASDA

Strain Named Secretary-Treasurer of NASDA
Baton Rouge, La. (September 11, 2013) – The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., has been elected by members of the National Association of States Department of Agriculture (NASDA) to serve as secretary-treasurer for the year 2014.
“It is an honor to be selected as one of 10 board of directors representing the United States farmers and related industries. As secretary-treasurer, Louisiana will have a great impact on issues at the national... read more

AFBF Endorses House Waterways Bill

AFBF Endorses House Waterways Bill Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 13, 2013 – The House version of a bill to update the nation’s marine infrastructure will help America’s farmers and ranchers compete in global markets. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, repairs, construction and upgrades to America’s waterways and marine transportation system will help ensure the reliability of the nation’s most affordable, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable mode... read more

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Court Ruling Upholding EPA Chesapeake Bay TMDL Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 16, 2013 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation is deeply disappointed with the district court’s ruling upholding the Environmental Protection Agency’s total maximum daily load for the Chesapeake Bay. We believe the ruling is incorrect and has huge implications for farmers and many others in the Bay area and nationwide.
“Win or lose... read more

More Corn, Smaller Soybean Stocks Predicted

More Corn, Smaller Soybean Stocks Predicted
Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 12, 2013 – The September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released by the Agriculture Department forecasts a bin-busting corn crop coupled with significantly smaller projected ending-stocks for soybeans.
September’s WASDE report projected the 2013 corn crop at 13.84 billion bushels, which would be a record crop, if realized, and more than a 3 billion bushel increase compared to 2012. The report estimates... read more

Poultry farmers learn better practices at

Poultry farmers learn better practices at LSU AgCenter field day Writer: Bruce Schultz at (337) 788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu
HOMER, La. – Poultry producers from across the state were taught practices that will make their operations more environmentally friendly and efficient at a field day at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station on Sept. 18.
Half the day was used to show producers research being conducted and to explain what they can do... read more

It’s time to think about landscape planning

It’s time to think about landscape planning By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create what they want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money. The important thing to remember is that developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process.
Although landscaping is a great way to give your home a beautiful appearance, your landscape should also create outdoor spaces that function... read more

Changing eating habits can aid weight loss

Changing eating habits can aid weight loss
Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
BATON ROUGE, La. – Possibly the hardest part of changing eating habits to lose weight is deciding where to begin and how to sustain, says LSU AgCenter Smart Bodies program director Denise Holston-West.
“Are you ready for change? Be honest. Seriously contemplate this question before beginning a weight- loss journey or before attempting to change any behavior,”... read more

My Granny’s Cinnamon Biscuits

My Granny’s Cinnamon Biscuits

Canned biscuits ( the cheap ones)
Butter Cinnamon Sugar

Roll out biscuits with a glass, cover with a thick layer of butter, spoon generous amount of sugar over butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake until brown. Serve hot. This only takes a few minutes and its something different for breakfast or snack. My Granny fixed this for us when we were small and we loved them.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Numbers

When in sorrow…………………………………………...call John 14
When you have sinned…………………………………. call Psalm 51
When you worry………………………………. call Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger………………………………..... read more

WHERE DO I STAND

WHERE DO I STAND

I stood one day in a busy town,
watching men tear a building down.
With a Yo heave ho!
and a lusty yell,
They swung a boom,
and a side wall fell.

I asked the foreman of the crew,
Are they skilled as those who build anew?
Oh no, he said, No, no indeed!
Common labor is all you need.

I can tear down as much
in a day or two
As it takes skilled men
a year to do.

And I thought to myself
as I walked away,
Just which of these roles,
am I trying to play?

Do... read more

Controlling External Parasites Source: University of Arkansas

Controlling External Parasites Source: University of Arkansas
As I talk to folks around the state, I get questions and have conversations quite often regarding parasite control. About 95% of the time it concerns internal parasites and proper methods of worming. However, horse owners also have external parasites to worry about as well. According to Dr. Floron Faries, this includes: stable flies, horse flies, deerflies, gnats, mosquitoes, hornflies, houseflies, blowflies, fleas, and ticks. There are two preventive types of management practices to control external practices – chemical and non-chemical.... read more

AgCenter scientists give updates to farmers at field day

AgCenter scientists give updates to farmers at field day
Writers: Bruce Schultz @ 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu and Johnny Morgan @ 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
ST. JOSEPH, La. – More than 150 farmers, agriculture consultants and industry representatives heard about the latest research on corn, soybeans, rice and cotton at the annual field day on June 19 at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station.
Donnie Miller, research coordinator at the station and a weed scientist, said a big problem that growers observed this year, with the cooler temperatures that lingered... read more

AFBF: Death Tax Repeal Act ‘Gets the Job Done’

AFBF: Death Tax Repeal Act ‘Gets the Job Done’
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 19, 2013 – The American Farm Bureau Federation supports legislation introduced today in both the House and Senate that would permanently repeal the estate tax. Sen. John Thune’s (R-S.D.) bill, The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2013, coupled with bipartisan legislation of the same title introduced by Reps. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.), is welcomed by America’s farm and ranch families.
While significant tax relief was enacted last year to help farmers cope with estate taxes, AFBF believes that permanent... read more

Weather Challenges Reflected in June WASDE Report

Weather Challenges Reflected in June WASDE Report WASHINGTON, D.C., June 12, 2013 – The June World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released today by the Agriculture Department reflects the slow corn planting season across much of the Corn Belt due to snow, rain and cool weather, according to analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Ninety-five percent of this year’s corn crop was planted as of June 9 (only 92 percent in Iowa), but later-planted corn faces the risk of... read more

Poultry owners should take steps to keep flocks secure

Poultry owners should take steps to keep flocks secure
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Restricting visitor access, anti-viral hygiene and clean clothing and equipment are among the key steps to preventing the spread of avian influenza or other diseases, said Dustan Clark, extension veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“With a case of avian influenza being investigated by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission at a Scott County poultry farm, now is a good time to remind flock owners of measures to take to prevent the spread of any disease,” Clark said.
The H7N7... read more

Arrests Made in Morehouse Parish Cattle Thefts June 20, 2013 

Arrests Made in Morehouse Parish Cattle Thefts
June 20, 2013 – Five people are charged in connection with the theft of cattle in Morehouse Parish.
“Authorities received a tip from a concerned citizen who saw a trailer with a flat tire and loaded with cattle in the middle of the night. Thanks to the awareness and quick thinking on the part of this citizen, the cattle have been recovered,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.
The break in the case came shortly before midnight on Saturday, June 8, when a citizen reported to the Morehouse Parish... read more

Strain: Hire Licensed Horticulture Professionals

Strain: Hire Licensed Horticulture Professionals Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., is urging Louisiana homeowners to hire only licensed landscape horticulturists, arborists and landscape irrigation contractors when doing major landscaping work at their homes or businesses.
“Every spring and summer, ‘yard specialists’ claiming to be landscaping professionals begin making rounds in neighborhoods offering bargain basement deals for yard work,” Strain said. “Many have little or no training and their work is often substandard.
“All arborists, landscape... read more

ade trees reduce summer cooling bills

Shade trees reduce summer cooling bills By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
The heat is on, and we can expect daytime highs around 90 and nighttime lows in the 70s from now until September. As the days get longer and the sunlight more intense, our home air conditioning systems work harder and harder to keep the inside of our homes comfortable.
Trees that shade the house during summer can lower air conditioning bills by blocking the sun from the windows, exterior walls and roof. Air conditioners cooling a fully shaded house have been shown to work only half as hard as those in a house that has its walls and roof exposed... read more

Easy Strawberry Cake

Easy Strawberry Cake

1 strawberry cake mix 1 cool whip
1 small box strawberry jello 1 vanilla instant pudding Frozen strawberries

Prepare cake mix as directed and bake. While cake is baking mix strawberry jello with one cold cup water, then refrigerate. When cake is done, punch holes in it and pour jello over cake. While cake is cooling, mix up pudding with 1 cup milk. After pudding has set, fold in cool whip. When cake is cool, take cool whip mixture and fold in strawberries. Frost cake with mixture. You can ad strawberries on top of cake prior to frosting. Keep cake refrigerated.... read more

Things God Won’t Ask

Spiritual Corner: Things God Won’t Ask

*God won’t ask what kind of car you drove. He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
*God won’t ask the square footage of your house. He will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
*God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet. He’ll ask how many you helped clothe.
*God won’t ask your highest salary. He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
*God won’t ask what your job title was. He’ll ask if you performed it to the best of your ability.read more

Cool-Season Pasture and Forage Varieties Variety Selection

Cool-Season Pasture and Forage Varieties
Variety Selection One of the most important decisions a forage producer must make is which variety or varieties to plant. Many varieties of forage crops are marketed in Louisiana. To help farmers make logical choices among crops and varieties, the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center conducts variety trials and makes suggestions each year. These suggestions are available in your county agent’s office (Table 1).
Promising Varieties: Promising varieties are those that have been tested on a limited basis for two years and found to perform well enough to suggest trial plantings. These... read more

AgCenter computer center dedicated Writer:

POLLOCK, La. – Central Louisiana residents will soon have access to the LSU AgCenter’s state-of-the-art computer training center that was dedicated on Aug. 1 at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center.
The center is seen as an opportunity to bring the connectivity of the internet to the people, said LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson.
“If you’re not on the Internet, you’re really missing out. This is a chance to educate people.” Richardson said. “It’s a literacy project with some outstanding equipment.”
Funds for the center came from the AgCenter’s broadband Internet education... read more

Irrigate yards, landscapes, trees correctly during hot summer month

Irrigate yards, landscapes, trees correctly during hot summer month By Allen Owings LSU AgCenter horticulturist
HAMMOND, La. – As we reach the middle of summer in Louisiana, we need to keep in mind the importance of irrigating our landscape plants. When we irrigate, it is important to apply water needed and efficiently. In many cases, plants are commonly over-watered rather than under-watered.
Each year, the Irrigation Association names July “smart irrigation month.”
Of the tremendous amounts of water applied to lawns, landscape beds and trees, much is never absorbed and used by the plants. Some water is lost to runoff... read more

Louisiana Agriculture Facts:

Louisiana Agriculture Facts:
The horse industry in Louisiana was valued at $472 million during 2012.
-$200 million from horse-racing industry. -$118 million from show-horse industry

Technology brings precision to the farm

Technology brings precision to the farm Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
ST. JOSEPH, La. – Because cars can now “talk” and phones can play movies, it’s only natural that farm equipment would communicate with satellites to make farmers money.
For at least 15 years, scientists have been looking at what is called precision agriculture as a way to help farmers decrease the waste of fertilizer and other needed chemicals, said LSU AgCenter county agent Dennis Burns from Tensas Parish.
Precision agriculture involves the use of electrical conductivity measurements to help describe soil variability... read more

Farm Bill Update

Farm Bill Update Source: LSU AgCenter
After the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill in June 2013, there was some renewed hope that Congress would move quickly in getting a new farm bill legislation passed. However, the process has not been as easy in the House of Representatives. After failing to make much progress on significant differences regarding funding for nutrition programs, House leadership decided their best course of action was to attempt to eliminate the nutrition programs of the bill and vote on a bill that contained only commodity, conservation, crop insurance and rural development provisions. While this move was a significant departure from... read more

AFBF Files Suit to Protect Farmers’ Privacy

AFBF Files Suit to Protect Farmers’ Privacy Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 5, 2013 – Protecting farmers’ and ranchers’ right to privacy is a top priority, said the American Farm Bureau Federation, which took legal action today to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from publicly releasing personal information about thousands of farmers and ranchers and their families. EPA is expected to respond to several Freedom of Information Act requests this week, prompting AFBF to file a lawsuit and seek a temporary restraining order before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
By seeking an immediate court order... read more

AFBF, 400 Others Call for House Immigration Reform

AFBF, 400 Others Call for House Immigration Reform Source: www.fb.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 30, 2013 – The American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 400 leading U.S. businesses and advocacy organizations called on the House to enact immigration reform legislation. The letter, sent today, was signed by a broad cross section of industries that includes agriculture, housing, retail, tourism, hospitality, technology, engineering, manufacturing, finance, venture capital, consumer electronics and others with a combined presence in every state in the United States.
The letter and all the groups signing on can be found at: http://bit.ly/18OVlYP.read more

Farmers Wisdom:

Farmers Wisdom:
Every path has a few puddles.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture

The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Source: www.lfbf.org
It’s still a little early, but so far this crop year is looking like the complete opposite of 2012 and with a big drop in prices recently, might start resembling a more “normal” crop year.
Leaving aside the question of what normal is, timely rains and cool temperatures across most of the corn belt at the critical growing stage for corn is part of what has sent prices tumbling, especially when you combine it with one of the largest acreages on record. For most parts of the country, corn is in the critical blooming stage and the weather forecast for the immediate future calls for similar weather. This means... read more

La. sweet potato acreage continues to decline

La. sweet potato acreage continues to decline
WINNSBORO, La. – Louisiana farmers have finished planting sweet potatoes, and acreage continues to decline. Tara Smith, coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, said Louisiana has about 7,500 acres, which is down 25 percent from last year and less than half of what farmers were planting 10 years ago.
Smith said several factors have led to lower acreage.
“One is an aging producer population, and we’ve had several retirements. The other is the high cost of production the last couple of years, and we haven’t realized a large enough return on some of the crop we’re marketing,”... read more

The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture

The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Source: www.lfbf.org
The July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released today by the Agriculture Department shows no change in the projected corn and soybean yields this month.
July’s WASDE report projected the 2013 corn yield to be 156.5 bushels per acre and the soybean yield to be 44.5 bushels per acre, paralleling the June report. AFBF economist Todd Davis said corn production is down slightly from June due to slightly lower harvested acreage expectations.
“The corn crop is projected at 13.95 billion bushels, down from slightly above 14 billion bushels in last month’s report. Despite a decreased... read more

For ranchers, soil’s organic matter, matters

For ranchers, soil’s organic matter, matters Source: www.uaex.edu
Fast Facts
Soil organic matter provides structure, water permeability/retention
Former prairie areas are higher in soil organic matter than forested areas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Soil organic matter means there’s much more to dirt than meets the eye.
“Organic matter is critical for healthy soils,” said Dirk Philipp, assistant professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It’s storage of available nutrients, it bonds soil particles for stable structure and can hold water.”
Soil organic matter:
Can hold up to 90 percent... read more

The Good that Still Exist

Spiritual Corner: By Dana Bennett The Good that Still Exist
We turn on the news, open the paper, pull up a web page, and so many of the headlines that we see make our hearts hurt, our knees tremble, and our stomachs sick. “2 trains collide in Switzerland,” “Car bombings in Iraq,” “FBI arrests 150 in child prostitution raid,” “Massive poverty in America,” “$136 M in jewels stolen,” and the list goes on. Everywhere we turn, it seems like something negative is happening, like the only news we ever get from our media is bad news. Can you really blame people who don’t watch the news and stay informed? Maybe they seriously... read more

Chicken Enchilada Dip

Chicken Enchilada Dip

10 oz Chunk Chicken Breast 8 oz Cream Cheese
1 can Rotel tomatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything together and chill. Serve with chips or crackers.
Get any time of year.