Rural fire safety is important during summer dry spells
Hot, dry spells during summer could put homes and forests at risk of wildfires, and rural homes surrounded by forests are at the highest risks. “It is important for people to be aware of rural fire safety,” said LSU AgCenter forestry agent Keith Hawkins.
Hawkins suggests homeowners look around their property and homes for plants or other items that might encourage or fuel a fire.
“There... read more
Sweet potato growers remain optimistic about 2010 crop
Farmers have finished planting much of Louisiana’s sweet potato crop. And its success is crucial to many farmers who are struggling financially after two bad years.
“Our Louisiana sweet potato industry has to have a good year in 2010,” said Tara Smith, LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist. “Our producers have encountered negative conditions in 2009 and 2008 where they, in some cases, did not harvest over 50 percent... read more
LSU AgCenter launches Market Maker online service
NEW ORLEANS – The LSU AgCenter has launched a new online service to help agriculture businesses market their products.
Called Market Maker, the service is offered via a website so anyone in the world 24 hours a day can find items they want to purchase from Louisiana businesses. “This will be a boon for our seafood industry,” LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson told an audience today at the 88th annual Louisiana Farm Bureau... read more
Be wary of oil spill scams Consumers and businesses are advised to be alert for scams following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico – and to report their experiences to federal and state authorities, advises Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter extension family economist. Scammers will use e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings and telephone calls to solicit money. Some solicitors may claim they’re working for environmental causes, or they may offer fraudulent services – like... read more
It’s blueberry season in Louisiana
Enjoying fresh Louisiana berries is a treat many people look forward to each year. Blueberries provide important nutrients that make them a healthful choice to enjoy at meals or as snacks, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. A 2009 study by researchers at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that rats that ate a diet rich in blueberries gained health benefits that may lower their risk for heart disease and diabetes. These included lowered cholesterol... read more
Selection and Management of Beef Replacement Heifers (Part II) Source: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Preweaning Considerations Good management of the replacement heifer actually begins before birth. When producing replacement females, cows should be bred to produce offspring with a high level of maternal merit. The cow should be in good body condition at calving, which will result in a thrifty calf and increase the level of colostrum produced. This will improve general thrift of the heifer calf throughout... read more
Producers need the facts about freshwater prawns before jumping in Source: LSU AgCenter
Louisiana farmers who are tempted to get into the business of producing freshwater shrimp in ponds need to get all the facts and proceed with caution, according to Greg Lutz, an aquaculture specialist with the LSU AgCenter. The LSU AgCenter began research with this species, also referred to as freshwater prawns, almost 30 years ago, Lutz said. Over the past decade researchers in states such as Kentucky and Mississippi also have focused... read more
14 from LSU AgCenter win national communication awards Fourteen members of the LSU AgCenter’s Communications and Information Technology units were recipients of national awards at the 2010 Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences conference in St Louis, Mo., on July 15-17. Linda Benedict, associate director for Communications received the Award of Excellence in media relations. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated national leadership in their... read more
Make sure your grilled food is safe
Outdoor grills are a popular Father’s Day gift for dads to enjoy all year long in Louisiana.
But cooking out requires extra care to prevent food-borne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Careful grilling also can prevent excessive smoke and charring that may be unhealthful.
For safe cookouts, Reames recommends these tips for proper cleanliness, safe food preparation and healthful grilling:
– Thaw safely—Completely thaw meat and poultry before... read more
Cattle on Feed Report and Summer Cattle Markets
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report showed large placements and growing feedlot inventories. The report did include, as expected, a large May placement number, up 23 percent from May of 2009. It is important to remember that this value is being compared to a very small value one year ago. In fact, the current value as a percent of the five year average from 2004-2008 is down about 4 percent. The... read more
Take a look at the benefits of milk.
The Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends three daily servings of non-fat or low-fat milk and milk products for those nine years old and older and 2 cups daily for children ages two to eight, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. “Milk is an excellent source of calcium,” Reames says. “The body needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is especially important for young people between the ages of 11 and 15 when... read more
4-Hers Win at State 4-H U
Dana Bennett and Andrea Deason were named state winners of the 2010 Ag Demonstration contest at the 96th 4-H University, held June 22-25, on the LSU Baton Rouge campus. These graduating seniors gave a demonstration on the National Poultry Improvement Plan showing how to give field test for Avian Influenza and Pullorum-Typhoid. As a result of their winning they will receive a trip to the National 4-H Club Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia during the month of November. Dana and Andrea are cousins both living in... read more
Changes in the Packers and Stockyards Act
Last Friday, the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) released significant changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA). These changes were mandated in the livestock title of the 2008 Farm Bill to occur within 2 years and GIPSA waited to the last moment to publish the proposed rules. The text of Farm Bill suggests that the proposed rules should have been limited to contract poultry and swine production, but some ambiguity in the farm bill language led to some... read more
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Proposed Rule to Increase Fairness in the Marketing of Livestock and Poultry Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., June 18, 2010 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased with the proposed rule issued today by the Agriculture Department’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) dealing with competition in the livestock and poultry industries. “For too long producers have had to bear the financial hardship... read more
USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Increase Fairness in the Marketing of Livestock and Poultry
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2010—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that on June 22, 2010 USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) will publish a proposed rule, as required by the 2008 farm bill and through existing authority under the Packers and Stockyards Act, that would provide significant new protections for producers against unfair, fraudulent or retaliatory practices. “Concerns... read more
United States, Russia Reach Agreement to Resume Poultry Exports to Russia WASHINGTON, June 24, 2010- Today United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack welcomed the announcement that the United States and Russia have reached an agreement to permit the resumption of U.S. poultry exports to Russia. Once the Agreement is signed, U.S. producers will be able to resume shipments of poultry to Russia. Under the agreement, the United States will publish information on USDA's website about which disinfectants/pathogen reductions... read more
Tips to Avoid Heat Stress in Poultry, Theresia K. Lavergne, Ph.D., P.A.S. Associate Professor, LSU AgCenter The heat of the summer is upon us! Dealing with summertime heat is a great challenge for people in Louisiana, and high heat and humidity combine to pose severe problems for all types of poultry. Under conditions of severe heat stress, poultry will have a reduced growth rate, decreased feed intake, poor feed conversion, decreased egg production, reduced hatchability rate, reduced egg shell quality, reduced egg size and... read more
Marketing Food Specialty Products Online
People love to eat and they love to experience new foods from new locales. Many entrepreneurs of food specialty products are taking advantage of selling online through the use of websites and blogs. Through the use of technology they are expanding their customer base world-wide. Retired nurse, Betty Girling, owner of Betty’s Gourmet Delights online store, did just that. She began her business at the Waveland Farmers’ Market in Mississippi. The farmers’ market was a great opportunity for Betty Girling... read more
WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Funding is Available for Wetlands Conservation on Private Agricultural Land
Farmerville, LA June 7, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation is soliciting applications from landowners interested in restoring or enhancing wetlands on private agricultural land in Louisiana through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The Wetlands Reserve Program provides financial incentives to landowners to restore their land to its natural wetland condition with an emphasis on enhancing... read more
Blueberry
Lemon Upside-Down Cake
1 lemon cake mix
1 stick margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a 13x9x2 inch pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly in pan. Arrange blueberries in sugar mixture. Mix cake as directed on package. Pour batter over fruit in pan. Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, or until cake tests done with a toothpick. Let stand 5 minutes for topping to begin to set. Turn upside down onto a large platter... read more
Poultry Loss Contract Grant Assistance Program (PGAP) Source: LDAF
The Poultry Loss Contract Grant Assistance Program (PGAP) will provide up to $60 million in assistance to poultry growers whose poultry growing arrangements with a live poultry dealer were terminated because of the bankruptcy of the live poultry dealer. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide a grant to the state departments of agriculture that agree to provide assistance to eligible poultry growers. States authorized to provide PGAP assistance are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,... read more
Pumpkin Soup recipe
Tomato paste and parmesan cheese are the secret ingredients of this luscious pumpkin soup. They add an extra element of sweet and savory that tastes delicious with velvety pumpkin.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound pumpkin, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Directions:
1.... read more
Dana tried these two recipes on us and we all really enjoyed them. Neither are hard to make and since we have so much pumpkin they are great. Pumpkin freezes well and so I am preparing the pumpkin as I mentioned in last months cutting corners. I then freeze it in bags with the exact amount required for the different recipes. Livestock Market News - Situation and Outlook, Week Ending October 29, 2010 Source: University of Arkansas BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO HONEY PRODUCERS The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, provides for the availability of marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments (LDPs), if available, for producers of 2010 crop honey. According to Chuck Hixon, County Executive Director for the Lincoln, Union and Jackson Parish Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Act provides for a non-recourse loan program. The loan rate for 2010 crop honey is 69 cents per pound. Mr. Hixon explained that producers who wish to forgo receiving a loan may choose to receive a loan deficiency payment... read more LSU AgCenter offering online quality assurance, ethics training for livestock exhibitors Poultry Waste? Theresia K. Lavergne, Associate Professor, School of Animal Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA Poultry waste (litter) is not necessarily waste at all but can be a valuable resource in agriculture. The nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in poultry litter can be recycled into other facets of agricultural production. And, LSU AgCenter scientists are providing research based information that helps producers utilize nutrients produced on their farms in environmentally-conscious ways. Broilers are produced in total confinement housing,... read more NEWS BRIEFS Pilgrim’s Pride Master Gardeners told gardening history is important Reduce utility bills with shade trees By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist When you think of shade trees in your landscape, you most likely focus on the shade they create outside. It would be hard to do anything on a patio or deck this time of the year unless it was shaded. But trees that shade our homes also help hold down inside temperatures far better than curtains or blinds. And this lowers the cost of summer air conditioning. Shade lowers air-conditioning bills by blocking the sun from the windows, exterior walls and roof. Air conditioners... read more Master Gardeners told saving seed preserves heirloom plants Source: LSU Ag Center Drink fluids before, during and after physical activity Louisiana Horse owners cautioned about rabies Source: LSU Ag Center Oil spill causes concern for cattle along Gulf coast Source: LSU Ag Center Oil from the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is causing concern among cattle owners who graze their herds on coastal marshes. The fear is that severe weather or high tides could push the oil inland. “They are worried in case of a hurricane the oil could be pushed up into the canals. Then we’ve got cattle drinking from those canals,” said Andrew Granger, LSU AgCenter county agent in Vermilion Parish. “I got two calls about it this morning.”... read more Beef Sire Selection Brett Barham, Ph.D. Continued form Selection and Management of Beef Replacement Heifers Source: University of Arkansas Armyworms in Pasture and Turf Source: Danny O. Walker, County Extension Agent, Columbia County Make Plans Now for Fall and Winter Pastures Dr. John Jennings, Professor, University of Arkansas 'Tis the season to start planning for fall and winter pastures. Really? Even though this is the middle of summer hay harvest, hay feeding season will arrive before you know it. Economically, the later hay feeding season begins, the better. Hay production costs are around $25 per bale (4x5 round bale). So when you are harvesting hay, make sure the forage quality of the hay is worthy of that expense. Every day of hay feeding costs about $1.20 to $1.50 per cow. Grazing stockpiled forage during fall and winter... read more Interesting Information: A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants. Anaplasmosis Dr. Tom Troxel, Professor, University of Arkansas Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease in cattle that infects red blood cells. It is transmitted from animal to animal by biting flies (horseflies, stable flies), ticks and contaminated needles or surgical instruments (dehorners, castration instruments, tattoo instruments). This disease is typically age related. Calves less than one year of age usually show no symptoms of this disease and are considered mild. Cattle 12 to 24 months of age can show acute signs of the disease,... read more Beef industry featured at Agribusiness Council of Louisiana meeting The South You gotta love it! A young man came running into the store and said to his buddy: "Bubba, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!" Bubba replied: "Did you see who it was?" The young man answered: "I couldn't tell, but I got his license number." Boethel elected Entomological Society Fellow for 2010 David J. Boethel, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for research and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, has been elected as one of 10 Fellows of the Entomological Society of America for 2010. The election acknowledges outstanding contributions in research, teaching and administration. He will be recognized during the group’s annual meeting in December in San Diego, Calif. Boethel received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in entomology from Texas A&M University.... read more Doubling Exports in Five Years: How We Do It Fundamental Changes Are Necessary to Meet Goal of National Export Initiative WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2010 – The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the Coalition of Service Industries (CSI) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) put forth a comprehensive approach today to double U.S. exports in five years – a key goal of President Obama’s. Under this approach,... read more Just Rambling: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (“GIPSA”) proposals were thoroughly discussed during a workshop called by Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, on October 28, 2010. The workshop was presented by The National Agriculture Law Center located within the University of Arkansas School of Law. The goal of this workshop was to inform producers and others about the proposed regulations concerning the livestock, meat, and poultry industries in an unbiased manner. The workshop not only focused on the proposed regulations but also on their background, what is GIPSA, and how members... read more
Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe
As decadent as cheesecake is, it's one of the easiest baked desserts to prepare. No sifting, no kneading, no separate mixing bowls - just beat all ingredients together and bake until done.
Ingredients:Livestock Market News- Situation and Outlook, Week Ending Oct 29, 2010
COW-CALF RETURNS POSITIVE IN 2010 Since the early 1970’s, the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) has estimated cash returns over cash costs plus pasture rent for a typical Southern Plains commercial cow-calf operation. The estimated returns are intended for market analysis uses, thus actual cow-calf returns will vary significantly. During the last few years, profitability for U.S. cow-calf operations has declined with negative returns... read moreBenefits available to Honey Producers
LSU AgCenter offering online quality assurance, ethics training for livestock ex
The LSU AgCenter is implementing an online quality assurance and ethics training program for 4-H and FFA members and their families who are interested in participating in its youth livestock projects. A voluntary pilot version of the program was offered to youth during the 2010 LSU AgCenter Spring Livestock Show held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center during February 2010. The complete certification program will be available for 4-H and FFA members and their families later this summer and will be required... read morePoultry Waste
Extension of GIPSA Period
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Extension of GIPSA Comment Period WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2010 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased the Agriculture Department’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has extended its comment period by 90 days on its Packers and Stockyards Act proposed rule. AFBF initially... read morePilgrim's Pride
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation posted lower second quarter earnings due primarily to hefty restructuring changes. Pilgrim gave an optimistic outlook for the chicken industry in the second half of this year, forecasting overall industry production to rise 2.7 percent in 2010. Pilgrim’s Pride, which is now based in Greeley, Colorado says it is moving forward with plans to re-open three idled production plants by 2012. Pilgrim plans to increase its production about 5% per year over the next 2 years. It plans to re-open the Douglas, Georgia. plant in January of 2011, a second idled facility... read moreMaster Gardeners told gardening history is important
WEST MONROE, La. – Louisiana Master Gardeners were encouraged to photograph their work to share with future generations by the keynote speaker at the organization’s state conference here April 29-May 1. Jenny Rose Carey, director of the Landscape Arboretum at Temple University, told the 150 in attendance to save records. “Improve social history,” Carey said. “Make sure you’re photographing your gardens and passing them on to the next generation.” Carey discussed women in horticulture and landscape design, showing... read moreReduce Utility Bills with shade trees
Master Gardeners told asving seed preserves heirloom plants
WEST MONROE, La. – Gardeners can save seeds to cut costs and maintain heirloom varieties, Denyse Cummins, LSU AgCenter horticulturist, told the Louisiana Master Gardener Convention here April 30. Seeds of heirloom varieties may be difficult to obtain or need to be tracked down and ordered every year, Cummins said. “We have a number of Louisiana varieties, like cow pumpkins, green eggplants and cowhorn okra, which are not available from seed companies,” she said “If we don’t save our own seed and share them with our fellow... read moreDrink fluids before, during and after physical activity
Proper hydration is essential for healthy physical activity. Drinking the right amount of fluids before, during and after every physical activity is vital to providing the fluids the body needs to perform properly, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
“The risks of dehydration and heat injury increase dramatically in hot, humid weather,” Reames says. “During preseason athletic practices with high heat and humidity, it is necessary to take every precaution to assure that athletes are well hydrated, have access to fluids and are monitored for... read moreLouisiana Horse Owners cautioned about rabies
La horse owners are being urged to get their animals vaccinated for rabies by the LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian. A horse in Jefferson Davis Parish recently was diagnosed with rabies, said Dr. Christine Navarre. In addition, a dog in Lafayette Parish was diagnosed with the disease this year, she said. And two skunks were found to have the disease, one in Lafayette Parish and the other in St. Martin Parish. “Rabies is endemic in La,” Navarre said. Cat and dog owners are required to have their animals vaccinated by law. “There are laws covering... read moreOil Spill causes concern for cattle along Gulf coast
Beef Sire Selection
Extension Livestock Specialist, Uof A
Introduction
Selecting a herd sire is one of the most important decisions a cow-calf producer makes. A herd bull contributes half the genetic makeup of his calves and plays an essential role in herd genetic improvement. The herd bull is the most important individual in a breeding herd. A cow or heifer
typically produces one calf per year, while a mature herd bull may sire 25 or more calves per year. Thus, a herd sire may contribute more to the genetic makeup of the herd in one breeding season than a cow contributes in her lifetime. Selecting... read moreContinued from Selection and Management of Beef Replacement Heifers
Management From Weaning to Breeding
The period between weaning and breeding is a very critical time for the long-term reproductive performance of replacement heifers. At weaning, heifers should be between 7 to 8 months of age and weigh 500+ pounds. It is very important to weigh the weaned heifer so that the weaning weight is known and not guessed. It is also recommended to determine the frame score of the replacement heifer. Frame score is a convenient way to describe the skeletal size of cattle. Hip height converted to frame... read moreArmyworms in Pasture and Turf
In late summer, almost every year, armyworms invade pastures, hay fields, and turfgrass throughout the state. Particularly in pastures and hay fields, damage may be severe before the worms are noticed. The grass is not killed, but hay yield and forage can be reduced to almost nothing over whole fields in extreme cases. The damage to established turf is mostly aesthetic, but newly sodded or sprigged areas can be more severely damaged or even killed. Most of the worms are fall armyworms. The adult moths are active at night and females lay... read moreMake Plans Now for Fall and Winter Pastures
Interesting Information
The phrase 'rule of thumb' is derived from
an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
Anaplasmosis
Beef Industry featured at Agribusiness Council of La meeting
ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Improving the outlook for the Louisiana beef industry and encouraging young people to enter agriculture were topics of discussion at the Louisiana Agribusiness Summit Forum held recently in Alexandria.
The forum was the fourth of a series throughout the state to hear from state leaders in agriculture and agribusiness about ways to improve the industry.
“We must double food production by 2030 to feed the world, but how we do it?” asked Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, in an effort to provoke thought on... read moreThe South You gotta love it!
Boethel elected Entomological Society fellow for 2010
Doulbling Exports in Five Years
Just Rambling Nov 2010