Caught in the Squeeze Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter
In the March 5th In the Cattle Markets, the discussion focused on the tight packer margins that beef processors have faced this year. The live to cutout beef spread which accounts for the value of the beef and the byproducts (drop credit) less the cost of the finished animal stood at $73.82/head for the month of February. The last time the index was in the $70/head range on a consistent... read more
American Forest Foundation Joins National Association of State Foresters in Request to House Appropriations Committee; Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and related Agencies
In testimony today before the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, of the House Appropriations Committee, theAmerican Forest Foundation (AFF) and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) reminded committee members that most of America’s forests are owned by families and individuals,... read more
Wildlife field day features research on bluetongue disease in deer Source: LSU AgCenter
CLINTON, La. – New research that may lead to combating the disease bluetongue in deer was featured at the LSU AgCenter’s wildlife field day at the Bob R. Jones – Idlewild Research Station in Clinton on March 17.
LSU AgCenter veterinary entomologist Lane Foil reported that he has begun research at the station on bluetongue, which plagues... read more
Springtime brings common problems in Louisiana fish ponds
Springtime losses in fish ponds are common throughout the southeast, and especially in Louisiana, according to an LSU AgCenter scientist.
These losses can be the result of oxygen problems, common diseases or a combination of these factors, said LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist C. Greg Lutz.
“Many problems that become apparent in the spring actually had their beginnings back in the fall when temperatures were high and oxygen... read more
Sun-loving bedding plants perform spring through fall Source: LSU AgCenter
By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings
It’s mid-March, and spring bedding-plant time is here for most of us. We have been eager to plant flowers this spring with our warm winter weather and the early arrival of springlike conditions in the landscape.
The vast majority of our warm-season bedding plants are best planted in full sun. One thing that home gardeners want is flowers... read more
LSU AgCenter develops first detector program for insects Farm Bureau Favors Strong, Fiscally Sound Farm Policy WASHINGTON, D.C., March 14, 2012 – National farm policy must strike a balance between the need for a strong, effective safety net to protect farmers and ranchers against catastrophic revenue losses and fiscal soundness for the nation, the American Farm Bureau Federation told Congress today.... read more PNTR With Russia is Significant for U. S. Ag Source: www.fb.org LSU AgCenter offers 3 guides for managing pests, diseases, weeds Azalea season is here By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Louisiana agriculture worth up 7 percent in 2011 to $10.7 billion ‘Bitter blocker’ improves taste of some foods Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Court Ruling in Sackett v. EPA March 21, 2012 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased with the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision on behalf of property owners in Sackett v. EPA. AFBF filed amicus briefs in the case to educate the court about the legal and on-the-ground consequences of Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act policies. “The... read more AFBF: Chesapeake Bay Bill Good for Farms, Economy WASHINGTON, D.C., March 13, 2012 – The Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act (H.R. 4153) would greatly improve the Chesapeake Bay and contribute to the health of local farms, ranches and rural economies – all while staying true to the original intent of the Clean Water Act, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.... read more Land Availability, Government Regs Concern Yong Farmers Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., March 8, 2012 – The latest survey of participants in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program shows an even split when it comes to concerns about top challenges they face today. A total of 21 percent of young farmers surveyed ranked burdensome government regulations and “red tape”... read more Agricultural Waste Land Application Guidelines Source: NRCS,LA It’s springtime in the Black Forest, and in the fir trees the birds are busy whistling, and along the sidewalks and the roadways a smattering of pansies and daffodils balloon up from out of the living soil, and in Neustadt, all is lively for the first time in months, for the first time since the breaking of winter’s chill and the emergence of the sun from out of the brooding clouds that keep watch above the mountains. For me, here in Germany, March has been a stressful month, but an important one none the less. Once again, I did some traveling: first, I visited... read more Spiritual Corner Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake This is as easy as buying the family size bag of chocolate chip cookie mix. Prepare as directed. Spray a pizza pan with cooking spray. Scrape cookie dough out on pan, dampen hands and spread the dough to the sides. This is for an average size pizza, maybe medium. Bake as directed until sides darken slightly. Cool. I normally run a border with canned chocolate frosting. I write Happy Birthday, etc with either white or chocolate and run a thin vanilla line scalloped over chocolate border. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles and the kids will... read more Just Rambling: I sit here this morning, Tuesday, March 26, in the family waiting room of Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport. I am waiting on the results of my oldest daughter, Velvet’s, surgery. Just two weeks ago she was diagnosed with cancer. How fast things can change! Donnette and I were supposed to attend the Tenth District Farm Credit meeting in Fort Worth this week, and on Friday, Velvet, her husband, Johnny, and our eight year-old granddaughter, Savanah, had planned to bring our daughters, Dana and Blair, to Dallas to meet us. The purpose of this trip was two-fold.... read more
Identifying insects as native or invasive species just got easier with help from the LSU AgCenter entomology department.
LSU AgCenter entomology specialist Natalie Hummel and extension associate Michael Ferro, are working with colleagues at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee to build a website that will help not only professionals, but the average citizen identify insects.Farm Bureau Favors Strong, Fiscally Sound Farm Policy
PNTR With Russia is Significant for U. S. Ag
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2012 – Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s top trade priority this year, said the organization in a statement sent today to Congress. AFBF submitted testimony to the Senate Finance Committee for its hearing looking at extending PNTR for Russia.
Long negotiations on Russia joining the World Trade Organization resulted in the country being able to enact many trade-related... read moreLSU AgCenter offers 3 guides for managing pests, disease, weeds
The LSU AgCenter is offering three updated guides online or printed about managing pests, plant diseases and weeds.
The guides – the 2012 Louisiana Insect Pest Management Guide, 2012 Louisiana Plant Disease Management Guide and 2012 Louisiana Suggested Weed Management Guide – can be purchased for $12 per printed copy or downloaded free of charge.
The guides provide the latest information on pesticides, herbicides and other products available... read moreAzalea season is here
As we enter late March, we are enjoying the blooms of our main traditional southern garden shrub – the azalea. These plants are abundantly planted and represent a large percentage of landscape plants in Louisiana.
Azaleas need to be planted in the right place. In addition, proper cultural practices are very important to the long term landscape enjoyment of Louisiana’s most popular flowering shrub. Whether you have... read moreLouisiana agriculture worth up to 7 percent in 2011 to $10.7 billion
Agriculture was worth $10.7 billion to the state’s economy last year, according to numbers from the LSU AgCenter’s 2011 Ag Summary. This was up seven percent from 2010, which represents a strong improvement in production in Louisiana over the past few years, said John Westra, LSU AgCenter economist.
“The $10.7 billion in total value was the first time since 2007 that we have more than $10 billion in... read more'bitter blocker' improves taste of some foods
Parents could find it easier to convince their children to eat vegetables, and coaches could find it easier to rehydrate their athletes if a new discovery from the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science makes it way into the marketplace.
“We call it a bitter blocker,” said AgCenter researcher and food science department head John Finley, who developed the material with graduate student Darryl Holliday.
The substance can mask bitter and astringent flavors... read more Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regardin
AFBF: Chesapeake Bay Bill Good for Farms, Economy
Land Availability, Government Regs Concern Yong Farmers
Agricultural Waste Land Application Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to the land application of animal manure and other organic by-products and are consistent with the specifications contained in the conservation practice
standards Nutrient Management (590) and Waste Utilization (633)
1. Land application of animal manure and other organic by-products shall be based on a field by field risk assessment for phosphorus transport from the field using the Phosphorus Index.
2. Animal manure or other organic by-products... read moreNotes from Germany
Warning Labels
Warning Labels
A few years ago, a suit was filed on behalf of a woman who spilled hot coffee on herself during a visit to a drive-through window of a restaurant. The courts awarded her millions, and due to that one incident, companies have had to drastically change the way thy advertise. There is at this time, a commercial on TV, in which a truck is racing down a snowy hillside. In that ad, using small print, the company gives this warning: DO NOT ATTEMPT. YOU CANNOT SNOWBOARD IN A TRUCK. Is it really necessary to place such warning? Unfortunately,... read moreChocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Just Rambling, April 2012