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Just Rambling, April 2013
Just Rambling:
Stop! Look around you. Enjoy the beauty of this world. Aren’t we blessed! Spring is upon us, even though “old man Winter” keeps trying to hang on. Based on that old saying, “if it thunders in February, there will be a cool snap at that time in April,” we are probably not finished with cool weather. This saying usually holds pretty true, and we did have a lot of thunder in February, so check it out as we go through April. Spring is all around... read more
Recent E.coli outbreak calls attention to food safety rules
Recent E.coli outbreak calls attention to food safety rules
The recent outbreak of foodborne illness in several southern states, including the death of a young girl in New Orleans, calls attention to the need for individuals to follow food safety practices, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
The outbreak and death have been linked to E. coli 0145, a strain of bacteria that produces a deadly toxin that can cause severe kidney damage and death, Reames said.
Most... read more
Strain elected SASDA president
Strain elected SASDA president Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., was chosen to serve as president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) at the organization’s annual meeting June 14.
The post is a one-year term.
“To serve as SASDA president will not... read more
Historical Fact
Historical Fact: 1798 John (Johnny Appleseed) Chapman planted some of his first apple trees in western Pennsylvania.
... read moreMilk Per Cow Increasing
MILK PER COW INCREASING
U.S. milk production has continued to surge according to the April USDA-NASS Monthly Milk Production report. Compared to a year ago, both the output per cow and the number of cows have increased. Cows were reported up 5,000 head this month from the previous marking the 19th consecutive increase since September 2010. Nationwide, the average number of cows in April of this year was 90,000 head over 2011’s. In April, milk production increased 3.2% from a year... read more
Historical Fact
Historical Fact: 1834 Cyrus McCormick patented the grain reaper.
... read moreEconomic Implications of Replacing Synthetic Nitrogen With Clovers in a Cool-Sea
Economic Implications of Replacing Synthetic Nitrogen With Clovers in a Cool-Season Annual Pasture Production System
Source: (P.A. Beck et al., University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center, Hope, and University of Arkansas Livestock and Forestry Research Station, Batesville)
The objective of this research was to determine the effects of white clover additions to wheat-ryegrass pastures on steer performance and pasture production economics. Over four years, wheat... read more
New pest could cost blueberry growers
New pest could cost blueberry growers
Louisiana blueberry growers have a new pest to watch for that has the potential of reducing their yield by up to 30 percent. LSU AgCenter entomologists have confirmed that the spotted wing drosophilla, a member of the fruit fly family that has been moving across the nation since the early 1990s, is finally here, said LSU AgCenter entomologist Michael Ferro. “This insect was originally... read more
Use Science In Regulating Antibiotics, Agriculture Coalition Says
Use Science In Regulating Antibiotics, Agriculture Coalition Says A coalition of agricultural organizations sent a letter yesterday to Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., who is seeking to restrict severely antibiotic use in livestock and poultry production, pointing out the stringent federal approval process and regulation of antibiotics, the lack of human health risks from their judicious use in livestock production and the benefits they offer in food animal production.... read more
Historical Fact
Historical Fact: 1837 John Deere began manufacturing steel plows.
... read moreEPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases Will Burden Farmers
EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases Will Burden Farmers Source: www.fb.org Many of America’s farmers and ranchers will face economic challenges due to the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to regulate greenhouse gases, the American Farm Bureau Federation told a House subcommittee today. Carl Shaffer, president... read more
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Senate Farm Bill Passage “The bipartisan farm bill approved today by the Senate (S.3240) provides farmers improved risk management tools consistent with Farm Bureau's core principles. While no farm bill is perfect, this is a solid bill that was worthy of Senate approval. The bill includes important reforms and is fiscally responsible, while including important provisions to enhance crop... read more
Horse Facts
Horse Facts: The birthplace of the Lipizzan breed, the Lipizzaner Stud at Lipizza (Lipica), was founded by Archduke Charles in 1580. It was destroyed, with all 90 of the resident horses, in 1992, during the war in the former Yugoslavia. Lipizzans are born dark and turn white as they age. A few keep their dark coloring for life. Many of the lipizzan bloodlines were lost during World War II, and more were lost in the war in the former Yugoslavia. The six extant (as of 1993) stallion lines are Siglavy (dating... read more
EPA Updates to Air Quality Standards Concern Farmers
EPA Updates to Air Quality Standards Concern Farmers The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed updates to its national air quality standards for both coarse and fine particulate matter. EPA proposed no changes to its standards for coarse particles, which include dust commonly generated by typical farming practices and driving on unpaved rural roads. “Although we’re pleased with EPA’s decision not to propose... read more
Office of Animal Health and Food Safety has new tool to track cattle
Office of Animal Health and Food Safety has new tool to track cattle Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said state animal health officials implemented a new state of the art traceability system June 4 for livestock that will allow animal health officials to identify a single animal if foreign animal disease or terrorist attack threatens a state herd.
“The Office of Animal Health and Food Safety is beefing up the capability of the highly successful Livestock Brand Commission to... read more
Composting recycles yard waste
Composting recycles yard waste By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Help Your Horse Beat the Heat this Summer High heat and humidity can require horse owners to make changes to their management strategies when caring for horses during the summer. During hot weather, horses are vulnerable to heat or thermal stress. Since horses cool themselves primarily by sweating, there... read more Parasites and pastures Source: LSU AgCenter Objective of Goat Enterprise, Purpose of Pastures for Goats and Implications for Pasture Management Beef Export Volumes Lag 2011 Record Levels U.S. beef exports set record highs in 2011 for both volume and value. The U.S. exported 2.8 billion pounds of beef in 2011, 21% more than in 2010 and almost 11% above the previous record set in 2003. The value of beef exports at $4.6 B was up $1.2 B (34%) compared to last year.... read more Historical Facts: 1843 Sir John Lawes founded the commercial fertilizer industry by developing a process for making superphosphate. Chicken Labels – Confusing? Recent reports show that chicken as a menu item in the U.S. has increased 12% in the past three years (source: Mintel Menu Insights), and this trend should continue for the next few years. Popular chicken dishes include chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, chicken wraps, pizza topped with chicken, and chicken bites. Chicken also is a popular choice at the grocery store. However,... read more At the end of May, during a two-week break from my school in Germany, I decided to take one last big trip and go traveling throughout Western Europe. The trip would take 12 days, and I would visit four countries: Luxembourg, France, Spain, and Portugal. My first stop was Luxembourg, a tiny country with a surface area of only 998 square miles, or roughly the size of Union parish. Luxembourg City is the capital, and has a population of about 300,000, many of whom are international businessmen residing there part-time. Luxembourg lies between... read more Historical Facts: 1850 About 75-90 hours of labor required to produce 100 bushels of corn with walking plow, harrow and hand planting. Yields were about 40 bushels per acre. Spiritual Corner Our Greatest Need: Christian Fathers! Ginger’s Fabulous Brownies 1 prepared chocolate chip cookie dough Use a 11 x 13 baking pan, spray with oil, press chocolate chip cookie dough in pan. Cover cookie dough with Oreos. Pour brownie mix over Oreos. Bake at 350 degrees until done. Approximately 35 minutes. Report Shows Real Harm of Estate Taxes Source: www.fb.org The American Farm Bureau Federation today said it concurs with a Joint Economic Committee report that details the financial harm posed by estate taxes on family businesses. The JEC, a bipartisan committee composed of members from the House and Senate, issued its report, “Costs and Consequences of the Federal Estate Tax,” earlier today.... read more Watch for Toxic Plant Problems During Drought Dr. Jeremy Powell, University of Arkansas With dry, hot weather, late summer pasture can become thin and short. Occasionally, this may entice cattle to browse on weeds that they wouldn’t typically eat with adequate forage available. Some weeds can be very toxic to cattle and other livestock. It never hurts to assess your pasture for toxic plants and realize they can have a detrimental effect on your livestock.Perilla... read more Drought Impacts Cattle Inventory and Cattle on Feed Think before you Creep Dr. Karl Harborth, LSU AgCenter It’s time to plant late-summer vegetables By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist U.S. Meat and Poultry Production Year-to-Date 2012 Dr. Ross Pruitt, LSU AgCenter New foreign worker law could hurt Louisiana processors Source: LSU AghCenter Managing Cattle With Reduced Stress, Bryan Kutz, Instructor, U of A Equine Vaccinations Dr. Neely Walker, LSU Ag Center Vaccination is considered the most cost-effective method of preventing infectious diseases; however, vaccines do have limitations. It is important to recognize that vaccines are not 100% effective and cannot prevent all horses from becoming ill. Generally, vaccines need to be administered to a horse at least 2-4 weeks prior to shipping to a new location, hauling to an event or being exposed to new horses. This ensures that the horse has enough time to generate enough antibodies for protection from the... read more The True Value of Youth Livestock Projects, Steven M. Jones, Associate Professor, U of A Anaplasmosis Dr. Tom Troxel, Professor, University of Arkansas Nationwide Drought Impacting Louisiana Ports, Strain assesses low river levels The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) continues to monitor the low river levels particularly at the Port of Lake Providence in East Carroll Parish which is preventing shipments of grain, including corn and soybeans, from leaving the area. LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., is working with local and state officials on enlisting the help of the U.S. Corps of Engineers to dredge the area. Horse Facts: The “horse box” - or horse trailer, as we know it—was invented in England in 1836 by Lord George Bentinck. Drawn by six horses, it was invented for the purpose of getting his race horses from one track to the next in a rested condition. Previously, horses had been hacked between race tracks. Anaplasmosis vaccine gains additional approvals Financial Education Boot Camps provide training, free resources for teachers AFBF Asks to Join Poultry Farmer’s Lawsuit Against EPA Source: www.fb.org Taking aim at the Environmental Protection Agency in support of a Farm Bureau member, the American Farm Bureau Federation on Thursday filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit concerning EPA’s authority to regulate poultry and livestock farms under the Clean Water Act. AFBF filed to intervene on the side of West Virginia poultry grower Lois Alt, who brought suit to challenge an EPA order demanding... read more Farm Groups Urge House to Preserve Family Farms Source: www.fb.org The American Farm Bureau Federation and a number of other farm groups today urged the House to vote yes for farm kids and farm families across America by supporting H.R. 4157, the Preserving America’s Family Farms Act. The House will debate and vote on the legislation later today.... read more In June, during my final two weeks in Germany, I had an opportunity to take one last big trip before returning to America. Earlier in my year abroad, the teachers at my German school had informed me of a class trip that the ninth graders would take to England, staying there for five days and visiting the towns of Canterbury, Hastings, Rye, and London. Two teachers were already accompanying the children on this trip, but my colleagues wanted to know if I’d also be willing to serve as a chaperone. As a native speaker of English, they said, I would be a perfect fit. Naturally,... read more Spiritual Corner Who is Rich? A Visit to J W Farms Louisiana Highway 1, traveling south. The hot July sun reigns supreme in the afternoon sky, the pastureland baking for miles and miles beneath its humid gaze, the pines wilting in the intense heat of an aging summer. The dashboard clock reads 3:16, passing through Coushatta, and beneath the truck tires the blacktop sizzles like bacon grease in a skillet, frying. My father turns the radio knob; from the speakers, a newsman’s voice trickles out. News of the drought, of 100 degree temperatures, of sky-high feed costs and falling cattle prices. “If only we’d... read more The EPA: A Positive Perspective Consider bald cypress for your landscape By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Watch your thoughts; they become words; Watch your words; they become actions; Watch your actions; they become habit; Watch your habits; they become your character; Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” ~ Unknown Poor Temperament Can equal Poor Performance Source: Dr. Jeremy Powell, University of Arkansas Temperamental cattle can be a hazard to themselves and to the people handling them as well as to other cattle. Compared to calm cattle, cattle exhibiting a heightened temperament are noted to spend more time inspecting their surroundings or responding to environmental “fears” instead of consuming forage or supplements. As cattle temperament worsens, their response to human contact or any other stimuli can directly affect... read more Cost of Legume Establishment Depends on Planting Procedure Agriculture losses from Isaac depend on September weather Horse Facts: There were no horses in Australia until 1788. The state animal of New Jersey is the horse. Historical Facts: Mosquito repellants offer various levels of protection West Nile virus increase corresponds to heavy rains Local Culling Decisions in the Face of a National Drought Source: Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter The Use of Ultrasound Technology in Today’s Beef Cattle Industry By: Dr. Tim Page LSU Ag Center Successful ponds require good management Ponds provide recreational opportunities, increase property values LSU AgCenter offers quicker route to Master Farmer status Cargill donates to AgCenter alligator research Source: LSU AgCenter Spiritual Corner True Worship? SOW SLAUGHTER UP: PORK OUTPUT WILL DROP IN ‘13 Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf 2lbs ground meat 1/2 cup onion I do not usually measure carefully on meatloaf and I always use 1lb of beef and 1lb of ground deer. It keeps the meatloaf lean and adds to the taste. Preheat oven to 350º. Mix meat, bread crumbs, onion, eggs and pepper. Put 2/3s of meat in loaf pan. Make a well down the center of the meat then put 1 cup cheese into the well. Cover with remaining meat, press sides to make a seal. Layer bacon slices, overlapping slightly, over top of meatloaf. Bake... read more
You can recycle yard waste back into the landscape through the process of composting, which benefits your garden, your budget and the environment. Compost is used primarily in bed preparation to improve the soil and can even be used in preparing potting mixes. Partially composted material can be used as mulch. And because homemade compost is free, it helps reduce the cost of gardening. (That means more money left over to buy plants.)Help Your Horse Beat the Heat this Summer
Parasites and pastures
One of the best ingredients of a parasite control program is reducing the number of parasites that the goats are exposed to. One way to accomplish this is to manage your pastures in a way that will reduce its parasite load. There are several ways to do this:
Take a hay crop. This type of pasture can be incorporated into a dose-and-move program in which goats are grazed on one pasture in the early grazing season and then moved to another goat pasture that was used... read moreObjective of Goat Enterprise, Purpose of Pastures for Goats and Implications for
Feeding may be the highest expense of any meat goat operation. Goats raised for meat need high quality feed in most situations and require an optimum balance of many different nutrients to achieve maximum profit potential. Because of their unique physiology, meat goats do not fatten like cattle or sheep, and rates of weight gain are smaller, ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 pounds per day. Therefore, profitable meat goat production... read moreBeef Export Volumes Lag 2011 Record Levels
Historical Fact
Chicken Labels - Confusing?
Theresia Lavergne, Ph.D., P.A.S.
Professor – Poultry
LSU AgCenter, School of Animal SciencesNotes from Germany
Historical Fact
Spiritual Corner
When our country’s welfare system was being established, a rule was issued that if the father resided with the mother, benefits would be reduced or cut off. It has always been the case that some children were raised in fatherless homes, but the impact that ruling had on our nation is staggering! In 1960 the number of children living in fatherless homes was 5.1 million. Today that number is over 23 million. In our society fatherhood is under siege. It seems that... read moreCutting Corners: Ginger's Fabulous Brownies
(use a roll, box or prepare a batch )
1 bag Oreo cookies
1 batch brownies ( pecans optional)Report Shows Real Harm of Estate Taxes
Watch for Toxic Plant Problems During Drought
Drought Impacts Cattle Inventory and Cattle on Feed
Tim Petry, Livestock Economist, North Dakota State University Extension Service
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released both the monthly July Cattle on Feed report for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more; and the semi-annual
July Cattle report, which reports the inventory of all classes of cattle including cattle on feed in all feedlots.
The severe drought conditions that impacted the Southern Plains and other Southern states in 2011, and... read moreThink before you Creep
I have received many inquiries on creep feeding this year due to the record high feeder cattle values. I think to answer this question we need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of creep feeding. The following list of advantages and disadvantages was originally written by Dr. Harlan Ritchie (Ritchie, 1987) and was adapted from DiCostanzo and Gill (2008):
Potentially advantageous scenarios:
Calf prices are high relative to... read moreIt's time to plant late-summer vegetables
There is something particularly satisfying about putting quality, nutritious food on the table as a direct result of your gardening efforts. This month is a transitional time in the vegetable garden.
While cool-season planting begins in earnest next month, some of the more heat-tolerant cool-season vegetables, such as the cole crops, can be planted into the garden now. And because our first frosts generally don’t arrive until late November or... read moreU.S. Meat and Poultry Production Year-to-Date 2012
At the onset of 2012, U.S. pork production was the only major protein source that was expected to exhibit a year-on-year increase. U.S. beef and broiler chicken production were both expected to experience decreases for two very different reasons. Tight supplies of feeder cattle and unprofitability of vertically integrated firms in the broiler chicken industry were expected to... read moreNew foreign worker law could hurt Louisiana processors
The economic impact of the new prevailing wage rate increase for H-2B-temporary non-agricultural workers could put some Louisiana processors out of business, according to LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi. The H-2B program, which covers non-agricultural employment, is one of two programs that govern the hiring of foreign workers. The second program, H-2A covers farm workers.... read moreManaging Cattle With Reduced Stress, Bryan Kutz, Instructor, U of A
Stress is a big factor contributing to beef product merit and many diseases which affect cattle. The stress related to extreme weather conditions most often cannot be avoided. However, how cattle are handled, either when processing, vaccinating or even clipping in preparation for a show, can cause undue stress, which can lead to illness and decreased meat quality. Therefore, proper handling, shelter and transportation are important to the safety and welfare of beef production. Facility... read moreEquine Vaccinations
The True Value of Youth Livestock Projects, Steven M. Jones, Associate Professor
County fair season is here, and for thousands of Arkansas youth, that means showing livestock. Far too often, we place way too much emphasis on winning and losing at youth livestock shows. While showing those animals is fun, the experience also teaches 4-H members valuable life skills. Ideally, 4-H livestock projects should be a family affair. If the right percentage of time and energy is spent by youngsters and parents together, these projects can help our... read moreAnaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease in cattle that affects red blood cells. It is transmitted from animal to animal by biting flies (horsefly, stable fly), 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.... read moreNationwide Drought Impacting Louisiana Ports, Strain assesses low river levels
Strain said, “This issue could become disastrous... read moreHorse Facts
Anaplasmosis vaccine gains additional approvals
Missouri and Kentucky have have joined the list list of states approved by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture for sales of an anaplasmosis vaccine marketed by University Products LLC of Baton Rouge, La.
The vaccine is the only "killed" vaccine available to prevent anaplasmosis, a disease that costs U.S. cattle and dairy producers an estimated $300 million a year.
No USDA-licensed biologic facility currently exits in Louisiana, said Dr. E. Gene Luther, although he expects to have a laboratory... read moreFinancial Education Boot Camps provide training, free resources for teachers
A Financial Education Boot Camp to train teachers to teach financial skills to high school students will be Sept. 12 in Baton Rouge and Sept. 14 in Alexandria, according to Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter family economist and one of the organizers.
The keynote speaker is Susie Irvine, president and CEO of the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation from Washington, D.C. She will conduct a hands-on training for the MoneySKILL curriculum, which is a free personal finance... read moreAFBF Asks to Join Poultry Farmer's Lawsuit Against EPA
Farm Groups Urge House to Preserve Family Farms
Notes from Germany
Spiritual Corner
Our answer to that question goes a long way in revealing the condition of our heart. I like the story told so many times of the Wyoming rancher who went to Germany to do some agricultural consulting. One day while meeting with a farmer he asked, “How big is your farm,” in which the farmer replied, “about a mile square.” Then the German asked the rancher, “How big is your farm?” The rancher proudly sticks out his chest and replies, “I could get in my truck at dawn and ride until sunset and still be... read moreA Visit to J W Farms
The EPA: A Positive Perspective
President Ronald Reagan once memorably joked that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” Today, nearly 30 years later, this quotation still reverberates in the American psyche, expressing our private reservations about government competence and our fear of expanded federal control over more and more aspects of our lives. One federal agency in particular remains for farmers and ranchers perhaps the most suspicious of all—the Environmental Protection Agency,... read moreConsider bald cypress for your landscape
Louisiana’s state tree is the bald cypress. Its scientific name is Taxodium distichum.
Bald cypress is one of our most distinguished native trees and is widely found in Louisiana landscapes. Native from the Atlantic coast west to east Texas and north to the middle of the Mississippi River valley, they are commonly associated with the swamps of the Gulf Coast region and offer many positive landscape attributes.
Bald cypress is a member of the redwood family, which are mostly evergreen.... read moreQuote
Poor Temperament Can equal Poor Performance
Cost of Legume Establishment Depends on Planting Procedure
Dr. Dirk Philipp, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas
A study conducted at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture reveals differences in establishment costs and survival of annual and perennial legumes. In an experiment conducted over three years, researchers evaluated broadcasting and no-till drilling of crimson and white clovers into bermudagrass pasture at standard and low seeding rates. In addition, cattle were grazed either before or after planting to evaluate possible effects of cattle hoof action on clover establishment... read moreAgriculture losses from Isaac depend on September weather
LSU AgCenter specialists are in the process of collecting information about the damage to agricultural commodities across the state as a result of Hurricane Isaac. But to a large extent, the actual dollar losses will depend on weather conditions over the next few weeks.
Kurt Guidry, AgCenter economist, puts a rough figure of about $92 million so far in crop yield losses from Isaac, adding that he has no numbers yet on losses in the livestock industry. His estimate includes sugarcane, rice, corn, cotton, sweet potatoes, grain sorghum and pecans.Horse Facts
Historical Fact
1867 Barbed wire was invented.
1869 Transcontinental railroad completed.
1870 Silos came into use.
1874 Georgia established the first state Department of
Agriculture
1879 The grain combine was patented.
1881 Hybridized corn produced. Mosquito repellants offer various levels of protection
The best way to avoid mosquito bites and the threat that comes with them is to avoid infested areas, wear protective clothing and use insect repellant, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring. But he said not all repellants offer the same amount of protection.
“The best repellants will provide protection from bites for a long time from just one application,” Ring said.
Ring recommends DEET for the best protection.
“DEET is usually what you think of in OFF!,” Ring said. “Thirty percent DEET will last... read moreWest Nile virus increase corresponds to heavy rains
Recent rains have provided the environment needed to increase mosquito populations, which also increases the likelihood of more cases of West Nile virus.
For the past few weeks the number of West Nile virus cases has risen to numbers not seen in recent years, and standing water seems to be the main reason, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Tim Schowalter.
“Female mosquitoes require standing water to lay their eggs. And if we can deny this, there is a better chance of keeping their numbers low,” Schowalter said.
When standing... read moreLocal Culling Decisions in the Face of a National Drought
It’s no secret that slaughter cow prices are seasonally lowest in the fall and seasonally highest in the springs. Producers often make the decision to cull a brood cow when the calf is weaned which normally occurs in the fall. This depresses slaughter cow prices as supplies increase with no offsetting increase in demand to keep prices steady. Through the first 31 weeks of 2012, U.S. beef cow slaughter is down 10% from the same time period last year. Region... read moreThe Use of Ultrasound Technology in Today's Beef Cattle Industry
Introduction
Ultrasound is sound waves that have a frequency beyond the audible range for human ears. Humans can hear at frequencies between 20 and 20,000 hertz. Ultrasound is sound waves above 20,000 hertz. Tissue imaging or live animal evaluation frequencies range from 1 to 10 megahertz (MHz). The range for biological tissues is from 2 to 20 MHz. The frequency is determined by the type of tissue or organ being evaluated. If deep tissue penetration is necessary, then a low frequency is used. A higher frequency... read moreSuccessful ponds require good management
For many people, just the act of fishing can provide relief from the stresses of everyday life. But catching fish can put food on the table, and for some, this is the best part of owning a recreational pond.
Properly managing stocking and harvesting is essential to a successful pond, according to Greg Lutz, an aquaculture scientist with the LSU AgCenter. “Following recommended stocking rates is an important first step in getting a pond started in the right direction,” Lutz said.
A fertile pond can produce up to 300 pounds of fish per acre per year with the... read morePonds provide recreational opportunities, increase property values
Many people enjoy living near a body of water. For this reason, there has been an increase in the number of recreational ponds built in Louisiana over the past 10 years, according to Greg Lutz, an aquaculture scientist with the LSU AgCenter.
“Most of the newer ponds in the state are the result of new housing construction with homes being built around the pond,” Lutz said. “The majority of the ponds are not large, ranging from approximately one-half acre to less than 2 to 3 acres, but some are as large as 40 acres.”
The... read moreLSU AgCenter offers quicker route to Master Farmer status
CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter county agents met Aug. 16 to learn about changes in the Louisiana Master Farmer Program that will expedite the process for farmers to become certified.
Under revisions to the program, a producer’s farm conservation plan may now be developed through the LSU AgCenter. Previously, farmers had only one option through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“This is a priority program for the AgCenter,” Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter assistant vice chancellor for extension, told the county agents. “We... read moreCargill donates to AgCenter alligator research
Representatives from the Cargill-U.S. Aquaculture division presented the LSU AgCenter with a $47,306 check on Aug. 22 to help finance alligator research at the Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge.
The donation is part of the “Gator-bate” agreement between Cargill and alligator farmers to apply a portion of their feed cost to sponsor research conducted by the AgCenter.
LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director for the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station John Russin said the donation makes it possible to have research-based... read moreSpiritual Corner
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24). When I first began preaching, an older black man who was a good friend said, “You know now that you’re a preacher, you can’t just stay in the hills, you gotta go to the hollers.” After some discussion I came to understand he was speaking of what Paul told the Corinthians, “I became all things to all men that I might save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake.” (1 Cor. 9:22-23). Paul did earlier say “to the weak he became weak”, and... read moreSow Slaughter Up: Pork Output Will Drop in '13
In response to increasing corn and soybean prices and declining producer profitability this year, the hog industry is slowly contracting as evidenced the recent upswing in weekly sow slaughter. The larger number of cull sows over the last month pushed year-to-date slaughter levels to about 1% less than a year ago, when it was down over 2% in the first half 2012.
As of week-ending August 11th, year-to-date Federally Inspected (FI) sow slaughter as reported by USDA-NASS totaled 1.79 million head. Since early July, weekly slaughter levels have averaged over 6% (or about 18,000 sows)... read moreCutting Corners: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
3/4 cups bread crumbs 2 eggs, beaten
1 t black pepper 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
