July 2013 Articles

Archives by Months

Louisiana dairy farmers hang on despite high feed, fuel, fertilizer costs

Louisiana dairy farmers hang on despite high feed, fuel, fertilizer costs Source: LSU AgCenter, Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
FRANKLINTON, La. – While many agricultural producers have experienced improved conditions over the past few years, dairy farmers still are trying to recover from the hard years, especially 2009, according to LSU AgCenter researcher Mike McCormick, resident coordinator at the Southeast Research... read more

Scientists study potential value of switchgrass in Louisiana

Scientists study potential value of switchgrass in Louisiana
Writer: Craig Gautreaux at 225-578-5673 or cgautreaux@agcenter.lsu.edu
ARCHIBALD, La. – Michael Blazier is familiar with growing trees. As an LSU AgCenter forestry researcher, he has been involved in many timber-related projects that have helped determine the most efficient methods for producing quality lumber. Now, he is working on growing switchgrass, a fast-growing native plant that shows promise as a biofuel... read more

Swine Influenza

Swine Influenza Dr. Tim Page LSU AgCenter
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from July to August 31, 2012, 289 new cases of H3N2v flu virus were identified. One person has died, and more than 15 people had to be hospitalized. Most of the cases occurred in children who exhibited show pigs at county and state fairs. There has been discussion about discontinuing swine shows this year, but as of now they are not planning on cancelling any shows.... read more

Vaccinate Horses!

Vaccinate Horses! Dr. Neely Walker and Dr. Christine Navarre LSU AgCenter
People are not the only ones affected by West Nile Virus (WNV) and other similar viruses – horses are too. There has been a recent rise in cases of WNV and Equine Eastern Encephalitis (EEE) in horses in Louisiana. This is unfortunate since vaccination is very effective in preventing these diseases in horses.... read more

Spiritual Corner: A Sense of Direction

Spiritual Corner A Sense of Direction
As I stepped out of the house earlier this morning to begin the day’s activities, I immediately knew the seasons are changing. The air was brisk to say the least, and then from the sky came further evidence in the familiar sound of flocks of geese flying south. Since my earliest years I have been amazed in watching the “V” shaped flocks as they change leaders and then press on to their winter habitat. Each time I witness this, my mind... read more

Cutting Corners: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Brittany, Velvet and now Dana make this and everyone loves it.

Cake
1 cup sugar 1 t baking soda
3 eggs 1/2 t cinnamon
2/3 c pumpkin 3/4 c plain flour

Mix well. Bake for 15 min at 350º on a cookie sheet, lined with foil.

Filling 1 cup powdered sugar
1 t vanilla 1 pk cream cheese
Let set in refrigerator 1 hour.
When cake is done lay a towel over cake and roll up. After the cake has cooled,... read more

A New Normal For Personal Finance

A New Normal For Personal Finance Source: LSU AgCenter
Even if we are among the fortunate few who have not been adversely impacted by the economy, we all know, or have heard or read about, someone who has been impacted by unemployment, home foreclosure or bankruptcy, and we wonder, “When are things getting back to normal?” According to Barbara O'Neill, Ph. D., a certified financial planner and professor of financial resource management in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource... read more

ATV safety vital during work or play

ATV safety vital during work or play Source: LSU AgCenter
ATV safety has become a part of the 4-H curriculum in Louisiana, and breaking bad habits is one of the key lessons.
“As a youth development organization, it is the responsibility of 4-H to improve the quality of life and aid in providing a safe environment for youth in Louisiana,” said David Boldt, a 4-H science and technology instructor.
For the past five years, Boldt has been taking his message of ATV safety across the... read more

Nuttall oak - one of the best oaks for Louisiana

Nuttall oak – one of the best oaks for Louisiana Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu
By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
This is a great time to add new trees to our landscapes. Oak trees are very popular in Louisiana landscapes, and we are familiar with the popular Southern live oak. Deciduous oaks – those that lose foliage in winter – common in Louisiana are water oak, shumard oak, southern red oak and willow oak. The one, however, with... read more

Insect Management - Red Imported Fire Ants - Environmental and Economic Impacts

Insect Management—Red Imported Fire Ants—Environmental and Economic Impacts ( Continued from November Issue) Red imported fire ants can have positive and negative impacts on the environment and the life in it. However, to most of the public, fire ants' impact can only be considered negative. Environmental-Positive Impact
As generalist feeders, they can have more than one food source, Insect... read more

Slaughter Weights Above Year Ago, but U.S. Beef Production Lower

Slaughter Weights Above Year Ago, but U.S. Beef Production Lower
Ross Pruitt, Department of Agric ultural Economic s and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter
For much of the year, cattle dressed weights have been higher than a year ago. The increased dressed weights can partially be attributed to the impact of fewer cows being slaughtered and at a heavier live weight than last year which results in more meat per animal. Through mid-October, dressed weights are about 12 pounds greater for mature cows and 9 pounds for... read more

Health Care and Nutritional Management of Beef Bulls

Health Care and Nutritional Management of Beef Bulls HEALTH Purchasing Bulls
Bulls are usually purchased from outside sources. Genotype and phenotype are important factors in bull selection, but information about health should also be considered. The following health issues should be considered:
Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE)
Only purchase bulls that have been classified as Satisfactory Potential Breeders following a complete BSE.
The recommended minimum requirements for scrotal circumference,... read more

Watch out for extra holiday calories

Watch out for extra holiday calories Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu
Are you one of the many Americans who face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight? The good news is that although many people gain weight from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, research suggests that the gain will probably be only one pound, not five, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
The bad news is that most people likely will keep that pound during the coming year, she adds. The average... read more

Historical Facts:

Historical Facts:
1938—The Agricultural Adjustment Act was enacted, authorizing farm price supports and adjustment programs.

1945—Commercial fertilizer use helps increase yields. Corn yields now 50 bushels per acre. One farmer works 10-14 hours to produce 100 bushels of corn with a tractor, 3-bottom plow, disk, harrow, 4-row planter and a 2-row picker. About 16 % of the U.S. population is involved in production agriculture.

1946— The first National School Lunch Act enacted.

1947—Federal... read more

Buying your Horse

Buying your Horse Source: LSU AgCenter
Horse ownership can yield companionship, recreation and relaxation. Many young people have developed their confidence and self esteem through horse ownership. Additionally horse projects tend to be a family activity and many positive benefits result from family interaction. Therefore, horse ownership is a very desirable and positive self-enhancement activity.
The responsibility for daily care and management of the horse comes with ownership. Horses need to be groomed, exercised, and fed daily. Additionally,... read more

Strain Urges Corps Not to Lower River Levels

Strain Urges Corps Not to Lower River Levels
Baton Rouge, LA (November 27, 2012) – Today, Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Louisiana congressional delegation and federal leaders urging that the Corps not reduce water flow from a reservoir into the Missouri River which flows into the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Mo. This action is normally taken by the Corps to prepare for ice buildup and flooding during the winter months.
“Low... read more

AFBF Urges Presidential Declaration for Mississippi River

AFBF Urges Presidential Declaration for Mississippi River
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2012 – The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged President Barack Obama to issue a presidential declaration of emergency for the Mississippi River. In a letter this week to the president and top administration officials, AFBF, and nearly 20 other national organizations, said there could be an economic catastrophe in America’s heartland as soon as mid-December if the administration does not take emergency action to ensure that water levels do not fall below... read more

Preparation & Reforestation

Site Preparation & Reforestation Source: LSU AgCenter
General Methods
Rapid regeneration of forest land following final harvest or natural disaster is both economically and environmentally important. Any increase in erosion, water yield and storm flow coming from a logged site diminishes rapidly as the site revegetates.
Root systems remain in place many years after trees are cut and provide soil stability, which reduces the risk of erosion. Trees also intercept water and impede stormwater runoff. Many sites require some type of... read more

Forage Quality, Basics and Beef Cattle Requirements Neutral detergent fiber - ce

Forage Quality, Basics and Beef Cattle Requirements Neutral detergent fiber – cell wall components that can be removed with a neutral detergent solution.
• Related to animal intake:As neutral detergent fiber
increases, animal intake decreases.
• Range of neutral detergent fiber in Bermuda grass: 58
percent (vegetative) to 65 percent (mature).
• Range of neutral detergent fiber in ryegrass: 47 percent
(vegetative) to 60 percent (mature).
Acid detergent fiber – hemicellulose... read more

Interesting Facts About Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy

Interesting Facts About Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy

Lincoln was first elected President in 1860, Kennedy in 1960. Both were assassinated on a Friday, in the presence of their wives. Their successors were both southerners named Johnson who had served in the senate.
Andrew Johnson was born in 1808, Lyndon Johnson in 1908.
Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846, while Kennedy was elected to the House in 1946.
Both men suffered the death of children while in office.
The assassin Booth, shot inside a theater and fled into a storage... read more

Did You Know?

Did you know? In Louisiana, agriculture is big business. The industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy, employs thousands of people and provides many opportunities for ancillary businesses that service the industry and market food and fiber products. Of the 28 million acres of land in the state, more than 8 million are in farmland and nearly 14 million, in forests. Eighty-five percent of Louisiana’s 30,000 farms are family-owned.

Louisiana farmers produce record soybean crop

Louisiana farmers produce record soybean crop Writer: Bruce Schultz at (337) 788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana farmers produced a record soybean crop this year, yielding 44 bushels per acre on 1.11 million acres, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. The previous high was 43 bushels per acre in 2007. Ron Levy, LSU AgCenter soybean specialist, said generally favorable weather, well-adapted varieties and grower willingness to invest in the crop were factors that pushed state soybean... read more

Statement to Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau, Regarding House Pass

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding House Passage of Permanent Normal Trade Relations for Russia

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 16, 2012 – “The House of Representatives’ passage today of legislation granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia will ensure the U.S. benefits from Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization and remains competitive in that market. We applaud House members for approving this critical legislation.
“America’s... read more

Improving the Profitablity of Contract Boiler Operations

Improving the Profitability of Contract Broiler Operations
A series of workshops will be held in spring 2013 across north Louisiana to help improve the profitability of contract broiler operations. While contract broiler growers may not be able to control marketing decisions, improved financial management and farm productivity can result in improved profitability.
An additional objective of the workshops is to improve the financial literacy of workshop participants. As part of the workshops, a webinar will be delivered by staff of the Livestock Marketing Information Center... read more

Just Tirty Minutes a Day

Just Thirty Minutes a Day Source: LSU AgCenter
If you could increase your quality of life, would you? Would you like to add extra years to your life? Dedicating just 30 minutes of your day to exercise can do this for you and more! The National Institute on Aging states, “If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.” Such a true statement! So, what is the best exercise you can do? It’s the one you’re going to do!
There are many excuses we use for not exercising; the weather... read more

Cutting Corners: Peanut Butter Secrets

Peanut Butter Secrets

This recipe will be great for Christmas parties, you could even use sprinkles on top.
Cookies
1 cup Butter flavor shortening 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 t vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour 1 t baking soda 1/2 t salt 45 peanut butter cups
Glaze
1 t Butter flavor shortening 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 2T peanut butter

Heat oven to 375º. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray. Combine shortening, brown sugar, granulated... read more

In Memory of Mr. Ray Ashby, Downsville, La

In Memory of Mr. Ray Ashby, Downsville, La

November 24th, 2012 was a sad day for people of North Louisiana and people of any other area that knew Ray Ashby. Ray was a gentleman of all gentlemen. While employed by Farm Credit I personally did business with and knew Ray and his wife Lou Alice for over 30 years. Ray was an individual that saw the good in other people and never spoke badly about anyone. His youngest sister, Carol King, told me that their grandmother always taught them as kids that if they couldn’t say something good about a person then say nothing at all. Ray took... read more

Moving Notice

Moving Notice

NRCS and D’Arbonne Soil & Water District will be moving into their new office at 501 Glory Rd in Farmerville across from Walmart. We will start the moving the morning of January 14, 2013.

Cap Gains Tax Precludes Farmers from Passing Torch

Cap Gains Tax Precludes Farmers from Passing Torch Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 2012 – The American Farm Bureau Federation today urged Congress to reform the capital gains tax because of its detriment to young and beginning farmers. In a statement submitted to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees’ joint hearing on tax reform, AFBF said the cumbersome tax makes it difficult for current farmers to pass the torch to a new generation of agriculturalists.... read more

Replacement Heifer Decisions

Replacement Heifer Decisions Source: Ross Pruitt, LSU AgCenter
Initial estimates for 2012 U.S. calf crop are 34.5 million calves as contained in the Cattle inventory report released by USDA NASS in late July. This represents a decline of about 800,000 fewer calves from the previous year and continues a long term trend of declining calf crops that stretches back to 1995. Factors including the droughts of 2011 and 2012, culling of dairy cows due to lack of profitability, and a beef herd that is trying to expand will contribute to U.S. calf crops that will likely not significantly above... read more

Disappointing Year for Cow-calf and Feeding Profits

DISAPPOINTING YEAR FOR COW-CALF AND FEEDING PROFITS Source: University of Arkansas
Drought turned 2012 into a very disappointing year for both cow-calf operations and cattle feeders. Going into the year, cow-calf returns were forecast to be better than 2011’s and estimates were raised in the winter months in part due to calf prices surging to record highs. Cattle feeding returns were expected to improve compared to the severe red ink posted in the last eight months of 2011. Early expectations for a large corn crop this year added to the prospects for improved cattle feeding results.... read more

Brucellosis researcher works in national, international arenas

Brucellosis researcher works in national, international arenas
An LSU AgCenter researcher is in the forefront of a worldwide effort to protect domestic livestock from the threat of brucellosis. He is continuing a program that has focused on researching the Brucella bacteria for more than 30 years.
“Brucellosis is controlled in domestic animals in the United States,” said AgCenter researcher Phil Elzer. “The threat now is through a reservoir in wildlife.”
Domestic cattle and swine herds in the United States are considered brucellosis-free, but the economic... read more

Leadership

LEADERSHIP. Defined as “the ability to guide, direct, or influence people.” An attribute that many have and choose not to use. A skill that many choose not to build upon in their younger years. A desire that should stir in all of us. I recently saw a segment on This Week in Louisiana Agriculture spotlighting the Morehouse Black Farmers Association and a focus of their past field day. This focus was on the younger generation and the importance of educating them about the intricacies of family farming. This, my friends, is pure and simple leadership. They have recognized, as many of us... read more

Historical Facts:

Historical Facts:

1887 The Hatch Experiment Station Act was passed, providing federal grants to states for agricultural experimentation.

1888 The first long haul shipment of a refrigerated freight car was made from California to New York.

1892 The first gasoline tractor was built by John Froelich.

1900 Special work projects for farm youth were organized in Illinois: the name “4-H” was adopted in 1913.

1900 The amount of labor needed to produce 100 bushels of corn is down to 35-40 hours using a 2-bottom... read more

Create bird habitats in your yard

Create bird habitats in your yard By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Birds can contribute wonderful things to the enjoyment of a landscape, such as movement, color, sounds and even pest control. Gardeners almost universally welcome the presence of birds. They can even go so far as to design and plant landscapes that are particularly attractive to birds. Some people are motivated to do this because of the increasing loss of natural habitat facing many bird species.
So, what can we do to encourage birds to live in our landscapes? The primary features the environment must provide to invite... read more

LSU AgCenter offers video on in-house pasteurization of broiler litter

LSU AgCenter offers video on in-house pasteurization of broiler litter Source: Theresia Lasvergne, LSU AgCenter
Poultry growers in Louisiana can learn proper techniques for in-house pasteurization of broiler litter by watching a 6-minute video on the LSU AgCenter website or YouTube.
The video explains how to extend the life of built-up broiler litter and use composting technology to pasteurize the litter to kill pathogens, said LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne.
For poultry growers, reusing broiler litter is a common... read more

New Cooking Show Promotes Buying Local, Cooking with Louisiana Produce

New Cooking Show Promotes Buying Local, Cooking with Louisiana Produce
Baton Rouge, LA (September 28, 2012) – The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), in collaboration with 1stCo Productions of Baton Rouge, is producing a series of four, 30 minute cooking shows hosted by local chef Celeste Gill and featuring LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. The series, called “Cooking Up Louisiana Treasures,” starts airing this week and will run through the fall.
“This is an opportunity to remind our citizens that Louisiana , which is known for its great food, is rich... read more

Considerations for an Effective Teeth Floating Program

Considerations for an Effective Teeth Floating Program
Imagine sharp points on your teeth that rub your mouth or cheeks while you chew your meals. Considering that horses’ teeth continue to grow as they age, this is an expected occurrence when they attempt to eat grain or simply graze in the pasture. Adding to the problem, a horse will chew in an unnatural manner and consequently cause damage to other teeth and parts of the mouth in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Twice each year, your horse should have a dental examination to determine if he or she needs their teeth floated. These examinations should... read more

Replacement Bull Purchases

Replacement Bull Purchases Ross Pruitt, Dept of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter
Like prices for all types of cattle, cull bull prices continue to inch higher. Prices for slaughter bulls have been in excess of $100/cwt in recent weeks at USDA reported auctions nationally. Depending on the age and the original purchase price of the bull, this could allow the producer to recoup a significant amount of the original purchase price in salvage value. At the beginning of the year, bulls weighing at least 500 pounds were 4.8% lower than a year ago. Much of the decline owes to the declining beef... read more

Crops for Wildlife Plantings, Recommendations, Establishment & Management

Crops for Wildlife Plantings, Recommendations, Establishment & Management Source: LSU AgCenter Planting cereal grains benefits wildlife attracted to the planted area and those viewing or harvesting the wildlife. When planting food plots, you must take care to avoid having a legitimate and legal practice from becoming an illegal baiting activity.
The purpose of this publication is to document what crop and wildlife management personnel from the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service deem as accepted and approved... read more

Hunting and Fishing Around Bears in Louisiana

Hunting and Fishing Around Bears in Louisiana Caution, Not Fear Caution is the rule when dealing with black bears. Black bears, unlike brown, grizzly or polar bears, seldom attack people. Over the decades and with countless opportunities, only a few records exist of black bears attacking humans.
Most adult male black bears weigh between 250 and 400 pounds, and adult females tilt the scales between 180 and 250 pounds, making black bears appear as formidable animals. They get by in life for the most part by puffing up, stomping feet, snapping jaws and grunting.
Black bears are very intelligent and exceptionally... read more

Spiritual Corner: God's Creation

Spiritual Corner God’s Creation

A few days ago I watched a news report on Fox News about the Hubble space Telescope. This telescope was carried into space in 1990 and remains in operation today. It has captured the farthest-ever view into the universe revealing thousands of galaxies billions of light years away. As I watched this picture called the eXtreme Deep Field or XDF, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope I thought, what an awesome God we serve!
Genesis 1:1 states “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Psalms 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the... read more

Cutting Corners: Owl Cookies: Perfect for Halloween

Owl Cookies
Prefect for Halloween

1 16 oz pkg ready-to-bake sugar-cookie dough
1 16 oz pkg ready-to bake peanutbutter dough
Nuts and miniature chocolate chips
A
Preheat oven to 350º Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place 22 of the 24 pieces of cookie dough from each pkg, 2 inches apart on tray. Shape 88 1/4 inch balls from remaining dough. Place opposite type of cookie balls on each cookie to resemble eyes. Use a nut for the beak and chocolate chips on top of eyes. Bake for 10 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Enjoy!

LDAF Commissioner Promotes Clean Cities Effort

LDAF Commissioner Promotes Clean Cities Effort
Baton Rouge, LA (October 18,2012)
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M, was the keynote speaker today for the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition and National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day.
“Since taking office nearly five years ago, one of many goals has been to run our office more efficiently and look for ways to cut costs in an effort to be good stewards of taxpayer money. Right now, the average gallon of gas costs us $3.30.... read more

Protecting Consumers with Structural Pest Control Online Reporting

Protecting Consumers with Structural Pest Control Online Reporting
Baton Rouge, LA (November 5, 2012) - The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is utilizing a new tool to help protect consumers. The licensee or permittee for structural pest control companies must report monthly to LDAF all contracts for post construction and pre-treatment termite work performed. The benefits of the new reporting system are two fold. It is an added convenience for pest control companies and the LDAF because the new online system will make this reporting more timely and... read more

Beware of These Common Scams

Beware of These Common Scams Source: LSU AgCenter Scam artists are always at work, even in a recession. Many scams and frauds count on people being more vulnerable when they are desperate due to hard times. The bottom line, as always, is that if it sounds too good to be true, beware!
AARP warns that scams are on the rise in the wake of health care reform. Con artists are trying to sell “ObamaCare” insurance, telling people they’ll go to jail if they don’t have the coverage. The truth is, the requirement to have health insurance doesn’t begin until 2014,... read more

Exercise Caution with Credit; Don't Overextend During Holidays

Exercise Caution with Credit; Don’t Overextend During Holidays Source: LSU AgCenter The excitement and rush of the holiday season often lead people to overextend themselves financially.
That means this is the season to exercise caution so you avoid getting caught in the "credit trap," says LSU Agricultural Center family economist Jeanette Tucker.
"Credit has been a godsend for many Americans," Tucker says. "For a few, it has become a plague."
Using too much credit can create a variety... read more

'Crape murder' coming early this year

‘Crape murder’ coming early this year Source: LSU AgCenter, By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
HAMMOND, La. – A poor horticulture practice in Louisiana and across the South involves one of our most beloved landscape trees. Each year, crape myrtles are pruned improperly. One of the ten commandments of gardening should be “thou shalt not top crape myrtles.”
Typically, you will see “crape murder” committed in December, January and February, but everyone seems to be in a hurry this year. Crape murder began in September and is continuing at an ever increasing pace. This is alarming and... read more

Fall is for planting shrubs

Fall is for planting shrubs Source: LSU AgCenter, By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Shrubs make up the main background plants for most home landscapes. Many home gardeners plant shrubs during spring because that is when most of us think about gardening and that is when garden centers have the best availability. But, fall is the best time to add shrubs to the landscape.
Shrubs have definite growth habits in terms of height, spread and form. When selecting shrubs, choose those that will ultimately meet your design expectations. If you have the space for a 3-foot-by-3-foot shrub but plant one that will mature at 15 feet in... read more

Historical Facts:

Historical Facts:
1921 The first farm market news radio report was broadcast over KDKA, Pittsburgh. The Packers and Stockyards Act was enacted.

Insect Management - Red Imported Fire Ants - U.S. History

Insect Management—Red Imported Fire Ants—U. S. History Source: www.aragriculture.org
Introduction to 1958
RIFA Territory included: 62,448,000 acres infested, included counties in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.
RIFA was introduced into the United States near Mobile, Alabama some time between 1918 and 1930. The first organized control program was started in Baldwin Co., Alabama in 1937. RIFA spread rapidly during this time period from Mobile throughout the state of Alabama, and into Georgia and Florida. The transport of queens and colonies by movement of nursery stock... read more

Insect Management - Red Imported Fire Ants - General Biology

Insect Management— Red Imported Fire Ants— General Biology Source: www.aragriculture.org
Systematics
Entomologists have been classifying insects for several hundred years and a classification system has developed.
Kingdom - Animalia, Phylum - Arthropoda, Class - Insecta,
Order - Hymenoptera, Family - Formicidae, Genus -Solenopis,
Species - invicta (a common acronym - KPCOFGS - Kings Play Chess On Fine Grains of Sand)
The scientific name of the red imported fire ant is Solenopsis invicta. It was taxonomically identified by Dr. William Buren in 1972, he choseinvicta specifically... read more

Pickens Plan

Pickens Plan
T. Boone Pickens, the architect of The Pickens Plan to achieve greater energy security in the U.S., released the following statement on the energy comments by Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama.
"The good news is that both candidates highlighted the role that our expanding domestic crude oil and natural gas reserves can play in enhancing our energy security and moving us off OPEC oil. Now let's look for specific plans and solutions on how to get there.
Our vast natural gas reserves are the only fuel which can substitute for imported diesel to push our 8.5 million 18-wheelers.
"Remember, a plan without action... read more

Did You Know?

Did You Know?
The chicken wing craze started in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. They started selling spicy wings now known as Buffalo wings. Chicken wings are the #2 seller behind chicken breast meat. Chicken wings have increased nearly $1.00 per pound during the past year while breast meat has only increased 20 cents per pound. Fewer wings and higher prices are the result of lower production due to higher grain cost—primarily corn and soybeans. Chicken wings account for 25% of the industry’s revenue.

Historical Facts:

Historical Facts:
1922 Capper-Volstead Act exempts farm cooperatives from federal antitrust statutes. The Grain Futures Trading Act was enacted.

1928 Otto Rohwedder introduced his bread—slicing machine.

Cow/Calf Expansion Considerations

Cow/Calf Expansion Considerations Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
The October Cattle on Feed report from USDA NASS was the second report in a row with total cattle on feed below year ago levels. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future due to declining calf crops over the past few years and high costs of gain which will encourage the use of forage as a relatively cheaper substitute to expensive grains. USDA’s initial estimate for the 2012 calf crop is 34.5 million head which is approximately 800,000 fewer calves than last year. With early... read more

Per Capita U.S. Supplies of Red Meat and Poultry Declining

Per Capita U.S. Supplies of Red Meat and Poultry Declining Ross Pruitt, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
In thirteen of the past sixteen years, the U.S. beef cattle inventory has declined, and in all likelihood will experience another decline this year into next. During this time frame, total beef production has increased in all but six of those years. While beef production levels for 2012 are still far from final, this year will... read more

Scientists give advice at AgCenter field day on increasing profits

Scientists give advice at AgCenter field day on increasing profits Source: LSU AgCenter, Writers: Linda Foster Benedict at 225-578-2937 lbenedict@agcenter.lsu.edu and Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu
HOMER, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists gave advice on how to make more money to forest land owners, cattle producers and poultry producers gathered for the Hill Farm Research Station field day Oct. 9.
Michael Blazier, LSU AgCenter forestry researcher, walked participants through a timber plot with pine, sweet gum and red oak trees. He said timberland owners tend to wait until prices are good before they start thinning their stands, and that’s... read more

Be On Guard When Shopping For Holiday Gifts Online

Be On Guard When Shopping For Holiday Gifts Online Source: LSU AgCenter Online shopping in the United States rises approximately 30 percent each holiday season, because it can save time, money and effort. But sizing up your finds on the Internet is a little different from checking out items at a mall or shop, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.
"Internet shopping is convenient, since it is always open – seven days a week, 24 hours a day," Tucker says. "Bargains also can be numerous online, and with the click of a mouse, you can buy practically everything... read more

Just Rambling, July 2013

When I think about all of my blessings, the most obvious blessing that comes to mind during the month of July is my freedom. I feel so blessed and thankful to be able to wake up every morning, embracing my life and the freedom I have to live it any way that I wish. The most important freedom that I am blessed with in this great nation is the freedom to worship my God without fear of being persecuted or killed for my belief. I can’t imagine living in a place where I couldn’t meet with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to worship our God, or where I couldn’t publicly proclaim the gratitude and love I have for my Father. This is one truly beautiful thing about... read more