January 2019 Articles

Archives by Months

Virulent Newcastle disease outbreak in Southern California

Virulent Newcastle disease outbreak in Southern California The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the USDA are working to address a Virulent Newcastle disease outbreak in Southern California. The disease has been detected in backyard flocks in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County and Ventura County. It has also been... read more

Solstice is winter’s turning point

Solstice is winter’s turning point Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Dan Gill LSU AgCenter Horticulturist As the Earth travels around the sun in its orbit, the length of our days and nights vary from season to season. This... read more

LSU AgCenter state livestock show set for Feb. 9-16 in Gonzales

LSU AgCenter state livestock show set for Feb. 9-16 in Gonzales Writer: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu (01/03/19) BATON ROUGE, La. — Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana will gather in Gonzales this February for the 84th... read more

As strong as an oak

As strong as an oak Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Dan Gill LSU AgCenter Horticulturist The oaks have become a part of American culture more than most other types of trees. Oaks are a symbol of strength and durability. Strong as an oak is a common comparison. “From little acorns mighty oaks do grow”... read more

Rice producer meetings set for January, February

Rice producer meetings set for January, February Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu(12/21/18) CROWLEY, La. — The LSU AgCenter will hold a series of meetings to help rice farmers prepare for their 2019 crop. Don Groth, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, said farmers will be able to get advice on choosing varieties, land preparation, controlling pests and... read more

Annual crops forum set for Feb. 7 in Delhi

Annual crops forum set for Feb. 7 in Delhi Writer: Karol Osborne @ 318-574-2465/ kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu LSU AgCenter experts will present the latest research updates in corn, cotton and soybean production at the annual Northeast Louisiana Crops Forum set for Feb. 7 at the Delhi Convention Center. Forum topics will include insect and weed resistance management,... read more

LSU AgCenter to offer Master Cattleman Classes in Jena

LSU AgCenter to offer Master Cattleman Classes in Jena Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/20/18) JENA, La. — The LSU AgCenter will conduct Master Cattleman classes in Jena this spring. Classes will be held on Monday evenings from March 4 through May 13 at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Room 23.... read more

Don’t Forget About Ag Expo January 18 & 19

Don’t Forget About Ag Expo January 18 & 19
We would like to remind everyone to attend the Ag Expo on Friday, January 18 from 2-8pm and Saturday, January 19 from 9am-4pm. Ag Trader USA will be there in it’s usual location. We will be selling subscriptions to our magazines and have free magazines to pickup. We will also have children’s cowboy hats for sale and our daughter, Brittany, of Brittany’s Originals will have many types of t-shirts... read more

Just Rambling January 2019

Just Rambling January 2019: We at, Ag Trader USA, would like to wish everyone a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. We would like to thank our advertisers and our subscribers for continuing to support our magazine. We appreciate your support very much and we look forward to the coming year which will be our thirteenth year of publication. Through our publication we try to present information on all types of agriculture and to promote God’s word through our Spiritual Corner and scriptures... read more

Instead of the Spiritual Corner article you normally would see here, Velvet’s

Instead of the Spiritual Corner article you normally would see here, Velvet’s sisters and brother have written tributes to her. Dana, daughter #4
Velvet was my oldest sister. However, there were often times that I felt like she was a second mom to me. Then also, she became a close friend to me. What a treasure to have someone who filled three such important roles all at once.... read more

Robert T. (Bob) Riser Named Union Parish Cattlemen of the Year for 2018

Robert T. (Bob) Riser Named Union Parish Cattlemen of the Year for 2018 Mr. Robert T. (Bob) Riser and his wife Judy farms 1,690 acres of pasture and hay land on which they run over 500 head of beef cows and their calves. The Riser’s own approximately 700 acres of this property. In addition, they have 14 broiler houses in production. He is well known in the cattle and... read more

Suggs Named Cattle Producer Of The Year

Suggs Named Cattle Producer Of The Year
The Claiborne Parish Cattlemen’s Association met for their quarterly meeting on Thursday, December 13th at the Claiborne Electric Meeting Room. A steak dinner was served courtesy of Gibsland Bank and Trust of Homer and the Cattlemen’s Board recognized their Cattle Producer of the Year for 2018. The producer of the year is chosen by the Claiborne Parish Cattlemen’s Association Board based on the following factors: how the nominee has... read more

NCBA: New Water Rule a "Fresh Start" for Cattle Producers

NCBA: New Water Rule a "Fresh Start" for Cattle Producers WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2018) - NCBA President Kevin Kester today released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement of a new proposed water rule: “After years of uncertainty stemming from the 2015 WOTUS rule, the Trump Administration’s new water rule represents a fresh start for America’s cattle producers. NCBA advocated for a new water rule that is easy... read more

NCBA Hails Congressional Approval of 2018 Farm Bill

NCBA Hails Congressional Approval of 2018 Farm Bill WASHINGTON (Dec. 12, 2018) - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester today issued the following statement regarding U.S. House and Senate passage of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report:
"America’s cattlemen and women want common sense and certainty... read more

Researchers discuss implications of roseau cane die-off at summit

Researchers discuss implications of roseau cane die-off at summit Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/17/18) BATON ROUGE, La. — Scientists recently discussed ways to overcome the problem of roseau cane die-offs in the marsh of coastal Louisiana.... read more

Forage producers hear importance of soil health at annual meeting

Forage producers hear importance of soil health at annual meeting Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu Forage producers discussed the benefits of good soil health at the Louisiana Forage and Grass Council annual conference on Dec. 7. Farmers and ranchers from areas around the state heard from a variety of speakers about what works best in pastures, for pollinators and in wildlife food plots.... read more

Farm bill mostly beneficial for Louisiana ag producers

Farm bill mostly beneficial for Louisiana ag producers Writer: Craig Gautreaux at 225-578-5673 or cgautreaux@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/19/18) BATON ROUGE, La. — Last week, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the 2018 farm bill with strong bipartisan support. The bill passed the Senate on an 87-13 vote and passed the House by a vote of 386-47. This is the first time since 1990 that a farm bill has been enacted the same year it was introduced.... read more

Farm Bureau’s Duvall, Aiken Cite Strengths of Clean Water Rule

Farm Bureau’s Duvall, Aiken Cite Strengths of Clean Water Rule Source: www.fb.org The newly proposed Clean Water Rule would empower America’s farmers and ranchers to protect the nation’s water resources and provide much-needed regulatory clarity to guide those stewardship efforts, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.... read more

Farm Bureau on Resignation of Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke

Farm Bureau on Resignation of Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Source: www.fb.org The following statement regarding the resignation of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “On behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation, we offer our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Secretary... read more

Farm Bill Signing Secures Benefits for All Americans

Farm Bill Signing Secures Benefits for All Americans The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The Agriculture Improvement Act—H.R. 2—is now law. Enactment means risk management tools, foreign market development and environmental stewardship programs continue to be available, and on terms that reflect a much tougher farm... read more

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to Address 100th AFBF Annual Convent

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to Address 100th AFBF Annual Convention U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will give the closing general session keynote address at the 100th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 14, 2019.
More than 6,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation are expected to gather in New Orleans Jan. 11-16 to hear from distinguished leaders and participate in a... read more

Just Rambling December 2018

Just Rambling
To begin my “Just Rambling”, I would like to extend a big “thank you” to Hollis Seafood Buffet for the fundraiser dinner they provided for my daughter, Velvet, and her husband, Johnny on October 15th. The food for this dinner was totally provided and donated by the ownership of Hollis Seafood Buffet, the Calvin Hollis family. The event was planned to last from 5 to 8 pm on the night of October 15th, but after feeding well over one thousand people,... read more

Spiritual Corner: The Blessing and Importance of Unity

Spiritual Corner: The Blessing and Importance of Unity Randy and I ran in the St. Jude Memphis half marathon on December 1st. It was an amazing experience. There were 26,000 participants in the 4 races that they held that day. Then there were countless supporters on the sidelines of the race, cheering for the runners. My parents were included in this group of spectators—they’re the best! One thing I loved about this... read more

How Do We Feed the Cow Herd This Winter?

How Do We Feed the Cow Herd This Winter? It is time to start considering winter feeding of cattle and as usual there are some concerns. A lot of this area experienced enough dry weather during the summer to limit hay production so many are approaching the winter with reduced feed supplies. The late season rains have provided some relief but it may still be a longer feeding season for many producers. Hay is typically the most convenient feed for over-wintering cattle and... read more

Beef demand is key and less certain in 2019

Beef demand is key and less certain in 2019 — Continued growth in U.S. beef production will keep the focus on beef demand in 2019. Beef production is slowing but is forecast to increase 1.5-2.0 percent year over year in 2019 to 27.5 billion pounds. This follows a projected 3.3 percent year over year increase in 2018 beef production to a record level of 27.0 billion pounds. Beef demand, including both domestic... read more

How much hay will a cow consume?

How much hay will a cow consume? Estimating forage usage by cows is an important part of the task of calculating winter feed needs. Hay or standing forage intake must be estimated in order to make the calculations. Forage quality will be a determining factor in the amount of forage consumed. Higher quality forages contain larger concentrations of important nutrients so animals consuming these forages should be more likely to meet their nutrient needs from the forages. Also cows can consume a larger quantity of higher quality forages.read more

Think safety first when caring for Christmas trees

Think safety first when caring for Christmas trees Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/21/18) BATON ROUGE, La. — As the holiday season gets into full swing, safety should be on top of your list when putting up the tree. AgCenter... read more

Field day highlights agriculture careers

Field day highlights agriculture careers Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/30/18) CROWLEY, La. — More than 50 students attended the LSU AgCenter Southwest Regional Agricultural Career Day on Nov. 29 to learn about career options available to them after they finish their education. The students from seven parishes heard about four agriculture... read more

La. cotton harvest yields mixed reactions

La. cotton harvest yields mixed reactions Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/09/18) ALEXANDRIA, La. — Louisiana’s 2018 cotton crop is being harvested with mixed reactions. “A lot of people were happy; a lot of people were sad,” said LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dan Fromme. Northwest Louisiana was hit with drought during the growing season, while the... read more

Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.—Ronald Reagan

AgMagic debuts in central Louisiana

AgMagic debuts in central Louisiana Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/19/18) ALEXANDRIA, La. — AgMagic, the LSU AgCenter premier agricultural exhibit, made its debut in central Louisiana Nov. 14-15, welcoming more than 800 third-graders to the State Evacuation Center in Alexandria. “Bringing AgMagic to the area has been an exciting venture, opening the world of... read more

Yammin’ Around

Yammin’ Around
Looking back on the 2018 sweet potato crop year you could describe it in several words- wet, planting and harvest delays, ideal conditions sometimes, dry, plant issues. As growers you probably experienced all of this and more. At the present time growers with acreage remaining to be harvested are experiencing a wet harvest and severe delays. Some potato breakdown is being found in fields and with the amount of soil remaining on the roots, it is likely that more breakdown will present in storage. Yields for some fields have been above... read more

Louisiana Farm to School Program expands under new grant

Louisiana Farm to School Program expands under new grant Writer: Ruthie Losavio at rlosavio@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-1037 (11/30/18) BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Education Division of Nutrition Support, in collaboration with the LSU AgCenter, has announced an expansion of the multiyear effort supporting the Louisiana... read more

Louisiana farmers encouraged to take fresh look at grain sorghum

Louisiana farmers encouraged to take fresh look at grain sorghum Writer: Olivia McClure at 225-578-3262 or omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/08/18) MANSURA, La. — Louisiana’s grain sorghum acreage has dwindled in the past few years to a tiny fraction of what was grown just a decade ago — a shift driven by a shrinking market and problems with an insect called the sugarcane aphid. Still, LSU AgCenter... read more

Ag Groups Emphasize Dire Need for Farm Bill Completion

Ag Groups Emphasize Dire Need for Farm Bill Completion Source: www.fb.org Warning that the financial security of America’s farmers and ranchers is in jeopardy, 16 agriculture organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, are urging House and Senate agriculture leaders to complete the farm bill by the end of this year. The 2014 farm bill expired on Sept. 30. Both the House and Senate have passed separate versions of the legislation.... read more

Farm Bureau Calls for Final Farm Bill Approval

Farm Bureau Calls for Final Farm Bill Approval Source: www.fb.org The following statement regarding the House and Senate Ag Leaders’ announced “agreement in principle” on the 2018 Farm Bill conference report may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.... read more

Farmers Await Details on Second Round of Trade Aid Payments

Farmers Await Details on Second Round of Trade Aid Payments USDA is expected to soon announce the details of a second round of assistance for soybean, wheat, sorghum, cotton, dairy and pork farmers hurt by upheaval in foreign markets. The most damaging of the trade disruptions are steep tariffs put in place by China... read more

Farmers are Feeding our growing Economy

Farmers are Feeding our Growing Economy The U.S. economy is strong. The Gross Domestic Product has grown more than 3 percent this year. The contrast between the agriculture economy, which is struggling, and the overall economy can make it seem they’re on opposite tracks. But the data tell a different story: the broader economy is doing well in large part because of agriculture Consider these points:
Agriculture and its related industries (things like food sales and other industries that wouldn’t... read more

Activists Allowed to Expand Attacks on Beef Checkoff

Activists Allowed to Expand Attacks on Beef Checkoff DENVER (Nov. 6, 2018) – The announcement that R-CALF will be allowed to expand its activist-funded crusade against state beef councils is a disappointment to countless beef producers and NCBA members across America. The phony allegations being perpetuated by R-CALF and its activist legal partners are without merit and only serve to divide beef producers and distract beef... read more

NCBA on Fake Meat News: "Step in the Right Direction, More Work Remains"

NCBA on Fake Meat News: "Step in the Right Direction, More Work Remains" Source: www.beefusa.org WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2018) - Colin Woodall, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the announced plan regarding how USDA and FDA would regulate lab-produced fake meat: “This announcement that USDA would have primary jurisdiction over the most... read more

NCBA Welcomes USMCA Signing, Will Work with Congress to Secure Passage

NCBA Welcomes USMCA Signing, Will Work with Congress to Secure Passage WASHINGTON (November 30, 2018) - Today President Kevin Kester issued the following statement in response to the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): “With the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), U.S. beef producers are one step closer to knowing that... read more

NCBA Welcomes New Market Access for U.S. Beef in Morocco

NCBA Welcomes New Market Access for U.S. Beef in Morocco Source: www.beefusa.org WASHINGTON (December 6, 2018) - Today President Kevin Kester issued the following statement in response to the announcement that U.S. beef gained new market access in Morocco: “Open markets are the lifeblood of the U.S. cattle and beef industry. New access to Morocco is welcome news for producers and we are excited that Moroccan consumers... read more

Killing freeze signals treatment for horse bots

Killing freeze signals treatment for horse bots Source: By Mary Hightower, U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts Forecast freeze may kill off bot flies, Killing freeze signals good time to treat horses for bots, Can also infest human skin, eyes, a rare condition LITTLE ROCK – This weekend’s freezing forecast may herald winter’s arrival, but it’s also a sign for horse owners to... read more

LSU AgCenter to host data, technology conference Jan. 29

LSU AgCenter to host data, technology conference Jan. 29 Writer: Olivia McClure at 225-578-3262 or omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/03/18) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter will host a conference on data and technology in agriculture on Jan. 29. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Evacuation Shelter on U.S. Highway 71 near Alexandria. Several AgCenter experts will present information about digital and precision agriculture — fields... read more

Farm Bureau Welcomes Appointment of Lohr as NRCS Chief

Farm Bureau Welcomes Appointment of Lohr as NRCS Chief Source: www.fb.org The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Secretary Sonny Perdue’s recent appointment of Matt Lohr to lead USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is welcome news for the farmers and ranchers we serve. As a fifth-generation farmer and Farm Bureau member, Lohr understands the... read more

USMCA Agreement Important Relief for Agriculture

USMCA Agreement Important Relief for Agriculture The following statement can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Today’s signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement continues the progress American farmers and ranchers have made since the North American Free Trade Agreement took effect in 1994. “Agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico increased from $8.9 billion to $39 billion under NAFTA. That boost provided important markets for farmers and ranchers whose productivity has only grown since the agreement was signed. USMCA keeps all those gains and... read more

Hot Pizza Dip

Hot Pizza Dip
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 t Italian seasoning 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce 2 T chopped green pepper 2 T thinly sliced green onion Breadsticks or tortilla chips
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and Italian seasoning. Spread in an ungreased 9-in. microwave-safe pie plate. Combine mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses;... read more

Northeast Louisiana garden seminar set for Jan. 19

Northeast Louisiana garden seminar set for Jan. 19 Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu(11/26/18) WEST MONROE, La. — Renowned seed saver and master gardener John Coykendall will be the keynote speaker at the ninth annual Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association seminar at the West Monroe Convention Center on Jan. 19. “Our half-day seminar features three expert gardeners and focuses on heirloom seeds and fruit, and the stories behind them,” said LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Kerry Heafner.... read more

Ag Expo Forestry Forum set for Jan. 18 in West Monroe

Ag Expo Forestry Forum set for Jan. 18 in West Monroe Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu(11/20/18) WEST MONROE, La.— The 2019 Ag Expo Forestry Forum will be held at the West Monroe Convention Center Jan. 18. “The program will cover a wide range of topics, all of which are important to area timberland owners, forestry consultants and industry partners,” said LSU AgCenter forest and wildlife agent Luke Stamper. The AgCenter and the Northeast Louisiana Agri-Business... read more

Grow Louisiana training for beginning farmers starts in January in New Orleans

Grow Louisiana training for beginning farmers starts in January in New Orleans Writer: Ruthie Losavio at rlosavio@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-1037 (11/27/18) BATON ROUGE, La. —The LSU AgCenter will kick off a free yearlong training program for beginning Louisiana farmers in January in New Orleans.... read more