January 2020 Articles

Archives by Months

Just Rambling January 2020:

Just Rambling: ... read more

Scripture to live by: Hebrews 12:1-2

Scripture to live by: Hebrews 12:1-2 ¹Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. ²looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising... read more

Spiritual Corner: The Complication of Caring Too Much or Too Little

Spiritual Corner: The Complication of Caring Too Much or Too Little

I fully believe that there are times where we need to not worry so much about what others think about us. I, for one, tend to be the world’s worst about being so self-conscious over what someone else thinks about me. I sometimes allow this to give me such anxiety that it can be unhealthy. I allow fear to overcome me, instead of not worrying about what they think and just trusting God. On the flip... read more

Plant pecan trees in winter

Plant pecan trees in winter Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Cooler weather is perfect for planting trees and shrubs in Louisiana. Fall and winter are both great times, but especially winter. Trees and shrubs slow their growth in winter, particularly the above-ground portion of the plants. Deciduous... read more

LSU AgCenter appoints animal agent for north, central La.

LSU AgCenter appoints animal agent for north, central La.Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/20/19) ALEXANDRIA, La. — The LSU AgCenter recently hired Ashley Keith Edwards as an extension agent and coordinator for regional animal science programs in the Central, Northwest and Northeast... read more

Is it possible for a FOREST PRODUCER to benefit from EQIP?

Is it possible for a FOREST PRODUCER to benefit from EQIP?
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat. This... read more

Farmers hear about challenges of growing hemp

Farmers hear about challenges of growing hemp Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/12/19) ALEXANDRIA, La. — Industrial hemp is gaining interest as farmers explore the potential for increased profits from growing hemp varieties used for fiber, seed and cannabidiol, or CBD, oil. “This crop will have its growing pains through... read more

Scientists discuss stressors as cause of roseau cane dieback

Scientists discuss stressors as cause of roseau cane dieback Writer: Johnny Morgan at 225-578-8484 or jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/19/19) BATON ROUGE, La. — Researchers from the LSU AgCenter and several other agencies met Dec. 16 for the second annual Roseau Cane Research Summit.... read more

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Announces New LA State Conservationi

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Announces New LA State Conservationist ALEXANDRIA, La. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently selected Chad Kacir to serve as State Conservationist for Louisiana. As State Conservationist, Chad will oversee the programs, operations and staff in the 44 NRCS offices located throughout Louisiana. His... read more

Woodpeckers designed for life with wood

Woodpeckers designed for life with wood The Louisiana Forestry Association and its people are about forests, trees and wood. A suite of birds is as well and have been at it much longer.
The woodpeckers.
They are equipped with nature’s design for life with wood. They have stiff tail feathers which function as a brace for perching on tree boles. Most birds have toes arranged three forward and one aft, but woodpeckers have two... read more

NCBA Applauds U.S. Senate Introduction of Real MEAT Act

NCBA Applauds U.S. Senate Introduction of Real MEAT Act NCBA "Leader on this Issue," Sen. Fischer Says WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2019) - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The Senate bill is a companion to H.R. 4881, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Roger... read more

America's Cattle Producers Hail House Passage Of USMCA

America's Cattle Producers Hail House Passage Of USMCA NCBA Urges Senate to Swiftly Follow House's Lead WASHINGTON (December 19, 2019) - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Jennifer Houston issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 385-41:
"Today was a crucial win for all U.S. beef producers... read more

AS WORLD CELEBRATES NEW YEAR, CATTLEMEN CELEBRATE NEW TRADE DEALS

AS WORLD CELEBRATES NEW YEAR, CATTLEMEN CELEBRATE NEW TRADE DEALS
Jan. 2, 2020
National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) reports:
Washington, D.C. - National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Jennifer Houston today issued the following statement regarding the new trade deals with Japan and the European Union (EU), which go into effect on New Years Day:
"As the clock struck midnight and revelers around the world popped champagne and toasted the new year, American... read more

Quote:

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have. Ronald Reagan

USMCA Is a Victory for Farmers and Ranchers

USMCA Is a Victory for Farmers and Ranchers Source: www.fb.org The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau commends the House for approving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It was a bipartisan effort as shown by the overwhelming 385 to 41 vote, and we appreciate... read more

U.S. Farmers Eager to Return to Global Competitiveness

U.S. Farmers Eager to Return to Global Competitiveness Source: www.fb.org The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “America’s farmers and ranchers are eager... read more

Disaster Aid, Farm Stress, Broadband Funding Wins for Farmers and Ra

Disaster Aid, Farm Stress, Broadband Funding Wins for Farmers and Ranchers Legislation to fund the government adopted by Congress this week contains many wins for American farmers and ranchers. From much-needed disaster aid to increased broadband access, rural communities will benefit from this legislation. “We are grateful to members of Congress from both parties for their work to develop and pass budget bills that will help farmers and ranchers... read more

Broadband Map Fix Will Reveal Needs

Broadband Map Fix Will Reveal Needs The House of Representatives passed Farm Bureau-backed legislation that will improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps to better identify needs.
The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act (H.R. 4229) requires broadband providers to report more specific data to create a significantly more accurate... read more

2019 Agriculture & Forestry Year in Review

2019 Agriculture & Forestry Year in Review
Baton Rouge, La. (December 30, 2019) – The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) continues to successfully work efficiently while maintaining vital services to the public. While there are many, here is a re-cap of some accomplishments in 2019 from each division in the department:
Agro-Consumer Services (ACS)
The LDAF successfully took over the failed Lakeland Grain Company in Winnsboro, La. and, so far, has... read more

Louisiana the first state to get federal approval of state industrial hemp Plan

Louisiana the first state to get federal approval of state industrial hemp Plan
LDAF now accepting industrial hemp license applications. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Louisiana’s industrial hemp state plan, the first of three states to receive approval under the 2018 Farm Bill, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., announced today.
“With the USDA approving our state industrial hemp plan, the pieces of the regulatory puzzle are falling... read more

USMCA Will Be Major Victory for Louisiana Ag Producers

USMCA Will Be Major Victory for Louisiana Ag Producers
Baton Rouge, La. (December 19, 2019) – Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the House of Representatives passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is one step closer to securing a major victory for Louisiana farmers and ranchers.
“USMCA modernizes the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by increasing market access and implementing fair trade for American farmers and ranchers.” He... read more

Carrying our Farm Values Into the Future

Carrying our Farm Values Into the Future Source: www.fb.org We are closing out this year of celebrating our centennial at the American Farm Bureau. We stand at the start of a new decade, and a new century of Farm Bureau. Many of us are ready for a new year and a new season.... read more

Don’t overlook this ornamental tree with edible fruit

Don’t overlook this ornamental tree with edible fruit Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Are you looking for a small to medium-sized, evergreen landscape tree that is easy to care for, has fragrant, delicate, white flowers and also makes delicious fruit? Look no further. Loquat is the tree for you. These trees are in full bloom right now, and the penetrating fragrance has called the... read more

Student Farmer Sales Exemption for Louisiana 4-H and FFA

Student Farmer Sales Exemption for Louisiana 4-H and FFA Members During the regular state legislative session of 2019, a bill was passed to expand the definition of a commercial farmer to include certain student farmers who meet specific requirements in relation to sales and tax exemptions. Through the Act of 199 individuals under the age of 23 and meeting the defined criteria of a “student farmer” can now be sales tax exempt when purchasing: 1. Feed and... read more

AgCenter announces rice producer meetings

AgCenter announces rice producer meetings Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu (12/02/19) CROWLEY, La. — Rice farmers will have the opportunity to get the latest recommendations and advice from LSU AgCenter experts in a series of meetings to be held throughout the state in 2020. Don Groth, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, said farmers will be able to... read more

North Louisiana forestry forum set for Jan. 17

North Louisiana forestry forum set for Jan. 17 Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu(12/02/19) WEST MONROE, La. — The LSU AgCenter will host a forestry forum Jan. 17 at the West Monroe Convention Center during the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council Ag Expo. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the program will run from 8:30 until noon. The West Monroe Convention Center... read more

Hemp meeting draws crowd

Hemp meeting draws crowd Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu (11/15/19) ALEXANDRIA, La. — About 500 people attended an LSU AgCenter meeting Nov. 13 to find out about the potential of growing industrial hemp as a cash crop. Experts advised that the commodity can generate income,... read more

Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience,

Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience, Without God democracy will not and cannot long endure. Ronald Reagan

2020 Tri-State Soybean Forum highlights input for

2020 Tri-State Soybean Forum highlights input for keep-or-replant decisions Tri-State Soybean Forum agenda includes ‘state of the states’ presentations for Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Soybean growers who faced weather-ravaged... read more

Louisiana Broiler Hatchery Released: November 20, 2019

Louisiana Broiler Hatchery Released: November 20, 2019 www.nass.usda.gov Broiler-Type Eggs Set Down 6 Percent From Last Year Louisiana hatcheries set 3.46 million broiler-type eggs during the week ending November 16, 2019, down 6 percent from the comparable week in 2018 and down 4 percent from the previous week. Hatcheries... read more

Louisiana Bred Rules & Procedures for goats

Louisiana Bred Rules & Procedures for goats If you have any questions you can contact Kelli Kennedy at 985-630-5722 by voice or message or email louisanameatgoat@gmail.com 1. Animals must be conceived, born and raised in Louisiana. 2. The breeder must be a paid member in good standing of the LMGA, registered on the breeder’s list and pay $15 per LA Bred tag. The LA Bred tag numbers will be assigned to the breeder and cannot be sold to or used by another... read more

Just Rambling December 2019:

Just Rambling:
Our front cover says it all, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”. You and I know this, but so many in our nation today don’t know this or don’t care to know this. Many people in our nation haven’t been reared in a family that attends church on a regular basis and don’t acknowledge or don’t know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior. In Luke chapter 1, the angel, Gabriel, appears to Joseph of the house of David and to the virgin Mary who is to be Joseph’s wife. In Luke 1:28-35 the angel... read more

Spiritual Corner: The Messy Truth About Forgiveness

Spiritual Corner: The Messy Truth About Forgiveness
I want to preface my article by saying that what you’re about to read may not be what you expect. It may be controversial to some and it may trigger a myriad of different feelings in some readers. Both my mom and husband weren’t sure if I should write on this topic, but I think it’s important and I think that sometimes we need to be convicted and we need to be prompted to look at views that possibly make us uncomfortable.... read more

4-H News

At the recent 4th Quarter meeting of the Union County Beef Cattlemen, the youth who exhibited Beef cattle at the Union County Fair were recognized for promoting Beef. The youth exhibited steers, registered and commercial heifers and bulls. Those pictured are: Left to Right:Lucas Kinard, Parker Saffold, Graden Hanry, Myra Morgan, Graham Hanry, and Cole Hanry Not pictured: Kaylee Armstrong, Elizabeth Dison, and Megan Walters

Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)

Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
The Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a voluntary survey of selected migratory bird hunters that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and your state wildlife agency use to develop reliable estimates of the number of all migratory birds harvested throughout the country. These estimates, along with annual breeding and population surveys, give biologists the Information they need to make sound decisions concerning the length and dates of future hunting seasons,... read more

Study looks at second-crop rice, crawfish production

Study looks at second-crop rice, crawfish production Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu(11/20/19) CROWLEY, La. — An LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant agent is studying the effects of crawfish production following a second crop of rice. Mark Shirley is conducting the study requested by farmers who want to know to what extent harvesting a second rice crop... read more

If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gon

If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. Ronald Reagan

AgCenter school teaches artificial insemination

AgCenter school teaches artificial insemination Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu(11/13/2019) ALEXANDRIA, La. — For cattle producers, artificial insemination (AI) is an affordable way to introduce desirable genetics to a herd and improve herd management, especially for smaller commercial and farm operations. “Better genetics increases profits by reducing production costs and producing better calves with improved trait selection, like fertility and productivity, with greater quality of product,”... read more

LSU AgCenter names soil fertility, agronomy specialist

LSU AgCenter names soil fertility, agronomy specialist Writer: Karol Osborne at 318-574-2465 or kosborne@agcenter.lsu.edu(11/15/2019) WINNSBORO, La. — Rasel Parvej recently joined the LSU AgCenter Northeast Region faculty as assistant professor serving as a soil fertility and agronomy specialist. Parvej will have statewide responsibilities in row crop soil fertility. After receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Parvej earned a doctorate in soil fertility and nutrient management from the University... read more

Wild Turkey Populations Rebound as a Result of Years of

Wild Turkey Populations Rebound as a Result of Years of Conservation Efforts Wild Turkey Population Decline The wild turkey is native to north America, and as pioneers settled the United States, wild turkeys were hunted year-round for food. Habitat loss and hunting caused populations to dwindle and, in some areas, disappear. In... read more

Strain Response to Poultry Ban Lifted in China  

Strain Response to Poultry Ban Lifted in China
Baton Rouge, La. (November 14, 2019) – Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced China’s decision to lift its ban on poultry imports from the United States, said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.
“Not only is this great news for America, but this is welcome news for Louisiana. The lifting of the ban opens the market for Louisiana producers as well as the rest of the country. Poultry in Louisiana is a $2 billion industry,” said Strain.... read more

It’s not a flower, it’s a bract

It’s not a flower, it’s a bract Editor: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Heather Kirk-Ballard, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are one of the most popular winter and Christmastime plants. They can be found this time of year in retail outlets and florists and now even in grocery stores. The gorgeous display of bright red against dark green foliage is the perfect combination to match our traditional Christmas... read more

USDA Announces Funding to Control Feral Swine in Louisiana

USDA Announces Funding to Control Feral Swine in Louisiana
Contact: Amy Robertson 318-473-7762
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is awarding $1.5 million to fund a pilot project to control feral swine in Louisiana and nine other states across the country. These projects are part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) – a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help address... read more

Introducing The Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019

Introducing The Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019 The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) on Friday announced its strong support for the “Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019.” Introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D - 20th Dist. - Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R - 2nd Dist. - Ind.), this important bipartisan legislation would expand IRS Code Section 2032A to allow more ranchers and farmers to take advantage of the special use valuation and protect family-owned businesses from the devastating... read more

Women in Ag Survey Reveals Business Acumen and Leadership

Women in Ag Survey Reveals Business Acumen and Leadership Source: www.fb.org Women are active advocates for agriculture and successful business owners interested in filling leadership roles, according to a new Farm Bureau survey. A majority of those surveyed, 91%, also believe there should be more women in leadership roles in the industry. More than 3,000 women completed the informal survey online, which was conducted to determine the goals and achievements of women... read more

Giving Thanks in All Seasons

Giving Thanks in All Seasons Source: www.fb.org As we gather around our tables this holiday season, America’s farmers and ranchers have good reason to be thankful and to hope. Thanksgiving began on the farm, and I can’t think of a more fitting place for the roots of hope and gratitude to take hold. Yes, we have faced—and continue... read more

Farmers and Ranchers Need Full Japanese Trade Agreement, Texas Farm Bureau Tells

Farmers and Ranchers Need Full Japanese Trade Agreement, Texas Farm Bureau Tells Congress Russell Boening, a Texas rancher, farmer and President of the Texas Farm Bureau, today told Congress that the recent trade deal with Japan is welcome, but U.S. negotiators still have work to do. “It is obvious the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement is a win; however, the U.S. must pursue the next phase of negotiations with Japan,” Boening told the House Ways and Means Subcommittee for Trade. “Not all agricultural... read more

New Bill Would Help Livestock Haulers

New Bill Would Help Livestock Haulers Source: www.fb.org Recently introduced legislation would give farmers and ranchers more flexibility when transporting live animals and perishable goods. Specifically, the Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act (H.R. 4919) would allow drivers hauling live animals and agricultural commodities to finish their... read more