August 2020 Articles

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Just Rambling August 2020 Issue:

Just Rambling: Who would have ever thought that this pandemic would have continued this long and it appears that we are a long way from seeing the end of it. To make things even worse we have rioting in several big cities throughout our nation in addition to the pandemic. I don’t care what political party you belong to, this situation makes it hard to govern a city, a state, and our nation. I think most politicians are like me—they have never experienced... read more

Scripture To Live By: Psalm 37:1-4,9

Scripture To Live By: Psalm 37:1-4,9
Do not fret because of evil doers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the... read more

Spiritual Corner: Humility Unmasked

Spiritual Corner: Humility Unmasked
“And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:” –Luke 18:9
I came across this scripture last month when I was reading my Bible. It’s short, but it jumped out at me. I couldn’t help but think about how applicable it was to so many of us during these highly political and stressful times. I knew as soon as I read it that I wanted... read more

Livestock and Forage Interactions

Livestock and Forage Interactions Source: M. W. Alison and E. K. Twidwell, LSU AgCenter
Beef cattle livestock systems tend to be pasture (forage) based and as such it is important to understand both pasture (plant) and animal requirements to effectively manage a grazing enterprise. In grazing management there are choices that have to be made and each decision can impact the plant and/or the animal in a positive or negative manner. At times... read more

Guidance Regarding How to Handle Unsolicited Seed Materials

Guidance Regarding How to Handle Unsolicited Seed Materials As some of you are aware of people receiving unsolicited seed packages, originating mostly from China. Currently, the USDA APHIS PPQ is drafting detailed guidance regarding how to handle unsolicited seed materials. In the meantime, if you receive or somebody brings you these seeds/packages,... read more

Heat Stress Impacts All Aspects of Cattle Reproduction

Heat Stress Impacts All Aspects of Cattle Reproduction A. Edwards – LSU AgCenter When summer begins to approach, farmers and ranchers begin to prepare for extreme heat and the humidity that often accompanies it. For cattle producers, this often includes checking shade structures and water sources, as well as making a grazing plan for the warm-season pastures. When high temperatures set in for days (or weeks)... read more

Soil Health in Forage Systems

Soil Health in Forage Systems E.K. Twidwell, M.W. Alison – LSU AgCenter In the past several years there has been a great deal of interest in the topic of soil health. While this term is somewhat difficult to define, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) defines soil health as “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants,... read more

Plants, the essentials of life

Plants, the essentials of life Editor: Rick Bogren at rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist As humans, we need water, food and sleep. OK — more... read more

Feral Swine Population

Feral Swine Population Glen Gentry, Ph.D., LSU AgCenter Feral swine are not native to North America. It is thought that these animals were brought in during the 1500’s as a food source for explorers. The pigs released into the wild by explorers, pigs managed “at-large” and escapes from domestic swine farms all played a role in seeding the landscape with feral... read more

LDWF Update

LDWF Update Jim LaCour, DVM, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Feral swine (Sus scrofa) also known as feral hogs, piney woods rooters, and wild boar are not native to North America. They are considered an invasive species and are classified by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as “outlaw quadrupeds.” Feral swine have been sighted in all 64 parishes in Louisiana and their... read more

AgCenter entomologist studies physiological pathways’ role in honeybee health,

AgCenter entomologist studies physiological pathways’ role in honeybee health, controlling pest populations Writer: Olivia McClure at omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu (07/30/20) BATON ROUGE, La. — In the fight against viruses that have devastated honeybee colonies in recent years, an LSU AgCenter researcher is eyeing a physiological pathway as a potential solution. Entomologist Daniel Swale is working to learn more about a... read more

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.—Duke Ellington

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.—Duke Ellington

Choosing the right warm-season forage for deer

Choosing the right warm-season forage for deer By: Luke Stamper Assistant Extension Agent for wildlife for the LSU AgCenter in the Northeast Region.
As a natural resource professional, one of the most common questions I receive is, “What food plot should I plant for deer?” The answers to this question are fairly complex because decisions must take into account the crops’ adaptability to soil site index, the landowner’s... read more

Use summer to plan your fall garden

Use summer to plan your fall garden Editor: Rick Bogren at rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Summertime is the best time to just sit back and enjoy your garden. And while you’re at it, you can start thinking about fall gardening.... read more

Strain: USMCA major victory for agriculture

Strain: USMCA major victory for agriculture Source: www.ldaf.state.la.us
Baton Rouge, La. (July 1, 2020) – Today, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) goes into effect. Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said it is also a major victory for Louisiana farmers and ranchers.
“USMCA modernizes the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by increasing market access for American farmers and ranchers. It also supports fair trade practices... read more

Invasive Species Impacting Crops

Invasive Species Impacting Crops
Baton Rouge, La. (July 22, 2020) – A recent report from the LSU AgCenter regarding the apple snail (Pomacea maculata) sheds light on this foreign invasive species that is now negatively impacting two Louisiana food staples: crawfish and rice.
The apple snail reportedly first appeared in a canal in Gretna, La. in 2006 and quickly infested ponds, bayous and streams in about 30 parishes. According to the LSU AgCenter, the invasive apple snail has impacted... read more

Additional Coronavirus Relief Critical to Farm Businesses

Additional Coronavirus Relief Critical to Farm Businesses Yesterday, Senate leadership introduced the Health Economic Assistance Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. The HEALS Act is the latest in response to the COVID-19 national emergency and would provide an additional $20 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help farmers and ranchers. The following statement may be... read more

USDA Report on Beef Prices First Step Toward Fairer Markets

USDA Report on Beef Prices First Step Toward Fairer Markets Source: www.fb.org The USDA released a report on its investigation into disparities between prices paid to farmers and beef prices at grocery stores. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:
“We appreciate the USDA’s thorough examination of the beef markets. There’s... read more

AgCenter presents virtual field day from Dean Lee

AgCenter presents virtual field day from Dean Lee Writer: Bruce Schultz at bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu (07/20/20) ALEXANDRIA, La. — The first virtual LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center field tour included 17 presentations loaded with information for agricultural crops, beef cattle and horticulture. Videos of the presentations are online... read more

Beef Brunch Educational Series

Beef Brunch Educational Series The LSU AgCenter will be hosting a free webinar, “Winter Pasture Options”, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Beef Brunch Educational Series.... read more

Beginning farmer training program begins Oct. 1 in Baton Rouge

Beginning farmer training program begins Oct. 1 in Baton Rouge Writer: Johnny Morgan at jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu(07/02/20) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter, in collaboration with the Acadiana Food Alliance, Market Umbrella and Sprout-Nola, will kick off a free training program for new and beginning Louisiana farmers in October in Baton Rouge. Marcus Coleman, program director, said a beginning farmer is defined as someone currently farming with less than 10 years of experience or... read more

USDA STANDS UP NEW TEAM TO BETTER SERVE BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN LOUISI

USDA STANDS UP NEW TEAM TO BETTER SERVE BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN LOUISIANA
ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA, July 30, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing up a new team that will lead a department-wide effort focused on serving beginning farmers and ranchers.
To institutionalize support for beginning farmers and ranchers and to build upon prior agency work, the 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create a national coordinator position in the agency and state-level coordinators for four of its agencies –... read more

LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Field Day

LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Field Day The LSU AgCenter will hold the 2020 Sweet Potato Field Day at the Sweet Potato Station in Chase, Louisiana on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Registration begins at 8:00 am followed by field tours at 9:00 am. A sponsored lunch will be provided. For more information contact Dr. Tara smith at 318-557-9501 or Mr. Myn... read more

Blueberry Pound Cake

Blueberry Pound Cake
1 box Butter cake mix 1 small box instant vanilla pudding 3 eggs 1/2 cup oil 8 oz cream cheese 2 cups blueberries
Mix cake mix, pudding, oil, eggs and cream cheese together. Then fold in blueberries. This will be thick. Pat into a greased Bundt pan. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan.