As crawfish season enters its final stretch in Louisiana, farmers and restaurant owners are reflecting on a year they say played out differently than expected, with shifting catches, unpredictable weather and mixed results across the industry.
I’ve spent my life working the land in rural Louisiana, and I’ve seen what happens when farms struggle and communities begin to slip away.
As a farmer, landowner, chairman of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, and someone who has served for more than a decade as a commissioner while advocating for agriculture and rural communities at both the state and federal levels, I don’t have the luxury of looking at these issues from a distance.
Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) said it’s investigating a spate of illnesses tied to raw, or unpasteurized, milk. Since May 15, department officials said almost 60 people have been identified as having illnesses after drinking raw milk, and at least 45 of those people tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection.
The EPA has approved the Section 18- Emergency eemption for the use of Sivanto Prime to control pasture mealybug on sugarcane in Louisiana. The use season for this quarantine exemption is effective June 1, 2026, through November 15, 2028
The latest crop progress update shows U.S. rice growers are wrapping up planting for the 2026 season. Crop development and condition ratings are providing encouraging signs as the industry moves into the summer growing months.
The USDA named Texas cattle industry leader John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness, a move aimed at strengthening efforts to protect U.S. livestock from the reemerging pest.
A new study from Purdue University finds that the U.S -Mexico-Canada Agreement has helped lower U.S. food prices over the past six years.
As Louisiana Farm Bureau prepares to recognize the state's top young agricultural leaders, one Vermilion Parish farmer is proving that resilience may be one of the most important qualities a producer can possess.
A flesh-eating parasite has returned to the United States in Texas after being absent for decades, prompting Louisiana to issue import restrictions on Texas cattle.
Federal and Texas state leaders held a news conference Monday afternoon in Kerrville, Texas, just hours after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of two new cases of New World screwworm within the nation’s borders. In front of large signage that boasted the “War on Screwworm,” the goal of the conference was to reassure livestock producers and other Americans that the government is taking a proactive stance against the spread of the infestations.
The American Farm Bureau Federation today launched a photo contest to celebrate the contributions of America’s farmers in growing America into the nation it is today. The contest is part of Farm Bureau’s FARM 250 initiative, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
On Monday, the USDA published the tenth Crop Progress report of the 2026 growing season. Here’s a look at the latest progress and condition numbers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm, including two in Texas, according to the agency's animal health arm.
A fourth-generation Louisiana farmer blamed President Donald Trump for his failure to deliver on his repeated promises to help the U.S. agricultural community. Willis Nelson joined MS NOW’s “The Weekend: Primetime” on Saturday to discuss the impact the president’s tariffs and war with Iran have had on his family’s farm and his concerns about its future.
John and Savannah Scarborough have built a farming operation rooted in soil health, livestock production and direct connections with their customers. Now, their innovative approach to agriculture has earned them recognition as one of three finalists for the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award.
A new marker on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail is honoring the life and legacy of singer-songwriter and music producer Jerry Cupit, whose roots in agriculture and country music helped shape generations of artists.
Grant High School FFA reporter Isabella Kendrew and president Marissa Ogburn talk about the 97th annual Future Farmers of America State Convention & Expo in Alexandria June 1-4, 2026.
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says Wednesday’s detection of New World screwworm in southern Texas is not what the cattle industry hoped to see.
Farmer sentiment dropped again in May as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index declined from 121 points in April to 119 (see Figure 1). The Current Conditions Index fell by 8 points, while the Future Expectations Index increased by 1 point (see Figure 2). This month's Current Conditions Index was 21 points below last year's December index, reaching its lowest level since December 2024.
Dry conditions across the Missouri River Basin are continuing to reduce runoff and raise concerns about water supplies and navigation later this year.
Export sales for U.S. corn and soybeans declined during the week ending May 28, while wheat demand remained strong, according to the latest USDA trade data. Corn sales totaled 883,300 metric tons, down 13 percent from the previous week.
For the U.S. rice industry, traditional trade mechanisms have proven ineffective. Now, the industry prepares to charge ahead with an aggressive solution. The hopes are that a Section 301 investigation will result in tariffs.
Yes, you read that right. Tariffs.
Farm country has endured three consecutive years of worsening economic conditions, spreading financial stress across much of rural America.
A prolonged cost-price squeeze has increased demand for credit, reduced equipment purchases and contributed to a slight uptick in farm bankruptcies.
Grilling season is here or at least that is what the calendar says! Yes, Ma Nature may have a different game plan for us as she seems to be having most of 2026 so far. Let’s pray that by Father’s Day the weather gets back to “normal”.
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