Louisiana Delta Crop Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Trey Price, Plant Pathologist with the LSU AgCenter, for a timely look at what’s happening in Louisiana’s fields. Dr. Price shares an update on the current wheat crop and the disease pressures producers should be watching as the season progresses. He also previews the upcoming Wheat & Oat Field Day, offering insight into what growers can expect and why this event remains an important resource for small‑grain producers. We’re also joined by Dr. Shelly Kerns, who provides a snapshot of Louisiana’s corn planting progress, including early‑season conditions, key management considerations, and what farmers should keep in mind as the crop gets established.

In this episode, we welcome Noah DeWitt from the LSU AgCenter’s wheat breeding program, a researcher whose blend of field experience, scientific insight, and dedication to Louisiana producers makes him a standout voice in small‑grain agriculture. Noah walks us through his background and the journey that led him to the AgCenter, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the hands‑on research he’s conducting to support growers across the state. He also shares an inside preview of the upcoming Wheat & Oat Field Day, highlighting what producers can expect, the latest findings that will be showcased, and why events like this play such an important role in advancing small‑grain production in Louisiana.

Agricultural economist Dr. Michael Deliberto from the LSU AgCenter joins us for a deep dive into the forces shaping Louisiana’s farming economy. We explore commodity markets, farm policy, risk management, and the challenges producers face in an increasingly volatile landscape. Dr. Deliberto breaks down complex trends with clarity and offers insight into what growers should be watching as the next season approaches.

After 23 years of dedication, innovation, and service, Bruce Garner is retiring from the LSU AgCenter. In this special episode, we reflect on his incredible career, the impact he's made across Louisiana agriculture, and the legacy he leaves behind. Join us in honoring a true leader and friend.

In this episode, we break down the current planting conditions across Northeast Louisiana. From soil moisture levels to recent weather patterns and their impact on crops, we talk with local parish agents and specialists about challenges facing this year’s planting season. Whether you're in the tractor or at the kitchen table, tune in for timely insights to help guide your next steps in the field.

Exciting news on this episode! We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Luke Stamper, who officially began his role as the statewide extension wildlife specialist on March 1. Luke Stamper lstamper@agcenter.lsu.edu

In this episode, Kylie and Bruce talk with Wil Strickland and dive into the world of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a severe and highly contagious viral disease that affects both wild and domestic birds. The virus has become a major concern in the poultry industry, causing significant mortality in poultry and posing a serious threat to food security and public health. We’ll break down how this virus spreads through both wild and domestic bird populations, the economic impact on farmers, and the crucial role of biosecurity in managing outbreaks. Will Strickland Asst. Extension Agent - Poultry Production LSU AgCenter Statewide Poultry Extension Contact wstrickland@agcenter.lsu.edu

Harvesting Highlights: A Farm's End-of-Season Wrap-Up" – In this episode, we reflect on the year's ups and downs, share the season's lessons learned, and look ahead to what’s next on the farm. Tune in for insights, stories, and January events as the season winds down.

Listen in as we sit down with Dennis Burns and his family to reflect on his remarkable career, as he retires after decades of dedication to the agricultural community and his service with the LSU AgCenter.

Will Wallace, Madison Parish wlwallace@agcenter.lsu.edu Railey Cruse, Caldwell & Catahoula Parish rcruse@agcenter.lsu.edu

Bruce, Kylie, and Dr. Shelly Kerns give a end of season discussion on Crops in the Northeast Region.

Dr. Donnie Miller, Weed Scientist from the Northeast Research Station explains herbicide strategies for newly registered and re-registered products going forward.

Andy Brown and Madison Plaisance from Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation talk to Kylie, Dennis, and Bruce about the need for a new farm bill. Link to Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation: www. lafarmbureau.org/farmbill The Farm Bill is critical to the future of Louisiana agriculture and rural communities. It provides the essential risk management tools, nutrition programs, and conservation efforts that keep our farms running, our families fed, and our land sustainable. Now is the time to act—without it, our farmers, ranchers, and rural economies face uncertainty. Join us in urging Congress to pass a new Farm Bill that ensures the stability and success of agriculture in Louisiana. Food security is national security. Your voice can make the difference—take action today.

We chat with Maria Salvador Santos and Leonardo Rezende about there time here at the LSU AgCenter.

Nate Jennings joined the Richland parish team on August 1st as the ANR (agronomy) agent for Richland and Ouachita parish. He sits down with Kylie and Dennis to share his background.

Dennis and Kylie chat with Shelly and Dawson Kerns to discuss their new positions with the LSU AgCenter.

Kylie and Dennis talk to Dr. Donnie Miller and James Hendrix about Ryegrass control with cover crops. Volume 14, Issue 5 - August 2024 (lsuagcenter.com)

Australia Rice Farmer and Miller, Steve Rogers talks to Bruce and Dennis about farming in Northeast Louisiana and Australia.

LRWA Source Water Protection Workshop March 26, 2024 LSU AgCenter - 195A Community Road Oak Grove, La 71263 The program will host a 4-hour training/community meeting at the LSU AgCenter office March 26,2024. Registration will begin at 12:30 PM. The meeting will outline the program and allow the public to get information and sign up for drinking water protection committee to be established for the area. The public is invited to attend and take an active role in ensuring clean drinking water for the future. There will be presentations from LADEQ, USDA, NRCS, LDH-OPH, and LRWA. Susan Robbins, Source Water Protection Specialist Louisiana Rural Water Association P.O. Box 180 - Kinder, LA 70648 Office: 1-800-256-2591 Cell: 337-658-9833 srobbins@lrwa.org Jesse Means Louisiana DEQ 225-219-1827 jesse.means@la.gov.

Dennis and Kylie sit down and visit with Dr. Bill Robertson, Conservation Agronomist. Dr. Robertson will be the keynote speaker in the upcoming Soil Health and Cover Crop Field Tour on March 28, 2024. The field day is in St. Joseph at the Northeast Research Station starting at 8:30.