Radio

Economist estimates rain damage to crops (Radio News 11/23/09) Early estimates put rain-related crop damage at $275 million. Many of the state’s commodities were at the height of harvest season when frequent rains started in September. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Wheat specialist expecting fewer wheat acres (Radio News 11/23/09) Louisiana could have fewer acres of wheat. Growers are planting the 2010 crop, and LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell expects to see a drop in acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Rain delayed wheat planting (Radio News 11/23/09) Wheat does not like wet conditions, and rain in October and November has delayed planting in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says growers were able to get some of their crop planted during recent dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Weather problems could affect what gets planted next year (Radio News 11/23/09) For a second year in a row, weather has ruined a portion of Louisiana commodities. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike were the culprits last year, but this year farmers don’t have a named storm to blame, just plenty of rain. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Outlook improving for dairy producers (Radio News 11/23/09) Dairy producers have struggled in recent years. Producers in Louisiana face additional obstacles, says LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Mike McCormick. (Runtime: 60 seconds) more...

TV

Dry weather starts to hurt crops (TV News 07/06/09) Farmers visiting the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station for its annual field day were greeted by dry, cracked earth, dusty fields and crops on the verge of drought stress. Much of the state has seen little or no rainfall for several weeks, and the crops are starting to show it. (Runtime: 1:23) Rainy weather could ruin another sweet potato crop (TV News 11/09/09) Sweet potato farmers suffered a big loss last year after Hurricane Gustav devastated their crop. While there is no specific storm to blame this year, weather could ruin another crop. (Runtime: 1:23) more...