Louisiana Sugarcane

06/12/2026

Today's Photo from the Fields comes from Gert Hawkins who captured this beautiful early morning sun over this cane field in Pointe Coupee Parish.

As you go about your weekend on these increasingly warm days, remember that the sun and heat is what makes our crop so sweet!

Have a wonderful weekend.

06/12/2026

We told you our Sweeten Your Day team joined Louisiana sugarcane researchers in Brazil, the largest sugarcane producing country in the world.

Here is a look at what the researchers learned about the trip and what that could mean for those working tirelessly to support the sugarcane industry in Louisiana.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25wY4EHOl_I

06/11/2026

For more than 200 years, sugarcane has helped shape Louisiana's economy, culture and communities.

This week, that story took center stage as the Ascension Parish Library and LSU AgCenter partnered to host a workshop on the history and impact of Louisiana's sugar industry.

Dr. Kenneth Gravois shared insights on how sugarcane became one of the state's most important agricultural crops and how research continues to help growers meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

We are grateful for opportunities like this to connect people with the rich history and ongoing innovation behind Louisiana sugarcane.

See more from WBRZ=TV: https://shorturl.at/twxT6

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Staff from the American Sugar Cane League and USDA Research Station paid a visit to Texas to learn more about the pasture mealybug and what can be done to protect sugarcane from the damage it causes.

While they were there, League agronomists were visiting fields across Vermilion and Iberia Parishes where the newly identified pest was sighted. And just today it was also confirmed in Port Allen.

They are taking serious precautions to limit the spread, including changing their clothes and washing their vehicles between each field visit.

If you spot these critters in your field, please report the GPS location to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry via email at: [email protected]

Suspected detections can also be reported to the LSU AgCenter at [email protected] or 985-373-6193 and the USDA-ARS SRU at [email protected] or 225-361-3662.

One interesting note, the adults you see in these pictures are likely not the cause of the Yellow Canopy Syndrome symptoms, researchers believe the damage comes from their offspring - microscopic nymphs wreaking havoc.

06/09/2026

There are a lot of things that make sugar production in the U.S. unique. For example, did you know that Louisiana is the northern-most location in the world where sugarcane is grown commercially?

We are thankful for the Louisiana sugarcane farmers and workers who help !

06/09/2026

The fields may have been too wet to tour, but that didn't stop nearly 100 growers, researchers and industry partners from gathering for the 6th Annual Pointe Coupee Parish Variety Field Day on Friday.

Hosted at Joby Beaud's farm, the event brought together sugarcane producers to hear the latest research updates, discuss variety performance and learn from LSU AgCenter, USDA and American Sugar Cane League specialists.

Field days are an important part of Louisiana's sugarcane industry, providing opportunities to share knowledge, discuss challenges and see how research is helping growers make informed decisions for the future.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's event a success.
Missed this one? Additional field days are scheduled throughout the summer.

Visit lasugar.org for the complete schedule.

06/06/2026

The first sugarcane field day of the 2026 season was held today in Pointe Coupee Parish (more on that later) so it is only fitting that we end the week with this beauty from Lauryn Dabadie Smith.

She captured this gorgeous sunset over cane fields in Pointe Coupee Parish for this week's Photos from the Fields.

Have a wonderful, likely wet, weekend!

06/05/2026

Good news from State Climatologist Jay Grymes

May Rains Ease Drought Conditions: 4 June 2026
Have May rains saved the (agricultural) day?

The winter/spring drought, largely a result of the latest La Niña (the 'cool' phase of sea-surface temperatures over the equatorial Pacific) is retreating across Louisiana. After ‘peaking’ in spatial extent and overall intensity in mid/late April, most of Louisiana has seen considerable improvements with regard to drought conditions over recent weeks thanks to a “wet” May.

We will have to wait on the consensus from Louisiana producers, especially those in the northwestern quarter of the state, but the initial signs are that the "wet" May arrived just in the nick of time for many.

Preliminary estimated rainfall for the month of May 2026 indicates a near statewide turn-around in terms of rain amounts compared to previous weeks, with the vast majority of Louisiana recording above-normal rainfall for the month.

Portions of south Louisiana received in excess of 15” of rain during May, roughly three times the monthly norm. However, several northwestern parishes are showing below-normal May estimates, with less than half of normal May rainfall in some places, resulting in continued critical drought conditions for those locations.

A big "Thank You!" to the Louisiana Drought Team, composed of representatives from:
NWS local forecast offices
LA Dept. of Ag & Forestry
LSU AgCenter
LSU College of the Coast & Environment
USDA

06/04/2026

School might be out for summer but nature's classroom is always open!

Did you know that real sugar is captured sunshine?

Sugarcane makes the real sugar in your pantry using sunlight, air and water.

Discover how at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgHthUoHwa4