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Following a year of rising input costs and challenging weather conditions that complicated agricultural operations, farmers gathered for a crops and cattle forum Jan. 6 to hear from LSU AgCenter experts about what they can expect in 2022.
While it remains to be seen how this year’s weather pattern will pan out, it’s likely that prices for inputs such as fertilizer and herbicides will stay high.
Farmers who attended the forum at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center near Alexandria were advised to prepare to adjust accordingly.
For example, glyphosate, one of the most commonly used herbicides, has been in short supply and become more expensive. Other products can be substituted, “but guys, we have to lower our expectations for this treatment,” AgCenter weed scientist Daniel Stephenson told the group.
“We don’t realize how glyphosate catches a lot of problems that we don’t think about. The number of weeds that our growers in Louisiana face this time of year is startling,” he said.
Obscure weeds normally taken out by glyphosate may pop up in fields where alternative herbicides have to be used.
When it comes to getting one’s hands on glyphosate, farmers have some options, Stephenson said. There are 63 formulations of glyphosate on the market, plus several premixed products that have glyphosate as an ingredient.
“The LSU AgCenter has not evaluated all 63 formulations, so this is not an endorsement of all of them,” he cautioned. “I just wanted to let producers know what is available.”
Shortages of glufosinate, atrazine, S-metolachlor and other herbicides also have been reported. Farmers may have to purchase different brands of these products than what they are used to.
Different herbicide formulations are meant for use on different crops and at different concentrations. Reading the product label thoroughly is critical when switching to an unfamiliar alternative, Stephenson said.
The best way to combat supply issues and high prices is to make applications count, Stephenson said. Products should be applied in ideal weather conditions at correct rates using correct droplet sizes.
lso, he said, early treatments applied to small weeds are much more effective than those sprayed on weeds that were allowed to grow larger.
These are practices that should be followed every year, he said, but especially this year.
Supply chain issues are affecting other aspects of agriculture. The seed supply for wheat has been short, causing some growers to buy varieties that are not as well suited to local conditions as their usual choices, said Boyd Padgett, AgCenter wheat specialist and plant pathologist.
Wheat requires three to six weeks at temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit to complete a process called vernalization.
The exact number of chill hours varies by variety, so it’s important to be aware of the differing requirements, Padgett said.
Because of high prices, farmers should make the most of their nitrogen fertilizer applications, he said. In wheat, split applications — applying some fertilizer and saving the rest to put out later — are recommended to reduce the risk of losing nitrogen to heavy rainfall and can help producers get the most bang for their buck.
With any crop, choosing adapted varieties resistant to diseases can help prevent problems and reduce the need for fungicides, Padgett said.
Data that can help with variety selection are generated by AgCenter scientists every year and can be found online at https://bit.ly/3F9lj9L.
At a time when maximizing profits is especially important, producers should carefully consider whether replanting soybean fields is worthwhile, said AgCenter soybean specialist David Moseley.
Last year, producers contended with wet weather at planting, causing some soybean stands to experience poor emergence.
Farmers sometimes replant the field if they end up with a low plant population. But according to data that Moseley showed at the forum, replanting often does not make a significant difference in final yields, so the practice is not always economical.
Despite the early-season challenges and wet conditions continuing through early summer, Moseley said, 2021 soybean yields turned out to be about the same as in 2020.
Moseley also discussed a national study of foliar fertilizers applied in the absence of signs of nutrient deficiencies.
If there are no deficiency symptoms, these products don’t do much for yields and cut profitability, he said.
The cattle portion of the forum included presentations on pasture weeds and growth implants.
AgCenter weed scientist Ron Strahan said ensuring that both forages and soils in pastures are healthy can keep weed problems at bay.
Low fertility and compacted soils can result in pastures that are overgrazed, giving weeds an advantage.
Controlling weeds is important because they compete with forage crops, and some are even toxic to livestock, Strahan said. Some examples are butterweed, buttercup, sicklepod, lantana and perilla mint.
Effective herbicide options are available, but prevention — monitoring soil health and keeping fencerows clean — is the better strategy, he said.
AgCenter animal scientist Ashley Edwards discussed growth implants in suckling and growing beef cattle.
The implants are pellets containing steroids that are placed in animals’ ears between the skin and cartilage.
Some livestock producers hesitate to use implants over concerns about profitability and consumer opinion.
“There’s a lot of questions about what goes into our livestock,” Edwards said. “This is probably one of the most economically advantageous tools you can use in beef cattle production, depending on your market.”
The event concluded with a pesticide applicator recertification class.

Louisiana has launched a new $146 million program designed to help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund will provide up to $25,000 per eligible homeowner to help avoid foreclosure.
The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided $10 billion to help homeowners behind on their mortgages.
Louisiana is set to receive $146.7 million to administer the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund through the Louisiana Office of Community Development.
“We know that many Louisiana homeowners are struggling financially from the pandemic and, in many cases, have fallen behind on their mortgages and are facing foreclosure,” Edwards said Monday in a news release announcing the program.
“This program provides an avenue for resources and assistance that has not been available before, and this is an important step to help ensure that low- and moderate-income homeowners and their families are able to stay in their homes.
“I encourage everyone who may be eligible to apply.”
To qualify, applicants must own or occupy a home in Louisiana as their primary residence, meet income qualifications and have experienced financial hardship associated with the pandemic, such as a job loss, reduction in household income, or significant increase in health care costs.
“The program is available statewide to homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020, and earning less than 150 percent of the area median income or 100 percent of the national median income, whichever is greater, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income data,” Edwards said.
The relief comes as millions of Americans face foreclosures after the end of a moratorium on foreclosures of federally backed mortgages last year.
The Biden administration extended forbearance options for the government-backed loans through the end of September, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urged lenders to postpone foreclosure proceedings until 2022.
Foreclosures initially spiked in October as federal foreclosure protections expired, then declined in November, though the 10,471 U.S. properties that entered the foreclosure process that month represent a 99% increase from the year before, according to a U.S. Foreclosure Market Report by ATTOM Data Solutions, a company that tracks foreclosures.
“The fact that foreclosure starts declined despite hundreds of thousands of borrowers exiting the CARES Act mortgage forbearance program over the last few months is very encouraging,” said Rick Sharga, executive vice president of RealtyTrac, an ATTOM company.
“It suggests that the ‘forbearance equals foreclosure’ narrative was incorrect, and that the efforts of the government and the mortgage servicing industry have prevented potentially millions of unnecessary foreclosures from happening due to COVID-19.”
Properties eligible for assistance through the new program include single-family attached or detached homes, condominium units, one to four-unit properties where the homeowner is living in one unit as their primary residence, manufactured homes taxed as real estate, and mobile homes not permanently affixed to real property.
The Louisiana Office of Community Development offers area median income tables for all of the state’s parishes to determine income qualifications, as well as applicant guidelines.
Applications are available on the state website. The state is encouraging those who need assistance in completing the application to call 1-833-88-LAHAF.

MIDLAND – The Midland Rebels erupted for 47 points over the middle frames and cruised past Bell City Tuesday, 78-55, in the District 7-B opener for both teams at John Clyde Briley Gym.
The Rebels, who improved to 8-16 overall and 1-0 in league play, had four players score in double figures and seven contribute points overall.
“We have a lot of guys that can score the basketball and the good thing about this group is that they all understand and accept their roles,” said MHS coach Matt Myers. “Our motto is “Do your job” and everyone did that tonight.”
After a tight first quarter that saw the Rebels jump out to a 20-14 advantage, it was Anthony Blunt that gave the hosts a huge spark in the second frame with 14 points.
The Bruins took a 22-21 advantage with five minutes remaining in the half before the Rebels went on a 21-3 run to take a 41-25 lead at the break.
Blunt scored 13 points in just over two minutes at the end of the frame.
“Anthony is one of our best defensive players on the court whenever he’s working and that just goes to show you how versatile he is,” said Myers. “He works hard for us and he really gave us a spark there in the second quarter.”
The Rebels continued their offensive onslaught in the third quarter by draining five 3-pointers.
Zach Baker came in off the bench and knocked down three shots from beyond the arc. Kayden Bourque and Gabe Vincent each added a long ball as well.
When the dust settled, the Rebels’ lead ballooned to 67-43.
“Zach is definitely the character of the team and he can shoot it,” said Myers, who entered in place of Maddox Hanks when Hanks went down for a brief time with an injury. “He came in and hit some big shots for us.”
Guard J’Stan Keller also played a big role in the outburst with eight points. He finished the night with a team-high 19 points.
J’stan was an excellent guard for us tonight,” said Myers. “Just pushing the ball like we asked him to do, we couldn’t ask much more of him. He took the ball to the goal, shot the ball well from the outside, just overall a great game.”
The pace slowed in the final frame with each team sending in their reserves midway through the period.
The Bruins outscored the Rebels 12-11 over the final eight minutes.
Keller was joined in double figures by Blunt with 15 points, Bourque with 14 and Hanks with 10.
Baker followed with nine points, Vincent added seven and Camron LaPoint finished with two. LaPoint also logged a handful of rebounds.
“I have to really give it to Maddox Hanks,” said Myers. “He didn’t force anything and he was a great leader on the court for us.
“And same thing with Camron. I know it doesn’t always show up on the stats, but he’s so consistent for us. He and Maddox have been great senior leaders and they have really stepped up for us”
Pios upend Eagles
CROWLEY – Teddy Menard and Zach Lamm combined for 22 points Tuesday to help lead the Notre Dame Pios to a 44-33 victory over the Vermilion Catholic Eagles at A.B. Dore Gym.
The victory sent the Pios to 8-1 overall heading into Friday’s road contest at Kaplan.
The Eagles got two 3-pointers from Dylan Wiggins in the opening frame and bolted out to a 13-8 lead.
But the Pios rallied in the second quarter with a 16-point outburst to take a 24-17 lead at the break. Grady Faulk scored five points and Menard had four in the frame.
Lamm dropped in a pair of long balls and Parker Faust hit one in the third quarter to help the hosts maintain their lead at 34-27.
The Pios closed out the game by outscoring the Eagles 10-6 in the final frame.
Menard paced the Pios with 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals and Lamm had 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Nick Swacker added 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Faulk had six points and four rebounds. Faust rounded out the offense with five points to go along with three rebounds and four assists.
Cougars too much for Gents
LAFAYETTE – The Crowley Gents saw their three-game winning streak halted Tuesday with a 58-22 setback to Class 4A powerhouse St. Thomas More.
The Gents fell to 5-12 overall heading into Friday’s home contest against the Rayne Wolves.
The Cougars (18-4) limited the Gents to just two baskets in the first half en route to a 35-4 lead at the break.
The Gents were outscored 23-18 in the second half.
Zuri Poullard and Floyd Flugence each scored six points for the Gents and James Collins had four. Omar Butler, Trevonta Ben and Chris George each added two points.
Other Action
In other action involving area teams, the Iota Bulldogs fell to Class 5A Lafayette High, 79-38.
There were also two games canceled due to COVID issues: The Crowley Ladies picked up a forfeit victory over Erath and the Northside Chrisitan Warriors received a forfeit from Hackberry.

40 years ago
...Members of the Midland High School Homecoming court were Cindy Istre, Angela Hulin, Felisha Myers, Dara LeBlanc, Linda Borill, Mena Cormier, Cheryl Guidry, Roxanne Wright and Denise Breaux.
...Eric Hetzel scored 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds to help lead the Notre Dame Pios to a 47-36 basketball victory over Erath.
...The Crowley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture selected Dr. John A. Bertrand as their Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 1981. Outstanding Jr. Citizens honored were Tricia Benoit and Keith D. Wyatt.
...By a vote of 9-6, members of the Acadia Parish Police Jury named Martin Venable to the post of Registrar of Voters, replacing retiring Myrth Judice.
...Students in area schools named to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens awards were Angela Taylor, Nona Leger, Susan Zaunbrecher, Jody Thomas Robichauxk, Greta Thibodeaux and Monica Dailey.
...Edward Wilkerson of Crowley has been selected as The Young Democrats of Louisiana “Young Man of the Year” for 1981.
25 years ago
...The voters in Acadia Parish gave their approval to a one-half cent sales tax for the Acadia Parish Law Enforcement District. The purpose of the tax was for salary increases for deputies and $100,000 to the municipal police departments in the parish.
...Northside Christian’s Justin Mier scored 17 points and Joseph Cormier added 12 to help lead the Warriors to a 68-53 victory over Harvest Christian. Kara Lowe scored 16 points and Lana Foreman had 13 to help the Lady Warriors take a 53-45 victory for Northside Christian in the girls game.
...Members of Rice City Gymnastics that competed in the Baton Rouge Open in Level Two competition included Lindsey Leger, Emily Burleigh, Chelsea Fruge, Deanie McClelland, Ariel Mire, Lanie Arceneaux and Jordan John.
...Newly elected officers of the Crowley Town Club included Pam DuBose, secretary; L.J. Dailey, president; Gretchen Hebert, vice president and Willie May Dailey, treasurer. Board of directors included Hershal Beard, Bill delaHoussaye, Phylis Pinac, Lyle O Fogleman, Giles Piron, Corky Pepin, Mark Tall, Sybil Dupuis, Gary Monceaux and Johnny Fruge.
...Committee members of the Acadia Parish Farm Service Agency included Robert Walton, C.A. Fabacher, Lenny Hensgens and Randell J. Monceaux.
10 years ago
... National Association of University Women Crowley Branch hosted a youth musicial honoring Martin Luther King Day. Among those participating were Cynthia Winbush, Evelyn Pleasure, Meridian Vallery, Myrtle Cain, Betty Morris Gums, Cotessa Solomon, Cheryl Shelvin-Lewis, Dollie Eaglin-Monroe, Deidra Menard and Alicha N. Williams.
...Former Iota High basketball standout Ashlyn Baggett moved into ninth place on McNeese’s career shooting list with a 21-point performance against Southeastern.
...The first baby born in Acadia Parish in 2012 was Abel Sans Melancon, son of Christa and Drew Melancon of Crowley.
5 years ago
... Speaking at “Building the Region” conference, presented by One Acadiana, werre Ed Habetz, Isabella delaHoussaye, L.J. Gielen and Mayor Greg Jones.
...Alyssa Nicole Williams, daughter of Thomas and Dawn Williams of Egan, was crowned as the Acadia Parish Farm Bureau Queen.