DeSoto Parish Extension Office-LSU AgCenter

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

There's still time to enter your samples into the state hay contest. Reach out to your local Extension Agent for more details!

08/25/2026

Don't forget to register for our first ever one day beef tour! We are already filling up the van so don't delay!

08/22/2026

Perennial Foxtail, aka knot-root Foxtail, is becoming increasingly aggressive in pastures and hayfields DeSoto Parish and Louisiana. In efforts to combat this invasive w**d, we recently tested 41% glyphosate at 4 different rates to see what control of the Foxtail it has in comparison to the amount of injury it can cause on the existing Bermudagrass. For a summary of the test plot results, please send an email to [email protected]

08/17/2026

We have some news for local agriculture producers! Our office is now an official testing site for those who wish to get certified as a Private Pesticide Applicator. Testing is by appointment only and you must register through the Pesticide Safety Education Program to begin. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 318-872-0533.

08/15/2026

Thanks Desoto Town & Country for our new and improved soil sample kit display! We also have technical data sheets with important information on Fall Armyworms, Bermudagrass Stem Maggots, and the Pasture Mealybug.

08/15/2026

Spots are filling up for our 1st ever beef tour! Get yourself registered today! Email [email protected] for a copy of the registration form.

We have an exciting opportunity to offer beef cattle producers from DeSoto, Red River, and Sabine Parishes! Join us for a one day beef tour as we travel west into East Texas for an educational tour of a research station, seedstock operation, feed mill, and genetic improvement facility.

Tour stops include:
🐄 Texas A&M Agrilife Research Station
🐄 B Square Ranch
🐄 Livestock Nutrition Center
🐄 CB Genetics

Registration is $40/guest which covers transportation and meal.

⚠️Space is limited!

Contact Joshua Salley at 318-872-0533 or [email protected] for registration form. Payment must be received with registration form to hold your spot!

08/12/2026

The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen's Association held their quarterly meeting last night at the DeSoto Parish Extension Office. A great crowd was in attendance to hear from speakers discussing vaccines and calving protocols. Mr. Henry Richardson, DPCA President, welcomed the group introduced the speakers for the program. Jacob Bellow, Brand Inspector with the LDAF Livestock Brand Commission, introduced himself to producers and mentioned safety measures that producers can implement to help alleviate theft of livestock and machinery. Mr. Shannon Midkiff, LCA President Elect, informed the group of future events that are being offered by the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association - LCA. Mrs. Shae Simon, LCA Executive Director, also addressed the group.

The first speaker of the evening was Ms. Reese Bassano with Elanco Animal Health. She provided the group with information pertaining to rebates on Elanco products and also introduced Dr. Darin Matlick and Dr. Robin Faulkner, both with Elanco. Dr. Matlick presented on modified live versus killed vaccines and discussed the pros and cons of each. The next presentation focused on proper calf delivery. Mr. Joshua Salley, LSU AgCenter, utilized a calving simulator and demonstrated to the group how to properly deliver a calf during times of dystocia. Mr. Salley was joined by two DeSoto 4-H members who are also serving as Louisiana 4-H State Livestock Ambassadors, Ms. Jenna Bamburg and Mr. Clay Usrey. Jenna and Clay assisted with the delivery of the calf and also showed the group items that should be placed in calving kits.

A special thanks to Elanco for sponsoring the meal that was provided by Kyle Bryant and Big Pit Smoking and also thanks to everyone who attended the meeting.

08/11/2026

We're setup for this evening's DeSoto Parish Cattlemen's Association meeting. Carla and Cletus are ready to go!

08/08/2026

Who's coming on Tuesday?

We will have the LSU AgCenter 's new calving simulator (Carla) at this meeting to allow hands-on experience in safe calf delivery! Don't miss this rare opportunity for hands-on training! Let us know if you're coming by calling or emailing.