LSU AgCenter Webster/Claiborne Parish Ag & Natural Resources

08/24/2026

Be careful of perilla mint. You can identify it by the purple leaves ,octagon shaped stem, the mint smell. It can be toxic to livestock. Contact your local county agent for proper identification and control measures.

08/19/2026

🌱 SHOW US WHAT YOU’RE GROWING! 🌿

Whether it’s a backyard garden, raised bed, flowerpot, or favorite houseplant, we want to see it!

📸 Post a photo in the comments and tell us a little about what you’re growing for a chance to win a Garden Gift Basket! 🎁

Big garden or small pot all growers are welcome to enter! 🌻🪴🍅

We can’t wait to see what’s growing in your space!

08/18/2026

08/07/2026

Join us September 19 for the DeSoto Parish Small Ruminant Field Day at C6 Farms in Logansport. Topics include grazing, nutrition, health, reproduction, facilities, marketing, and predator control. Lunch is provided, pre‑registration is required by September 11 by contacting Joshua Salley at [email protected] or 318‑872‑0533.

08/07/2026

Elderberries might not be the showiest plants in the landscape, but these shrubs offer plenty of benefits. Their flowers support pollinators, their berries feed wildlife and many people cook the berries.

Wait until the berries are dark purple to black if you plan to harvest. Avoid green or red berries, which can be toxic. Read more about them here: https://tinyurl.com/44d9dmd8

08/07/2026

Good Morning Livestock Community,

3 days until the Possession Deadline for Market Swine and Commercial Gilts , turn into the State Fair of Louisiana Livestock office.

Please use Priority mail in case it gets lost when sending it back in to the State Fair of Louisiana Livestock Office.

Please do not wait until the last minute to send back DNA kits.
These days we have snail mail, we don't have Paul Revere delivering anymore.

If y'all have any questions, please let us know. See less

08/07/2026

Cyclospora cases are still increasing in Louisiana, and the Louisiana Department of Health has launched a public dashboard (shown here) showing cases by parish. As of August 5, Louisiana has reported 125 cases of cyclosporiasis. Six individuals have been hospitalized, and East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes currently report the highest number of cases.

The illness is often linked to contaminated fresh produce that is consumed raw, including leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination)
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Young children, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for severe illness

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk, these food safety practices can help reduce your chances of becoming ill:
- For produce that can be cooked, cooking to 158°F (70°C) or higher provides the greatest protection.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh produce.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
- Remove damaged or bruised areas from fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives, countertops, and other food-contact surfaces.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
- Stay hydrated and contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent diarrhea or other symptoms.

You can read more about cyclospora here: https://tinyurl.com/27rwcm9c
View the Department of Health's dashboard and map: https://tinyurl.com/4hjvhyzc