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You've found Sugarcane in the News, the home of the official American Sugar Cane League press releases and other news stories about the sugar industry. In this section you will find links to the Sugar News, our email newsletter about the the people who have made sugarcane the Louisiana's number one crop for more than two centuries. You can sign up to receive the Sugar News in your mailbox here.

There's also a link to The Sugar Bulletin, the League's monthly magazine, and its advertising rates and subscrption information. The Sugar Bulletin has been published since 1922 and you can research the sugar industry archives by clicking here or in the drop list to the left. The American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists archives are also available.

Check back frequently to stay up to date on breaking news, legislative issues and other important information about the sugar industry.

A lifetime in sugarcane: Kenneth Gravois honored with prestigious chair

BATON ROUGE, La. — As a young boy, Kenneth Gravois was a voracious reader, and on his regular reading list — the American Sugar Cane League’s Sugar Bulletin. “It came in the mail twice a month, and I devoured it,” Gravois said. “I just thought it was fascinating.” He said it was his first introduction to the American Sugar…

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Inspired by family legacy in sugarcane, AgCenter researcher aims to improve crop through quantitative genetics

(12/10/24) ST. GABRIEL, La. — Growing up on a farm in St. Martinville, Brayden Blanchard knew he wanted to make a living doing something related to sugarcane — the crop his family has cultivated for five generations. As a senior in high school, Blanchard tagged along with his father to a grower meeting at the local sugar mill, where…

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Full circle: AgCenter sugarcane expert’s travels lead him back to the crop that started it all

Taking the place of a 40-year veteran of the Louisiana sugarcane industry is no small task, so when LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Andre Gama replaced longtime researcher Jeff Hoy, he knew he had big shoes to fill. Due to his extensive travels, Gama’s own shoes were well worn, so he was up for the challenge. Growing up in Piracicaba,…

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Best-attended sugarcane field day ever highlighted by the latest research

The largest crowd to ever attend an LSU AgCenter sugarcane field day learned the latest news and research in varieties, soil fertility, biostimulants, weed management and plant pathology. AgCenter Sugar Research Station coordinator Al Orgeron approximated that there were 280 attendees based on the number of lunches served at the location in St.Gabriel. “Typically, we average 210 to 220,…

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Refined company: AgCenter researcher becomes third woman to win sugar industry award

Gillian Eggleston, director of the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute, has become only the third woman to win the prestigious Crystal Award for Achievement in Sugar Technology since its inception in 1961.  The Crystal Award was developed by Sugar Industry Technologists, Inc. to acknowledge those who have made notable contributions to the technological advancement of the sugar refining industry…

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Cold-tolerant sugarcane, better berries, precision breeding is making it possible

In a pocket of central Louisiana, a surprising crop for that area is taking root — sugarcane. Sugarcane, a tropical crop, has traditionally been limited to south Louisiana. But by using precision breeding techniques, LSU AgCenter researchers are developing sugarcane varieties that can withstand colder temperatures. Now, central Louisiana is home to the northernmost sugarcane fields in the world…

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Sugar Research Station plays vital role in sustaining Louisiana’s sugar industry

In 2022, Louisiana led the nation in sugarcane production. Much of that credit goes to the variety development done at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station. The station held its annual field day to highlight their latest research. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux was there and has this report.

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LSU AgCenter VP Lee speaks at sugarcane field day; LSU Ag is ‘winning for Louisiana’ through research, education

LSU vice president Matt Lee said agricultural research and education is entering a new era in Louisiana — one he hopes will be marked by unprecedented scientific innovation and a recommitment to helping the people of the state live better lives. Lee, the newly-appointed VP for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture, spoke at the LSU Sugarcane…

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Matt Lee named vice president for LSU Agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture

LSU named Matt Lee as Vice President for Agriculture and Dean of the College of Agriculture, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Lee has been serving as the Interim Vice President and Dean since August 2022. “Matt’s leadership has already yielded positive results for the AgCenter and the College of Agriculture, and his guidance in terms of…

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