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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.

Fueling Louisiana’s Sweet Success: How Research Keeps the Sugarcane Industry Thriving

Louisiana’s sugarcane industry isn’t just a part of the state’s history—it’s a driving force in its economy, generating roughly $4 billion annually and providing jobs across farms, research facilities, and raw sugar factories. Sustaining this vital industry requires continuous innovation and a partnership between the LSU AgCenter, the USDA, and the American Sugarcane League plays a pivotal role. By…

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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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A tale of two freezes: The impact of snow and frigid temps on the 2025 sugarcane crop

Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers are once again assessing the impact of extreme winter weather on their fields. The most recent freeze, which brought frigid temperatures but no snowfall, raised concerns about potential damage to the 2025 crop. Unlike the historic snowstorm in early January, which provided an insulating layer of protection, this latest cold snap arrived with only rain, leaving…

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Louisiana sugarcane sets new milestones in 2024, fueled by innovation and research

On a mild winter’s day in Raceland, Louisiana, a dedicated group of researchers, agronomists and staff from The American Sugar Cane League, LSU AgCenter and Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma gathered to hear preliminary reports about the 2024 harvest, research projects and a forecast for the 2025 crop. Despite significant challenges, the presentations struck a mostly positive tone. Dr…

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Farmers from Canada discover Louisiana’s Sugarcane Belt: a shared passion for farming

If there’s one thing that transcends borders, languages and generations, it’s the shared experience of farming. That bond was evident when Kevin and Kayla Veenstra, a farming couple from Alberta, Canada, swapped the icy grip of a Canadian winter for an unseasonably warm December week in New Orleans. Their main attraction? Not the French Quarter, but something a bit…

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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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Nomination deadline for Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction approaching

(11/06/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is still accepting nominations through Nov. 18 for its induction ceremony, which will be held March 6, 2025, in Baton Rouge. The nomination form can be found online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or any parish LSU AgCenter extension office. The nomination form should include the nominee’s major contributions to Louisiana…

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Celebrating Real Sugar Day with locals who make life a little sweeter

As the birthplace of the American sugarcane industry, Real Sugar Day has a special meaning to those of us who are fortunate to call Louisiana home. Again this year, the League partnered with The Sugar Association to highlight the role that sugar plays in a nutritious, balanced and enjoyable diet. This year's Real Sugar Day campaign included an invitation…

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LSU Ag Center explains effective use of agricultural spray drones

Unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, have several uses in farming operations. One use that continues to increase is the application of pesticides and plant growth regulators. Drones can apply crop products precisely in areas where aircraft travel is difficult. There are regulations governing the use of drones in agriculture. By: Albert Orgeron, Price, Randy R. An agricultural spray…

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Louisiana sugar cane crops to produce 2-million tons of sugar

An agriculture expert says this year’s Louisiana sugarcane crop had great growing conditions although Hurricane Francine’s strong winds damaged some crops. An estimated two million tons of sugar is expected to be produced from this year’s crops. “Acreage increased again in 2024 and was reported at just over 536,000 acres by the USDA Farm Service Agency,” said LSU AgCenter…

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