Skip to content
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.

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

The American Sugar Cane League has hired Cheryl Michelet who will be the next public relations director in the organization. She will work closely with Sam Irwin who recently announced his retirement from the League in February of 2025 after 13 years of service. Michelet is the CEO and founder of Michelet Strategic Communications and most recently served as…

Read More

Agronomist Katie Richard joins ASCL staff

The American Sugar Cane League has been providing research, governmental and public relations guidance for the Louisiana sugar industry for 102 years. Our partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and Louisiana State University has produced positive results. Over the last 40 years, sugarcane acreage has increased 93 percent and overall tons of raw sugar by an astonishing…

Read More

Simon honored with Coulon Service Award at St. James banquet

James “Jim” Simon of New Iberia was honored as the recipient of the Kermit Coulon Sr. Outstanding Service Award at the 62nd St. James Appreciation Supper held in Vacherie at the Westbank Reception Hall July 27. Leonard “Lenny” Waguespack, committee chair of the St. James Parish Agricultural Tour, said Simon was an obvious choice. “Jim has been a tremendous…

Read More

Area cane farmers meet for sugarcane field days

Area sugarcane producers gathered at the Louisiana Sugarcane Cooperative (LASUCA) factory in St. Martinville to hear the latest from researchers at the 63rd LSU AgCenter St. Martin, Lafayette & Acadia Parishes Sugarcane Field Day on July 21. By V. Todd Miller, LSU AgCenter In the field, farmers saw a demonstration of a new fertilizing rig technique and were advised…

Read More
Back To Top