Travis Medine has been farming sugarcane for 14 years in Port Allen, Louisiana, outside of Baton Rouge. PHOTO: Travis Medine directs a tractor driver during the 2015 planting season. Photo by ASCL-SamIrwin. Harvest time is always an adventure with Louisiana’s…
sugarcane
Local farmers work to preserve the history of the Louisiana sugarcane industry
The 217-year-old Louisiana sugarcane industry continues to bring thousands of jobs and billion of dollars into the state. That’s why the Teche Growers Association wants to preserve sugarcane’s rich history. WATCH THE KLFY-TV NEWS STORY
American Sugar Cane League Announces New Variety Highlighting Successful Research Partnership
THIBODAUX, LA – The American Sugar Cane League, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the LSU AgCenter, has announced the release of USDS ARS HoCP 18-803, another new variety for Louisiana…
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…
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…
AgriPulse: Opinion: The growing importance of a 2024 farm bill
Over the past two years, Congress has held numerous hearings that have documented a brewing financial crisis caused by falling commodity prices, high input costs, and tightening farm credit. Members have heard from farmers and ranchers across the country about the…
Experienced USDA FAS Official Joins Sugar Alliance
A long-time veteran of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Casey Bean will join the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) as the organization’s trade consultant on May 1. Bean will work with ASA to analyze the complex global trade issues that impact U.S. sugar farmers…
River Parish Christmas bonfire tradition honors sugarcane
The Mississippi River levee in front of retired sugarcane farmer George “Scrap” Hymel’s Gramercy, Louisiana home has been the site of a Christmas Eve bonfire for 53 years. Hymel saw his last bonfire in 2022; he passed away on December 30, 2022. But for the Hymel…
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….






