Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

08/27/2026

USDA-APHIS has released a new quarterly roadmap for the New World Screwworm Response Playbook to strengthen preparedness and response efforts nationwide.

Science-based planning and strong partnerships remain key to protecting animal health and agriculture.

🚨 New World Screwworm Update: Quarterly Roadmap Announced 🚨

We’re strengthening nationwide readiness. Today, USDA–APHIS shared a new quarterly roadmap to keep the New World Screwworm Response Playbook up-to-date, science-driven, and informed by your feedback.

The Playbook was always meant to be a living document - and insights from producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, Tribes, and State partners continue to make it stronger and more practical for real-world response.

Your voice matters. Together, we’re building a smarter, stronger, more coordinated response.

Link🔗: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-shares-roadmap-quarterly-reviews-new-world-screwworm-response

08/26/2026

Yesterday, LDAF’s Division of Weights and Measures held its annual statewide training and continuing education meeting in Opelousas.

Inspectors and supervisors from across Louisiana received updates on policies, procedures and emerging trends related to fuel pumps, scales, packaged goods and other commercial measuring devices. Ongoing training helps ensure consistency in inspections statewide and supports a fair marketplace for both businesses and consumers.

Every day, the Division of Weights and Measures works behind the scenes to help ensure Louisianans receive the quantity they pay for and that commerce is conducted fairly across the state.

08/25/2026

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Strategic Partnerships Director, Catrina Irvin, recently visited Happy Gilmore Farms to discuss available resources, agricultural policy, and opportunities that support Louisiana’s agricultural community.

The visit also provided a valuable opportunity for interns Ronald Johnson, Jr. and Blaine Ferguson to ask questions, share their career goals, and learn more about the many pathways available within agriculture.

LDAF is proud to support Louisiana’s farmers, strengthen partnerships across the industry, and help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Special thanks to James Gilmore for sharing photos from the visit.

08/24/2026

Over the weekend, LDAF Wildland Firefighters responded to 22 wildfires across Louisiana, burning more than 109 acres.

Dry conditions continue to increase wildfire risk, and even fires that have been contained can reignite. Crews recently responded to a reburn in Union Parish, where dry needle cast provided new fuel for smoldering hot spots to spread beyond containment lines.

We are grateful for the dedication of our Wildland Firefighters who work tirelessly to protect Louisiana’s people, property, and forests. As dry conditions persist, please use extra caution with any activity that could spark a fire.

08/21/2026

Dry conditions continue across Louisiana.

Dry weather increases the risk of wildfires, making outdoor burning especially dangerous. Burn bans are an important tool for protecting lives, property, and our forests. Before you burn, check current conditions and find out whether your parish is under a burn ban.

View the LDAF Burn Ban Map: https://www.ldaf.la.gov/land/fire/safety

Parishes currently under a burn ban:

* Acadia Parish
* Allen Parish
* Beauregard Parish
* Bossier Parish
* Caddo Parish
* Caldwell Parish
* Calcasieu Parish
* Catahoula Parish
* DeSoto Parish
* East Feliciana Parish
* Franklin Parish
* Jefferson Davis Parish
* Lincoln Parish
* Morehouse Parish
* Natchitoches Parish
* Red River Parish
* Richland Parish
* Sabine Parish
* St. Helena Parish
* Tangipahoa Parish
* Tensas Parish
* Union Parish
* Vernon Parish
* Washington Parish
* Webster Parish
* West Carroll Parish
* West Feliciana Parish
* Winn Parish

Please use caution and help us prevent wildfires across Louisiana.

08/20/2026

Commissioner Mike Strain and members of LDAF’s Office of Forestry were proud to attend the Louisiana Forestry Association’s Annual Meeting in Lake Charles.

It was great to see so many forestry professionals, industry partners, and friends from across the state gathered together. Thank you to the Louisiana Forestry Association for hosting another outstanding event and for bringing Louisiana’s forestry community together for a great few days of fellowship, learning, and discussion.

08/19/2026

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes a return to familiar routines, packed lunches and busy mornings.
Take a look inside those lunchboxes and backpacks, and you’ll find agriculture and forestry in more places than you might expect. From the food we eat to the paper we write on and the cotton we wear, so much of our everyday lives begins on Louisiana’s farms and in our forests.
It’s a simple reminder that agriculture and forestry are all around us — every day.

08/19/2026

Dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfire across Louisiana. Know the conditions, follow local burn bans and help protect our communities, homes and forests.
Here is the current list of parishes under a burn ban:

Allen Parish

Vernon Parish

Acadia Parish

East Feliciana Parish

Lincoln Parish

Jeff Davis Parish

Morehouse Parish

Franklin Parish

Webster Parish

St. Helena Parish

Catahoula Parish

Tangipahoa Parish

Sabine Parish

Winn Parish

Natchitoches Parish

West Carroll Parish

Bossier Parish

Caddo Parish

Washington Parish

Caldwell Parish

Union Parish

DeSoto Parish

08/18/2026

Dry conditions can make outdoor burning especially dangerous. Burn bans are an important tool for reducing wildfire risk and protecting Louisiana’s communities and forests. Before you burn, check to see if your parish is under a burn ban and know the conditions in your area.
View the LDAF burn ban map here: https://www.ldaf.la.gov/land/fire/safety

Updated - 8/21/26
Parishes currently under a burn ban:

* Acadia Parish
* Allen Parish
* Beauregard Parish
* Bossier Parish
* Caddo Parish
* Caldwell Parish
* Calcasieu Parish
* Catahoula Parish
* DeSoto Parish
* East Feliciana Parish
* Franklin Parish
* Jefferson Davis Parish
* Lincoln Parish
* Morehouse Parish
* Natchitoches Parish
* Red River Parish
* Richland Parish
* Sabine Parish
* St. Helena Parish
* Tangipahoa Parish
* Tensas Parish
* Union Parish
* Vernon Parish
* Washington Parish
* Webster Parish
* West Carroll Parish
* West Feliciana Parish
* Winn Parish

Please use caution and help us prevent wildfires across Louisiana.

08/17/2026

Heat Advisories remain in effect across Louisiana, with heat index values expected to reach 105–115 degrees in some areas this week.

Whether you’re working outdoors, spending time in the field, or enjoying summer activities, take precautions to protect yourself from heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and watch for signs of heat stress.

Look out for family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors during these dangerous conditions. Stay hydrated, stay informed, and stay safe.