Farm to Table Movement

Everyone wants fresh, straight off the farm veggies and the chefs in Shreveport, LA are joining the charge for fresh produce from local growers. In a recent Shreveport Times article Evan McCommon of Mahaffey Farms talks about farm-to-table in this video.

Farmers across the U.S. are capitalizing on the need for fresh produce in local areas. The LSU AgCenter has gardening information and assistance, contact any of our local parish offices for assistance.

Berry Picking

Recently, I joined my two grandsons, ages 4 and 6 on a berry picking mission. We had so much fun! They squealed with delight each time they saw a vine full of dew berries. One chose to eat fresh berries from the vine and the other chose to see how many he could put in his bucket.

It's experiences like these that make memories. Agritourism operators in our state have a great opportunity to capitalize on the everyday experiences for income. Remember, when children are out of school parents are seeking fun, educational opportunities for their children's enjoyment and it can be as simple as a berry picking expedition.

To learn more about agritourism opportunities in our state contact me.

Chafflin Family Orchards and Feather Down Farms Create an Agritourism Experience

Recently, a friend from North Carolina, Martha Glass, shared this interesting story from California about a local farm, Chafflin Family Orchards, partnering with a business in the Netherlands, Feather Down Farms, to create a unique farm stay using tents.

Feather Down, a farm-stay program in the Netherlands, partners with local farms who need lodging for over-night guests. They provide the infrastructure to the farm for lodging. The lodging is usually in the form of a tent with multiple bedrooms sleeping up to six complete with compostable toilets and a heat source. For the complete story click here.

Contact the LSU AgCenter to learn more about agritourism.

PROPOSED Legislation Could Affect Pecan Growers

SHREVEPORT, La. – Pecan growers meeting at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Research Station May 3 heard that proposed federal regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act could have a major effect on their operations.

“This has caused considerable concern among all fresh produce growers,” said LSU AgCenter Associate Vice Chancellor Rogers Leonard.

“There is no doubt there will be more strict guidelines in place, and they won’t all be pleasant to implement. They probably will increase producers' input costs for production,” Leonard said. “Many of the farmers markets across the state ultimately could be affected.”  Click on LSU AgCenter for more on this topic.

Flowing Hills Creamery

Flowing Hills Creamery is an new agritourism opportunity for people in Louisiana. I visited yesterday and took their tour.  The owners cater to schools and church groups. The milking tour includes watching cows milked and touring the processing facility. In addition the farm offers a petting farm complete with baby claves, rabbits, pigs and goats. They also sell milk on site.

The creamery is locted in Belmont; to learn more, go to their website: www.FlowingHills.com