To receive a notification through the Remind text messaging system when a Tangi-Washington Grower Update is posted, please contact Mary Helen Ferguson. Click here for links to previous Tangi-Washington Grower Updates.

I want to let you know about several events that have been announced since the last Update and to remind you about the Strawberry Grower Meeting on August 10.

Also note that the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival (July 10 – 11, 2026) now has a website!

Blueberry Pruning Demonstration – July 8 (Hammond)

I’ll be giving a pruning demo and talking about blueberry planting, care, and variety selection in our 31-variety demo area. More information is available here.

LSU AgCenter Specialty Crop Webinar Series – 3^rd Wednesday of the month, starting July 15 (online)

We’re beginning a series of monthly webinars related to specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, and more). Three have been scheduled so far: July 15 (On-Farm Research: Overview and Guidelines), August 19 (Soil Fertility and Soil Test Interpretation for Specialty Crops: From Sampling to Fertilizer Decisions), and October 21 (Weed Management in Specialty Crops). Click here for more information or to register.

Crop Nutrient Management Field Day – July 22 (Bossier City)

From Dr. Peters Egbedi: “I am pleased to invite you to our upcoming Crop Nutrient Management Field Day scheduled for July 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the LSU AgCenter, Red River Research Station, Bossier City. This hands-on field day will bring together local growers, LSU AgCenter researchers, students, industry partners, and other agricultural professionals to demonstrate innovative row crop fertilizer management practices that improve nutrient use efficiency and soil health. Specifically, this event bridges the gap between scientific innovation and practical on-farm efficient nutrient management.”

Topics will include the following:

• Corn planting depth and precision fertilization strategies
• Data driven nutrition to maximize input-to-yield ratio
• Fertilizer efficiency trials: making every pound count
• Field-proven results: Manure and synthetic fertilizers
• Drone-driven in-season crop nutrient management
• Soybean singulation and early production systems trials
• Microdosing trials: The future of corn fertilization

Click here to register. Contact Donna Haynes if you have questions.

2026 Strawberry Grower Meeting – August 10 (Hammond)

This year’s meeting will take place on August 10, from 1 to 4 PM. Topics will include weed management in strawberries, results of a local variety trial, and updates from the Neopestalotiopsis disease detection and management project. The announcement, with additional details, is available here.

Commercial Tea Production and Processing Workshop – August 21 (Hammond/Amite)

This event will start at the Hammond Research Station and end at Fleur de Lis Tea Company in Amite. It’s scheduled for 8 AM – 3 PM. For more information or to sign up for it (space is limited), please email Dr. Yan Chen.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Contact Mary Helen Ferguson, Ph.D.

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment. Find detailed information at www.lsuagcenter.com/eeo.