DeSoto Parish Extension Office-LSU AgCenter

06/09/2026

Horsenettle is another very common w**d problem in pastures and hayfields this time of year. Aggressive mowing and herbicide applications are the best methods of control. Look for herbicides with active ingredients containing: 2,4-D + picloram or 2,4-D + aminopyralid for the best control. Follow me to learn more.

Check out LSU AgMan’s video.

06/08/2026

Our office is closing at 3PM today due to the water outage. Please call and leave a message at 318-872-0533.

Thanks,
Joshua Salley
Parish Chair

At this time Waterworks District 1 is experiencing a water outage that is affecting the DeSoto Parish Police Jury Road Department, Animal Shelter, Sports-complex Ballfields, Airport, and 4H Building. These facilities will be closed until the water has been restored. As soon as we have an update from the water district, it will be posted.
Michael Norton
Parish Administrator

06/05/2026

The has issued temporary requirements for the interstate movement of animals following the recent detection of New World screwworm in Texas. This is a proactive order, effective immediately, aimed at early detection and prevention to help protect animal health. Suspected cases must be reported as soon as possible at 225-925-3980 or [email protected].

To read the order, visit: https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/order-of-the-state-veterinarian-new-world-screwworm-restrictions-on-interstate-movement-of-animals

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Pigw**d is a major w**d problem this time of year in pastures and hayfields. For more information on herbicide options for control, contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension Office.

05/28/2026

This morning we conducted a home visit to take a look at a pond that was suspected to have cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. This algae can be very toxic to both humans and animals if injested.

After visiting with the pond owner and observing the condition of the pond, several oil-like films were found along the bank. These films appeared to be some sort of petroleum residue such as gasoline or motor oil contamination. While they do appear to be caused by an oil, they are actually an organic substance that is formed by decaying matter such as plants, fish waste, or microbes. This protein biofilm can cause concern at first because of its similarities to petroleum contamination. However, a quick "poke" test with something as simple as a tree limb can help determine the difference. When disturbed with the limb or other device, if the film shatters like glass and dissipates then it is a natural biological byproduct. If it the film instantly flows back together to form its shape, chances are it is a type of oil.

After several "poke" tests, it was determined that these films did not appear to be anything other than natural byproducts from decaying organic matter in the pond. This pond owner can now breathe a sigh of relief and allow their horses to return back to the field where the pond is located.

05/27/2026

Tomatoes are sold out and we will not have them again at this office during this spring.

You CAN still get the Red River tomatoes at the Red River Research Station in South Bossier. Please call (318) 741-7430 and press 0 for more information.

05/21/2026

Our office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday.

05/21/2026

Our office is undergoing a fire alarm system upgrade and this entails multiple alarms going off periodically throughout the day. As a result, we are also experiencing phone issues and may not be able to answer every call. Please be patient with us throughout today. If you need immediate assistance, reach out via cell phones or email.

Thanks,
Joshua Salley
Parish Chair