Agriculture

The pounding, all-day rain that hit the Acadiana area early this week is creating a problem for sugar farmers and refiners.

Container-grown tropical plants commonly are placed outside for the summer, where they provide a beautiful addition to decks, patios and porches. But these plants will not withstand freezing temperatures and must be brought back inside for the winter.

Hurricanes and violent thunderstorms occur across Louisiana during summer and fall, and trees may be vulnerable to blowing over or dropping large branches during high winds. Now is a good time to evaluate shade trees to make sure they are in good shape.