Strawberries

Despite crop losses that are estimated at 90% by some producers, Louisiana's Strawberry Festival will open today. The effects of flooding rains on this year's crop will likely mean consumers will be paying more for locally produced strawberries.

The first strawberries are already being harvested in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Sandra Benjamin said, "some growers have been picking strawberries for nearly a month, thanks to the development of new early-producing varieties".