Dr. Mike Strain, the Agriculture Commissioner, joins the show to discuss various events and activities. Dr. Strain shares his experiences from the 4th of July weekend, including attending a parade, spending time on the farm, and participating in a camp meeting at the Pentecostal Church. He also talks about the festivities at Indian Creek, where they made 1,000 snowballs and had an exceptional fireworks show. Indian Creek Recreation Area, located in Woodworth, Louisiana, offers various activities such as horse riding, fishing, and camping. The area is managed by the farming and forestry department and operates on its own revenue without state funding.
Dr. Strain highlights the amenities at Indian Creek, including a new horse trail, a 2400-acre reservoir, a fishing pier, and white sandy beaches. The campground has 170 campsites, some with direct sewer hookups. He mentions the upcoming Halloween event, which attracts 6000 to 7000 trick-or-treaters and features haunted houses and costume contests.
The conversation shifts to watermelons, with Dr. Strain explaining the factors that contribute to their quality, such as soil, timing, and water. He shares his technique for selecting ripe watermelons by thumping them to listen for a hollow sound.
Dr. Strain also discusses the importance of the Farm Bill and the need for certainty in agricultural programs. He emphasizes the significance of the bill for crop insurance, research and development, and food safety. He mentions an upcoming meeting with Senators Bill Cassidy and John Boozman to discuss agricultural issues and the sugar program. Dr. Strain recounts an incident where Mexico was dumping sugar, which led to a drop in sugar prices and triggered the loan guarantee program. The issue was resolved, ensuring fair trade practices.