2024 Louisiana Drought - Crawfish Farm Update

Great signs on our crawfish farm after the drought!
Let me explain.

We baited the traps and checked back in just 15 minutes to find them filled with juvenile crawfish. It's a relief, considering we were worried they might not survive the drought. The bait was almost all eaten in that short time, showing how active these little guys are. It's a good indicator that things are picking up, and we're predicting an explosion of activity over the next two weeks. Fingers crossed, but it looks like the crawfish industry is heading in a great direction. As you can see they nearly ate the entire bait within 15 minutes! 

Having a healthy juvenile crawfish crop is crucial for the sustainability of a crawfish farm. These young crawfish are the future of our production, as they grow and mature into the main harvest for the upcoming seasons. A strong juvenile population ensures a continuous cycle of growth and replenishment, providing a steady supply for both immediate and future demand. It's a vital aspect of farm management, as it lays the foundation for the long-term success and viability of the operation. Without a thriving juvenile crop, the farm's productivity and profitability would be at risk in the subsequent seasons.

Our farm in central Louisiana benefits from a unique soil type that has helped our juvenile crawfish survive challenging conditions. Unlike the southern part of the state, our region has heavier clay soil, which requires our crawfish to burrow deeper. This deeper burrowing has been a lifeline during the drought. The hot, dry weather causes a crust to form on the soil's surface, helping to retain moisture just beneath. This has provided a crucial lifeline for the crawfish below, leading to good survival rates on our farm.

The promising signs we're witnessing in our traps fill us with optimism for a fruitful season ahead. With the right management and a touch of good fortune, we're not just hopeful but confident that our farm will not only sustain its productivity but also flourish, securing a bountiful future for our crawfish supply.