Louisiana Crawfish Season Faces Labor Crunch as Mike Strain Pushes for Action

Mike Strain said Louisiana crawfish season is running into a serious labor shortage because many returning H-2B crawfish peelers still have not arrived. He said that is hurting processors, driving down prices for farmers, and could cost farmers about $121 million, with a broader economic hit near $300 million. Strain said the problem also affects rice farmers who rely on crawfish income to stay profitable. He also warned people to be careful with storm-damaged trees and to watch for more mosquitoes and West Nile risk after heavy rain. On the positive side, he said Louisiana strawberries are looking great right now and encouraged people to buy local crawfish, seafood, and strawberries.