Louisiana leads the country in crawfish production, bringing more than $300 million to the state each year. What happens when there aren’t enough employees to get them to buyers? 

Farmers, landscapers and the hospitality industry have long argued that the U.S. government doesn’t issue enough temporary visas to meet seasonal labor needs. 

Current limits under Trump’s second term have worsened that problem. 

And farmers in rural Louisiana are feeling that pinch. 

NPR’s Debbie Elliott went to Louisiana to find out how.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Christine Arrasmith and Alejandra Marquez Janse, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro.

It was edited by Russell Lewis and Courtney Dorning.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Louisiana’s governor has signed a bill that threatens to send people to jail for up to one year if they smoke marijuana within 2,000 feet of a school property—including a college campus.

The legislation from Rep. Gabe Firment (R) was passed by the Senate in a 23-10 vote earlier this month after having cleared the House of Representatives in a 59-34 vote last month.

Gov. Jeff Landry (R), whose staff previously testified in favor of the measure at a committee hearing, quietly signed it into law last week.

The new policy applies to people who violate drug laws “while smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusing such controlled dangerous substance while on any property used for school purposes by any school, within two thousand feet of any such property, or while on a school bus.”

Firment previously told senators at a House committee hearing that his bill “strengthens enforcement of Louisiana drug-free school zone laws by creating a clear behavior-based offense, so that when someone is openly smoking or vaping illegal drug in the school zone, law enforcement can act and prosecutors can prove the case.”

“For marijuana, the bill establishes a clear and consistent penalty—up to a year in jail and $1,000 fine, ensuring that violations in school zones result in real, enforceable consequences,” he said.

Sen. Rick Edmonds (R) argued on the Senate floor ahead of this month’s final vote that the bill, HB 568, “strengthens enforcement of Louisiana drug school zone law by adding a behavior-based trigger for violations and clarifying the penalty structure.”

“The bill does not change what’s legal. It gives law enforcement a practical tool [and] ensures consistent consequences in school zones,” he said.

Kevin Caldwell, Southeast legislative manager for the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), said the group is “disappointed to see this deeply flawed legislation become law with the signature of Gov. Jeff Landry.”

“His personal lobbying efforts forced many legislators to vote for a bill they know will have profound negative life altering consequences for potentially thousands of Louisianans,” Caldwell told Marijuana Moment. “His solution to every perceived problem has been a return to incarceration. These failed policies of the past should remain in the past.”

“No child in Louisiana will be any safer after this legislation goes into effect,” he said. “But historical data clearly shows who will bear the brunt of this policy. The governor and legislature are seriously out of touch with the people of Louisiana.”

In 2021, then-Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed a bill decriminalizing marijuana by removing the threat of jail time for possessing up to 14 grams.

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Meanwhile, a Louisiana Senate bill to let patients with terminal and irreversible conditions use medical marijuana in hospitals is also on Landry’s desk for final action.

Separate legislation to create a psychedelic-assisted therapy pilot program, using opioid settlement dollars to fund clinical trials aimed at developing alternative treatments such as psilocybin, ibogaine and MDMA is also being considered this session.

A lawmaker recently filed a proposal that would create a new state task force to “study and develop findings and recommendations regarding the potential legalization of recreational marijuana.”

Another lawmaker also introduced a bill to create an adult-use marijuana legalization pilot program in the state to determine whether the reform should eventually be expanded and permanently codified.

Rep. Candace Newell (D)—who has long championed legislation to end cannabis criminalization and filed a similar legal marijuana pilot program measure last session—is sponsoring what’s titled the “Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Program Regulation and Enforcement Act.”

Getting the bill across the finish line could prove complicated in the conservative legislature, however. Newell’s earlier version of the pilot program legislation didn’t advance to enactment last year, and lawmakers that session also rejected other marijuana reform proposals such as one that would have established a tax system to prepare the eventual legalization of adult-use cannabis.

HOUSTON – If you’re looking for a quick escape from Houston that feels a little indulgent, a little glamorous and a whole lot relaxing, Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana is giving travelers another reason to make the drive east.

Already known for its gaming, luxury accommodations, pools, golf and live entertainment, the resort has now added another major draw to the experience: Big Sky Steakhouse.

The new restaurant brings an elevated steakhouse experience to the property — but without the stuffiness or sky-high prices people often associate with fine dining.

“You can absolutely dress up for dinner if you want to,” said Coushatta Casino Resort Food & Beverage Director Matthew Beard. “But we also wanted people to feel comfortable coming in after a day at the pool or spending time on the casino floor.”

That approachable atmosphere is part of what’s making the restaurant resonate with both visitors and locals.

The space feels polished and upscale, with the kind of ambiance you’d expect from a Las Vegas resort steakhouse, while still remaining welcoming and accessible. It’s already becoming a popular spot for graduation dinners, birthdays and celebrations, thanks in part to the restaurant’s two private dining spaces that can accommodate group events and special occasions.

For Beard, the project is especially meaningful.

He grew up in the area and actually got his start working at Coushatta in an entry-level kitchen role years ago before eventually rising through the ranks to lead the resort’s food and beverage operations.

Now, he’s helping create a menu inspired by the flavors and traditions of Southwest Louisiana.

One example is the restaurant’s use of ingredients like oxtail — a nod to the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of local farming communities, where no cut of meat went to waste.

“A lot of the inspiration comes from the culture here and the people who grew up here,” Beard said.

That combination of local influence and elevated dining is helping Big Sky stand out as more than just another steakhouse.

And when paired with everything else Coushatta Casino Resort offers, it becomes part of a much bigger experience — one that feels like a true getaway without requiring Houstonians to book a flight to Las Vegas.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a girls’ trip, celebrating a milestone or simply looking for a fun road trip destination, Coushatta is leaning into the idea that luxury can still feel relaxed, approachable and distinctly Southern.

Big Sky Steakhouse is now open at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana. Wlk-ins are always welcome and for reservations or for information on accommodations, entertainment, and upcoming events, visit CoushattaCasinoResort.com.