Louisiana agriculture research began with the establishment of the Sugar Experiment Station in 1885, two years before the passage of the Hatch Act.

Agriculture in Louisiana is an intricate tapestry whose richness is rivaled by few other states. Our broad array of agricultural enterprises ranges from the traditional to the regionally unique – from soybeans and corn to rice and sugarcane, from beef and dairy to alligators and turtles, and from catfish to crawfish and oysters.

This is a special issue of Louisiana Agriculture devoted to milestones in research over the past 125 years. In 1887, Congress passed the Hatch Act, which provided federal funds to states with agricultural research stations. Lousiana was able to access this money and begin conducting research that made the agricultural industry sustainable and profitables. 32 pages.

Biotechnology Education for Students and Teachers – BEST – is a program designed to help assure a flow of fresh talent into research at the LSU AgCenter. The program brings top-notch science teachers and their students to campus for a biotechnology-intense, six-week summer session.

Louisiana has several sources of plant material available after harvest of major crops that could be used to produce ethanol and electricity.

Automated, solar-powered boats have been used to reduce bird predation on catfish ponds and to track water quality in natural water bodies and drinking water reservoirs.

Louisianians take pride in the appearance of their landscapes, and weeds detract from this beauty. Along with being aesthetically displeasing, weeds in flower beds compete with desirable plants for water, nutrients and light and soon can get out of control.

Many shrubs and groundcovers used in the southern landscape require routine pruning or shearing to keep their shape neat and compact. Pruning is a significant expenditure of time and a major labor cost for the landscape service industry.

Scientists at the Hammond Research Station evaluate ornamental plants for landscape performance under south Louisiana growing conditions. This information is then provided to nursery and landscape professionals as well as home gardeners to use in selecting plants.

The Hammond Research Station serves as a center for horticulture research and extension and provides research-based information to landscape architects, landscape maintenance professionals, arborists, producers and retailers.