Animal Enterprises

Gross farm income for all animal enterprises was $1.69 billion for 2011, up 1 percent from $1.68 billion in 2010. Value added was $952 million in 2011. Total value of all animal enterprises in the Louisiana economy was $2.65 billion, up 1 percent from $2.63 billion in 2010.

Fisheries and Wildlife Enterprises

Total farm value of all fisheries and wildlife enterprises was $569.4 million in 2011, down 1 percent from $575.1 million in 2010. Value added was $387 million. Total value of all fisheries and wildlife enterprises to the Louisiana economy was $956.4 million, up slightly from $956.2 million in 2010.

Plant Enterprises

The total value of all plant enterprises was $3.82 billion in 2011, an increase of 17 percent from $3.26 billion in 2010. Value added was $3.24 billion for all plant commodities. Total value of all plant/crop enterprises to the Louisiana economy was $7.06 billion in 2011, up 11 percent from $6.36 billion in 2010.

 

Beef Cattle

During 2011, the Louisiana beef cattle industry maintained its cow numbers, which was fortunate since many states sustained losses due to moderate to severe drought conditions throughout much of 2011. This trend was driven primarily by lack of precipitation and was compounded by extreme heat conditions during the summer in the southern plain states. This caused pasture and feedstock crop failures, particularly hay, in these areas and increased feed costs – a major component of beef cattle production and finishing operations. Louisiana cow numbers in 2011 totaled 561,627 with a reported 11,015 producers. Those were up from 558,459 cows but down from 11,149 producers reported in 2010.

The gross farm value of 219,339 steers sold in 2011 was $135.2 million, an increase of $8 million over the $127.2 million reported in 2010. The gross farm value of 200,170 heifers sold increased by more than $10 million as it rose from $103.7 million in 2010 to $113.8 million in 2011.

The number of cow-calf pairs sold in 2011 decreased by approximately 12,000 to 49,815 pairs. These pairs sold for $57.3 million, down from $60.8 million in 2010. In 2011, 61,704 yearling cattle sold for $48.2 million. Gross farm values of 61,319 cull cows and 8,758 cull bulls were $33.7 million and $10.4 million, respectively.

Gross farm income from beef cattle increased from $370.5 million in 2010 to $398.5 million in 2011. When value added of $49.8 million is considered, the total value of beef cattle production in Louisiana was $448.3 million in 2011, up from $411.3 million in 2010.

Dairy

Milk production was reported by 14 Louisiana parishes in 2011. Three parishes in the southeastern part of the state and one parish in the northwestern part accounted for about 89 percent of the milk production, as well as the number of herds and dairy cows.

The number of dairy farms in Louisiana declined from 145 in 2010 to 140 in 2011. The number of milking cows decreased from 16,950 in 2010 to 16,190 in 2011. Total milk production decreased from 230.7 million pounds in 2010 to 221.4 million pounds in 2011. The on-farm value of milk increased significantly, however, from $39.7 million in 2010 to $54.2 million in 2011. Despite a 4 percent decrease in milk production in 2011, the increase in farm value of milk in 2011 was due primarily to higher average prices per hundredweight for milk ($18.15 in 2010 compared to $21.60 per hundredweight in 2011). The value of cull cows, bred heifers, mature cows, breeding age bulls and calves was $6.3 million.

Dairy goats were raised by 39 Louisiana producers in 2011. The 280 Animal Enterprises does that were milked in Louisiana in 2011 produced 238,100 gallons of goat milk, which sold for $700,000. The total value of milk and animal sales to Louisiana dairy producers was $54.9 million. Value added contributed $79.6 million, so the total economic contribution from dairying in Louisiana, including milk sales, animal sales and additional processing, was $134.5 million.

Horses

The horse industry is an important component of the agricultural economy of Louisiana. In 2011, 120,480 horses were owned by an estimated 39,249 people, a 6 percent decrease from 2010. The horse industry has three sectors, which consist of racing (55 percent of total value), show or competition (20 percent) and recreational (25 percent).

The state’s race horse industry was made up of 1,221 breeders who owned 8,897 mares that produced 7,698 foals that were sold in 2011 for $61.6 million. A total of 90 breeders own 832 stallions that were bred to 10,446 mares, generating income from stud fees of $26.1 million. The total gross farm income generated from race horse production was $117.9 million. In addition, 2,390 race horse owners had 14,329 horses with a gross farm value of $171.9 million. Total gross farm value of the race horse sector was $259.6 million in 2011, not including receipts or fees from racing events or gaming.

The show and competition horse industry (horse shows, barrel racing, cutting, roping, team penning and others) is composed of 2,364 breeders who own 7,232 mares that produced 4,833 foals that were sold for $19.3 million in 2011. These breeders own 686 stallions that were bred to 3,509 mares, generating $5.3 million in income from stud fees. The total income generated from show and competition horse production was $24.6 million. Another 3,655 owners compete on their 11,660 horses, which had a gross farm value of $58.3 million. The total gross farm value of the show and competition sector of the horse industry was $82.9 million. This total was down 12 percent from 2010 and could be the result of higher fuel and feed costs experienced in 2011.

A large portion of the horse industry was recreational. Horses have been used for comfort, exercise and enjoyment for quite some time. Approximately 30 percent (8,800) of the recreational horse owners bred 15,587 mares and sold 11,327 foals in 2011 for $17 million. These horse owners had 1,826 stallions that were bred to 7,986 mares and generated income from stud fees of $4 million. The total income from production in the recreational horse industry was $21 million in 2011. Another 20,729 recreational horse owners have 48,692 horses valued at $73.1 million. The total gross farm value of the recreational horse industry was $94 million in 2011.

There were a total of 120,480 horses in Louisiana, which were owned by 39,249 people and generated a gross farm value of $436.6 million in 2011. Value added contributed $45.8 million in 2011, so the total value of the horse sector was $482.4 million in 2011.

The average horse owner spends about $4,000 annually on feed, tack, equipment, veterinary supplies and medicines. This results in an estimated expenditure of $482 million on horses and a total economic impact of $1.21 billion.

In addition to the value of horses produced and maintained in Louisiana, the activities of the horse industry generate a tremendous cash flow for the state. The four racetracks employee 3,000 people and generate expenditures of $1 billion each year. The show and competition industry conducts an estimated 500 activities per year and generates $20 million in expenditures. With the value of horses, expenditures on horses and the activities in which they engage, the economic effect of the horse industry is estimated at $2 billion per year. This value is in the range of a study by the American Horse Council that estimated the Louisiana horse industry generated $2.45 billion per year for the state’s economy.

Poultry

Broilers and Eggs

Poultry production continues to be the largest animal agricultural industry in Louisiana and is second only to forestry in total income production for all agricultural commodities. In 2011, 482 Louisiana growers (small producers and commercial operations) produced 867.2 million pounds of broiler meat with a gross farm value of $720.2 million. Commercial broilers are produced in 11 Louisiana parishes: Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster and Winn.

There were 184 breeder flock producers in 2011 that produced 19 million dozen eggs with a gross farm value of $37.9 million. There also were 31 pullet producers that produced 1.2 million pullets with a gross farm value of $12.3 million.

There were 523 edible egg producers (small producers and commercial operations) in Louisiana in 2011. Table egg production was 21.3 million dozen eggs. The farm value for commercial egg production was $22.5 million in 2011.

The gross farm value for all poultry production in Louisiana was $795.4 million during 2011. The value added from poultry production to the Louisiana economy was estimated to be $775.5 million, making the total value of poultry production in Louisiana $1.6 billion in 2011.

Ratite and Other Exotic Fowl

The sale of ratites and exotic fowl did not generate any funds in Louisiana during 2011.

Quail

There were 3,900 birds produced in 2011 by 24 producers. Quail generated a gross farm value of $9,750 and, with value added, a total value of about $11,000 in 2011.

Rabbits

The production of rabbits for meat and exhibition involved 402 Louisiana producers in 2011. The fryer industry produced 76,584 pounds of meat. Louisiana rabbit producers generated $153,000 in gross farm income. Sales from does generated more than $14,000 in gross farm revenues for producers. With value added of nearly $16,000, the total value of rabbit production in Louisiana during 2011 exceeded $183,000.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep, lambs and wool were produced by 328 producers in 30 Louisiana parishes during 2011, a slight decrease from the previous year. The total number of lambs marketed (slaughter, feeder and club/show lambs) was estimated to be 3,940 with a value of $791,000 in 2011, a minor increase in value from last year. With a gross farm value of $40,000, 488 head of stocker sheep sold in 2011, a decrease of more than 100 head from last year. The number of cull sheep sold was estimated at 914, down considerably from 1,190 sold in 2010. Cull sheep sold for $57,000 in 2011. Wool production was estimated at 12,770 pounds, down from 16,465 pounds in 2010. Total farm-gate value of sheep sales was $3 million in 2011, up from $2.7 million in 2010. Total value was $3.3 million when value-added contributions were included. This was up 10 percent from last year.

Goats were produced by 677 farmers in 60 parishes in Louisiana during 2011, which represents a continued, sharp decline from 2009 and 2010. The total number of slaughter goats marketed was estimated to be 7,204, down from 9,150 the previous year. Stocker goats sold in 2011 numbered 3,195, a slight decrease from 3,330 head in 2010. There were 2,294 cull goats marketed this year, slightly less than 2,636 cull goats sold in 2010. Goats sold as club/show goats numbered 3,092 head, a slight increase from 2,562 in 2010.

Gross farm value of goats sold in Louisiana during 2011 was $2.6 million, down from $3.3 million in 2010. Total value of production in 2011 was $3 million when value added contributions were included.

Swine

Louisiana pork producers numbered 328 in 2011, down considerably from 428 in 2010. St. Martin, Calcasieu, Vermilion, Rapides and Beauregard parishes reported the largest numbers of swine producers.

The number of sows reported in 2011 was 1,868, down from 3,116 in 2010. Show pigs, totaling 2,811, sold for $703,000, down from the previous year. Feeder pig sales of 12,610 had a gross farm value of $236,000 in 2011, also down from the previous year. Slaughter hog sales in 2011 involved 4,502 head with a gross farm value of $697,000. This reflected a decrease in the both the number sold and the value of sales from 2010 levels. There were 1,138 cull animals (sows and boars) sold in 2011, which were valued at $302,000.

The gross farm value of all classes of swine in 2011 was $1.9 million, a decrease from $2.1 million in 2010. The estimated value added from the swine sector was $484,000 in 2011, so, with that added to the gross farm sales, the total value of all swine production in the state was $2.4 million in 2011.

Exotic Animals

Exotic animal producers had gross farm sales of $102,000 in 2010, up from $50,000 during the previous year. Total value of production for exotic animals, including value added, was $110,000 in 2011.

Aquaculture

Louisiana has long been recognized as supporting one of the most diverse aquaculture industries in the United States. Species and products such as crawfish, catfish, alligators, oysters, tilapia, baitfish, soft-shell crawfish and crabs, ornamental fish, baby turtles, a variety of freshwater game fish and other minor species all have been commercialized successfully.

Louisiana’s producers continue to lead the nation in crawfish, oyster, pet turtle and alligator sales, and with some exceptions, the state’s aquaculture crops exhibited generally upward trends during 2011 – continuing the trend from 2009 and 2010. Gross farm sales were estimated to be $264.1 million, up 5 percent from $252.3 million in 2010. Value added to aquaculture products was estimated to be $178.2 million, resulting in a total value of $442.3 million from the aquaculture sector to the state’s economy for 2011.

Estimates from the field indicate that farm-raised crawfish production occupied 189,860 acres during the 2010-2011 season, up approximately 5,000 acres or 3 percent from the previous year. According to estimates from the various crawfish-producing parishes, nearly 112 million pounds of farm-raised crawfish were sold by 1,260 producers for $195.8 million in the 2010-2011 season, making farm-raised crawfish easily the state’s most valuable aquaculture commodity.

Following several years of depressed prices and lower stocking rates for farmed alligator producers, 2011 saw a reduction of roughly 55 percent in the number of animals harvested, but estimated value of the harvest was approximately 34 percent higher than the previous year, due in part to increased prices for hides that resulted from decreased supplies in the market. Farm-gate value was estimated at $38.5 million for farm-raised alligators in 2011, up from $28.7 million in 2010.

Declines in catfish acreage and production continued and accelerated throughout all major producing states in 2011 as a function of continuing high costs for feed and energy. With the exception of value, all numbers (producers, acres and pounds sold) reflect more than a 50 percent reduction in the catfish industry. According to field estimates, Louisiana catfish acreage decreased to only 690 acres of ponds, with nine producers selling 2.5 million pounds of catfish valued at $3 million.

Reported pet turtle hatchling production was virtually unchanged in 2011, with sales of approximately 2.7 million hatchlings for $2.7 million. Louisiana’s bait fish and minnow industries had mixed results when compared to the prior year, with values up by 1 percent and down by 14 percent, respectively.

The oyster production information reported in this summary represents a one-year lag to avoid estimation and projection errors from using data from only part of the year (meaning figures for oysters reported this year are from 2010). The reason for the lag is that data for oyster sales are com- Fisheries & Wildlife Enterprises piled and provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the final compilation of the data is not available until the middle of the year following production.

Estimated oyster sales from a total of 938 producers were $21.9 million, down sharply from estimates the previous years – $50 million in 2009 and $34.2 million in 2008. Oyster harvests in Louisiana faced several consequences from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition to the closures discussed previously, the freshwater diversions in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin were opened to flush freshwater off the coast in hope of pushing any oil away from Louisiana’s valuable coastline. This action may or may not have affected production in the near term and long term. In 2010, 6.8 million pounds of oysters (approximately 934,000 sacks) were landed from private reefs and from wild reefs, a 54 percent decrease from 14.7 million pounds in 2009. Value in 2010 was approximately $3.63 per pound of oyster meat (approximately $23.50 per sack).

Fisheries

The harvest of freshwater and marine fish and shellfish in Louisiana continues to contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Fisheries landings are recorded by two government agencies. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries receives monthly reports from the initial buyers (processors, dealers, etc.), who are required to record every transaction. Species, weight and dockside sales values of the landings are reported for all commercially harvested species.

The National Marine Fisheries Service also is responsible for estimating fisheries landings, using both regional Marine Fisheries Service data collectors and state Wildlife and Fisheries reports. The data reported here are from those two cooperating sources.

The freshwater fisheries and marine fisheries data presented in the report this year (2011) reflect landings from the previous calendar year (2010). The one-year lag is necessary to ensure data accuracy. Real-time reports on fisheries landings are not available until four months after the fact, and final statistics are often six to seven months behind. Estimating landings for the second half of the year based on landings reports from the first half is inaccurate. The method of reporting fisheries landings data a year later has been in place since the 2004 Louisiana Summary; data prior to that volume may not be directly comparable to that reported since 2004 because a different estimation method was used prior to that time. To compare state-level landings for years prior to 2004 on a calendar-year basis, please consult the US-NOAA-NMFS website.

One final caveat is that parish totals for fisheries landings will not equal the state total because of legal confidentiality requirements. When there are fewer than three sources in a parish that report landings of a fisheries commodity in that parish, the number of landings cannot be publicly released by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or the National Marine Fisheries Service without breaking confidentiality requirements. Therefore, there may be parishes reported in this volume for which no landings or values were provided by those agencies but for which there was catch. Furthermore, fisheries landings are reported for the parish in which the fish are offloaded – not the parish in which the boat and its crew may be domiciled or the parish where the catches actually were made.

Freshwater Fisheries

Freshwater finfish are comprised primarily of bowfin, catfish, buffalo, shad, gar and carp and are typically less valuable on a per-pound basis than marine finfish. Total freshwater finfish landings in 2010 decreased in value by 9 percent from 2009 levels to $2.6 million on 8 million pounds sold by 1,357 commercial fishers. This continues a downward trend in freshwater finfish landings and values seen in 2009, as well. While they were not directly influenced by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill or subsequent fisheries closures, freshwater finfish may have been indirectly stigmatized by the negative image of all seafood and seafood safety.

Catfish are the mainstay of the more valuable freshwater species. Sales of catfish caught commercially in Louisiana waters was $1.4 million on 3 million pounds in 2010.

Most wild crawfish are caught in the Atchafalaya Basin, where water levels fluctuate as inflows are controlled at about one-third of the combined flows of the Mississippi and Red rivers. Although wild crawfish compete in the marketplace with farm-raised crawfish, some consumers prefer the wild product because of its frequently larger size. The volume of the wild crawfish harvest is almost completely constrained by the timing and duration of the annual winter/spring floodwater event in the Atchafalaya Basin. The 2010 crawfish season was down in the Atchafalaya Basin because there were not prolonged floodwaters to increase production. As a result, freshwater crawfish landings were down to 14.5 million pounds from 18.6 million pounds in 2009, compared to 15.4 million pounds in 2008, 14.9 million pounds in 2007, 1.5 million pounds in 2006 and 15.2 million pounds in 2005. The 1993 record level of 50 million pounds still stands. Wild crawfish sales were $13.5 million in 2010, down 10 percent from $15 million in the previous year. Overall, landings from the freshwater fisheries sector in 2010 had a gross value of $16.1 million.

Marine Fisheries

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill set off the beginning of several effects on marine fisheries. First, the oil spill resulted in extensive fisheries closures in the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana state waters. On June 2, 2010, the closures reached the largest extent, with more than 36 percent of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic Zone closed to commercial fishing. That zone was not completely reopened for commercial fishing until Nov. 15, 2010. In addition to the lack of fishing opportunities, marine fisheries sales were negatively affected by concerns and questions raised by consumers about seafood safety.

Marine food finfish landings are varied and complex, with about 80 different species being landed and a total of 9.3 million pounds in 2010. This was a 24 percent decrease from 2009 when 12.2 million pounds of marine food finfish were landed in Louisiana. In 2010, the top five species of marine food finfish landed by value, in descending order, were black drum, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, king mackerel and swordfish. Total saltwater food finfish landings, excluding menhaden, were valued at $10.8 million in 2010, down from $16.8 million in 2009.

Landings of menhaden, a low-value but high-volume nonfood finfish species, were 862 million pounds in 2010, up from 786 million pounds in 2009 and 741 million pounds in 2008. The catch was valued at $57.6 million, up significantly from $42.6 million in 2009. Menhaden value in-creased in 2010, selling for approximately 6.68 cents per pound compared to 5.42 cents per pound in 2009. Menhaden oil and meal are sold on the world market for industrial purposes, animal feeds and omega-3 dietary supplements, among other uses, and the prices received for menhaden products are a function of the world supply of oils and meals, particularly those produced by the fisheries for the anchovetta of the Pacific Coast of South America. Menhaden was the only Louisiana fisheries product that saw an increase in landings volume from 2009 to 2010.

Blue crabs constitute nearly all of the Louisiana crab harvest, with stone crab claws making up less than 0.01 percent. Louisiana hard crab landings normally range from 40 to 50 million pounds. In 2010, hardshell blue crabs landings were 30.7 million pounds with a gross value of $30.1 million. This was a 40 percent decrease from 51 million pounds with a gross value of $35.9 million in 2009 and 43.8 million pounds in 2008 when two hurricanes caused damage to gear and infrastructure. The fisheries closure from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred during the largest crab-producing months.

During 2010, production of soft-shell crabs (11,051pounds) and peeler crabs for the shedding business (119,845pounds), valued at approximately $400,000, was down significantly from 2009. In 2009, production of softshell crabs (35,484 pounds) and peeler crabs for the shedding business (171,656 pounds) had increased from the lowest-ever level that was recorded in 2008 due to many shoreside shedding facilities being damaged or destroyed by the storms of 2005 and 2008. In 2010, even with the fisheries closures, production was up from 2008 values.

Louisiana shrimp landings in 2010 consisted of five species: white shrimp, brown shrimp, seabobs, rock shrimp and pink shrimp. White shrimp historically have provided 50-60 percent of the harvest by weight and around 70 percent by value, but during 2010, white shrimp contributed about 75 percent (55.8 million pounds) of total weight and 79 percent ($86 million) of total value. In 2010, brown shrimp landings totaled 17.3 million pounds with a value of $22.1 million dockside. The weighted-average price for shrimp was $1.46 in 2010, up from $1.06 in 2009 and $1.26 in 2007 but identical to 2008. Overall shrimp landings of 74.2 million pounds were down significantly (35 percent) from 114 million pounds in 2009, 89.7 million pounds in 2008 and 109.5 million pounds in 2007. This decline in production reflects potential effects from the oil spill closures, reduction of effort in the commercial fishing fleet due to concerns by consumers about seafood safety and fishing vessels being used for cleanup efforts in the “vessels of opportunity” program. Shrimp landed in Louisiana had an estimated gross value of $106.1 million in 2010, down from 2009. Recovery in landings in 2009 was seen after extensive damage to the shrimp fleet and infrastructure from the hurricanes of 2005 and 2008.

In 2010, all marine fisheries landings in Louisiana had a gross value of $189.4 million at dockside, down from $266.4 million in 2009. When value added of $184.7 million is included, total value of the marine fisheries sector was estimated to be $374.1 in 2010.

Fur

The 2010-2011 harvest of fur animal pelts had a gross farm value of $160,985. This value represents fur production only and excludes any value associated with meat production, predominately from raccoon and nutria carcasses.

Animals pelted and sold totaled 22,040 during the year, which represented more than double the 10,730 pelts taken during the previous year. Pelt prices among all fur-bearers were higher than prices from the previous year, which caused a corresponding increase in the number of animals taken and pelted this year. Higher pelt prices are the single biggest factor in determining the effort trappers will put forth in capturing fur animals. Higher pelt prices, along with more animals trapped, resulted in an increase of gross farm value of $111,198 from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011. The average price paid for a single pelt taken during the 2010-2011 trapping season was $7.30 compared to $4.64 the previous year. Prices paid for pelts varied from 50 cents for an opossum pelt to $36.62 paid for the pelt of a river otter.

Nutria removals in the state associated with the coastwide nutria control program accounted for 338,512 animals being taken. This number is down from the 445,963 nutria that were removed as part of this program during 2009-2010. The incentive payment for nutria removal was $5 each. Nutria removals outside of those taken under the control program increased from 2,829 taken during 2009-2010 to 9,829 taken during 2010-2011. The total number of all nutria removed, includingd those taken under the coastwide nutria control program, was 350,723 individuals with a total value of more than $1.8 million. Excluding the nutria removed under the control program that were not pelted and sold, the value added components raised the total value of furs sold in Louisiana during the 2010-2011 trapping season to $201,231.

Hunting Lease Enterprises

The value of recreational hunting in Louisiana is estimated by the income derived from hunting lease enterprises. The number of producers who leased land in the state during the 2010 -2011 hunting season was 6,604. This figure consists of 5,328 individuals who leased land for upland game hunting (predominately for deer and turkey) and 1,276 individuals who leased land for waterfowl hunting.

Land leased for hunting amounted to 6.3 million acres for upland game and 1.7 million acres for waterfowl. Gross farm value for leases was $51.1 million for upland game and $41.4 million for waterfowl. Average lease rates were $8 per acre for upland game leases and $24.50 per acre for waterfowl leases. Waterfowl leases averaged $16 per acre in the coastal areas of the state and $50 per acre in other areas of Louisiana.

Lease rates for both upland game and waterfowl remained similar to those figures recorded during the previous year. Acres leased for waterfowl decreased by 32,317 from the past year while acres leased for upland game increased by 68,856. Leasing rates varied greatly across the state – from $1 to $35 per acre for upland game leases. In all hunting lease enterprises, rates charged by landowners depended on location, habitat quality and species involved. A high demand for a good hunting lease often will bring prices greater than what its market value might otherwise be. Value-added components raised the total economic effect of hunting leases in the state for both upland game and waterfowl to $99.5 million.

Honey

Honey production in Louisiana during 2011 was 1.9 million pounds, which was up from 1.8 million pounds collected in 2010. Good to moderate weather conditions allowed honey production during the spring, summer and fall in many areas. But a few areas showed average to lower rates of production due to drought, particularly in western areas of the state.

Honey prices in 2011, which had risen over most of 2010, remained strong throughout the year and averaged $1.52 in the state. Assuming demand remains strong for domestically produced honey, prices should remain strong through 2012. Total production of honey by an estimated 343 beekeepers in Louisiana increased in 2011. The total number of colonies also increased to 24,844.

Commercial and hobby beekeepers have continued to develop a large local and statewide clientele – with some having to buy honey to meet demands. This increase in purchasing of local honey from beekeepers and the demand for it in local stores over the commercial brands has greatly improved the sales and value of Louisiana honey. It has expanded from stores and bakeries to restaurants to coffee houses and out-of-state markets. In many local markets, clientele have increased demand for local or state honey, and storekeepers say local honeys are the most popular.

Primary pest problems for commercial beekeepers continue to be small hive beetles and Varroa mites. Wax moths are an occasional problem for the hobby beekeepers. The stress produced by the mites and hive beetles are good examples of the type of stress exhibited in colonies with colony collapse disorder. Louisiana’s beekeepers continued efforts to improve their management techniques, and the continued support from the USDAARS Bee Breeding and Physiology Laboratory in the state has assisted with development of lines of bees resistant to Varroa mites and hive beetle management practices.

Wild colonies continue to increase, and the list of beekeepers who collect swarms and remove colonies continues to grow. The list, which can be found on the LSU AgCenter’s website (LSUAgCenter.com), is by area of the state and provides names, phone numbers, areas they will cover and, in some cases, their websites. The direct link to the list on the LSU AgCenter site is: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/environment/insects/bees_wasps/honeybee+removal+and+swarm+collection.htm

African honeybee problems have been negligible in Louisiana. The number of infested parishes has remained constant at eight. Cooperation between the beekeepers and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has kept any effects from these invaders to a minimum.

The gross farm value of honey production in Louisiana increased to $2.9 million in 2011. Value added from cleaning, processing, supplies, packaging and local and state sales in 2011 was more than $700,000, so the total value of honey production for 2011 was about $3.7 million. Pollination services provided by honeybees continue to be a valuable commodity to Louisiana crops. Some have estimated these pollination services to be valued at millions of dollars annually. These services include pollination of many vegetables, fruits, nuts, flowers, grasses and other plants that feed wildlife, livestock and people, and the services come in commercial production, home gardens and wild settings. Such values are not included in these estimates of honeybee value.

Cotton

Land harvested for cotton was 288,387 acres, 13 percent higher than the area harvested in 2010 and a two-year reversal of a downward trend that had been occurring for several years. The 2009 growing season was one of the lowest levels of harvested cotton acreage on record in the state, so the recent increases in acres for two years in a row were welcomed by those in the agricultural industry who are involved with cotton production.

Cotton lint yield on irrigated land was 1,038 pounds per acre compared to 877 pounds per acre in 2010, and on nonirrigated land, lint production was 772 pounds per acre compared to 697 pounds per acre in 2010. The number of producers in 2011 was 548, up from 484 producers in 2010. Total lint production in 2011 was 519,388 bales, up from 398,195 bales harvested in 2010 but still only 82 percent of the cotton production in 2007 (634,552 bales). During 2011, there were 100,295 acres of irrigated cotton and 188,091 acres of nonirrigated cotton. The ratio of irrigated to nonirrigated production acres fell slightly compared to 2010, since most of the acres added to cotton production were nonirrigated.

Average value of cotton lint sales was $735 per acre, imparting a gross farm value of $212 million for lint. Sales of cotton seed contributed an additional $136 per acre, adding a total of $48.9 million for cottonseed. Lint sales were up in 2011, and seed sales were up 60 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting an increased overall yield of both lint and seed. For the second consecutive year, cotton producers were able to pick cotton relatively free from detrimental weather events. The 2010 cotton crop matured more rapidly than in the past due to a trend toward more mid- and early maturing varieties from one dominant full-season variety. The rapid accumulation of heat units for the second year in a row through June and July also contributed to earlier maturity of the crop. Overall, the harvest season was free of rainfall – providing growers the ability to time harvest better and allow more bolls to finish development.

Gross farm value for both lint and seed in 2011 was $255.9 million, a 46 percent increase from the value of 2010 cotton production of $175.1 million. Value added from ginning and processing was $51.2 million, so the total value of the cotton sector was estimated to be $307 million in 2011.

Feed Grains

In 2011, there were 696,048 acres of feed grains harvested in Louisiana, up from 582,970 acres in 2010. There were 571,180 acres of corn harvested in 2011, up from 498,535 acres of corn harvested the previous year and the largest acreage of all feed grains. Grain sorghum, with 120,870 acres harvested, was second, and there were 3,998 acres of oats harvested in 2011.

The area planted and harvested to feed grains continued to remain relatively high, with the exception of oats, primarily due to strong grain prices, which continued to be high based on historic levels throughout all of 2011. Early season drought conditions and very high temperatures during pollination appeared to have had some effects on yields, but the average corn yields still were slightly higher than previous years. Gross farm value of all feed grains in Louisiana was $517.8 million, a significant increase from last year’s sales of $310.3 million.

Corn

Corn was grown on 1,358 farms in 2011, up slightly from 1,308 farms in 2010. The statewide average yield was 132 bushels per acre in 2011, down slightly from the previous year’s 138 bushels per acre.

Planting conditions in the spring were moderately favorable in 2011. But northern and central Louisiana experienced dry conditions during the spring and early summer for the second year in a row that adversely affected dry-land operations, including yields. Western sections of the state experienced extremely dry (drought) conditions throughout much of the growing season, which suppressed yields in that area. There were very few quality losses at harvest due to excellent harvest conditions. The normal weed, disease and insect problems were experienced during the growing season. In addition, during 2011, Johnson grass was added to Palmer amaranth as a weed in Louisiana that was classified as glyphosate tolerant.

Gross value of Louisiana corn production during 2011 was $452.6 million, up substantially from $282.7 million in 2010 – as increased harvested acres, increased yields and significantly higher grain prices all affected the gross value.

Grain Sorghum

Grain sorghum production was higher for 2011 than it was in 2010. Sorghum was produced on 327 farms, where 120,870 acres were harvested with an average yield of 50 hundredweight per acre in 2011. Overall production was higher in 2011 (6 million hundredweight), due primarily to more acres being planted and harvested. Producers responded to much higher grain prices and planted more acres to grain sorghum. Planting conditions were more favorable in 2011 than 2010, particularly in the northeastern part of the state.

Gross farm value of sorghum production was $64 million, up substantially from $26.2 million in 2010, due primarily to more producers planting more acres and achieving higher average yields, as well as very strong farm-gate prices for grain sorghum.

Oats

Oat production decreased to 3,998 acres in 2011, down substantially from 8,573 acres harvested in 2010. Oat yields in 2011 were 84 bushels per acre, up from 71 bushels per acre in 2010. Gross farm value of oat production was $800,000 in 2011, down from the $1.4 million of 2010.

Forestry

The projected Louisiana gross farm value of forest products decreased during the 2011 calendar year by 3 percent from 2010. The 2011 total sawlog harvest increased by 1.6 million board feet (less than 1 percent) to a cut of 813.6 million board feet. The pine saw-timber harvest decreased by 1 percent from 2010 levels and posted a total statewide harvest of 682 million board feet during 2011. The hardwood saw-timber harvest increased to 131.3 million board feet during 2011, a 9 percent gain. Pine chip-and-saw harvested during 2011 totaled 688,000 cords, a decrease of 4 percent from 2010 levels.

The 2011 Louisiana pulpwood harvest was 5.5 million cords, down 125,000 cords (2 percent) from the 2010 harvest. Pine pulpwood harvest decreased 3 percent from 4.6 million cords during 2010 to 4.5 million cords in 2011. Hardwood pulpwood harvest decreased by 170,000 (15 percent) from 1.2 million cords in 2010 to 1 million cords in 2011.

Most stumpage prices for the period decreased from 2010 levels. Pine saw-timber stumpage prices were 16 percent lower during 2011, averaging about $208 per thousand board feet statewide for the year. Oak saw-timber stumpage prices were 7 percent higher on average around the state during 2011 – at approximately $275 per thousand board feet for the year. Statewide average prices for pine pulpwood decreased by 24 percent this year after increasing by 23 percent during 2010. The average statewide pine pulpwood price during 2011 was $22 per cord. Hardwood pulpwood prices were 35 percent lower, on average, at $20 per cord. Chip-and-saw prices decreased an average of 10 percent this year and stood at a statewide average of approximately $40 per cord during 2011. Delivered prices did not significantly change in 2011 with the exception of pine and oak saw-timber. Pine saw-timber average prices were down 10 percent, oak saw-timber up 7 percent, pine chip-and-saw unchanged, pine pulpwood up 1percent and hardwood pulpwood down 2 percent during 2011.

During the year, Louisiana’s private forest landowners received an estimated $379.9 million from the sale of forest timber, down 4 percent from 2010. Timber harvesting contractors and their employees earned $420.5 million from harvesting the trees and moving wood to mills during 2011. This total was down 1.5 percent from 2010 levels. The payroll and income derived from money generated by the forestry and wood products industry totaled an estimated $3 billion during 2011, a decrease of 3 percent from 2010 totals. The gross farm income produced by all forestry-related products, such as timber, pine straw and Christmas trees, totaled $801 million during 2011. That was down 3 percent from the $824 million generated in 2010. The value added through further processing and delivery was $2.2 billion, which was 3 percent lower than 2010’s value added. That means a total economic contribution from Louisiana’s forest products industries of $3 billion for 2011.

Fruit Crops

Louisiana’s commercial fruit production is diverse – ranging from berries, citrus and peaches to muscadine grapes and mayhaws, among others. Gross farm value of all commercial fruit crops raised by 1,175 growers in Louisiana during 2011 was $29.9 million, down from $34.4 million in 2010. Value added contributed $7.5 million to the total value of fruit production of $37.4 million in 2011, down from $43 million for 2010.

Blackberries

Gross farm value of blackberries increased during 2011 and was $759,729, up sharply from $560,000 during 2010. During the past year, the number of commercial blackberry producers was 69 and they cultivated 78 acres of blackberries in 2011, both down somewhat from 2010. Average production was up slightly from 2,423 pints during 2010 to 5,223 pints of blackberries per acre for 2011. Overall production was up as well in 2011, growing from 242,398 pints during 2010 to 407,252 pints in 2011.

Blueberries

During 2011, blueberries were grown commercially by 76 producers on 466 acres in Louisiana. The primary blueberry growing parishes were DeSoto and Washington, which had 197 acres of the total. Most producers in other parishes grew a few acres of berries and sold fresh fruit to local clientele. Gross farm value of blueberries during 2011 was $8.03 million, up significantly from 2010.

Citrus

The Louisiana citrus industry in 2011 involved 545 growers in 18 parishes who harvested 406 acres of navels, 385 acres of satsumas and 41 acres of other types of citrus, down slightly from 2010 acreage. Plaquemines Parish is the leading producer of citrus in Louisiana – with 535 acres of citrus that had gross farm sales of $2.7 million in 2011, up $300,000 or 10 percent from 2010.

Although some of the state’s crop is sold through traditional marketing channels, the majority of Louisiana citrus is sold by direct marketing at roadside stands and farmers markets. Peddlers buy citrus on the farms and resell it across the state. Growers deliver citrus to grocery store warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit stands.

Satsumas were grown by 243 producers on 385 acres during 2011, down slightly from 2010. Total satsuma production was 120,201 bushels in 2011, down significantly from 229,258 bushels sold in 2010. Value of satsuma sales in 2011 was $3.1 million, down from $5.1 million during 2010. Navel oranges were grown by 172 producers on 406 acres with 87,572 bushels harvested and sold, down from 98,060 bushels produced in 2010. Gross farm value of navel orange sales was $2.2 million in 2011, unchanged from 2010. The gross farm value of all citrus production in Louisiana in 2011 was $5.5 million, down from $7.5 million for 2010.

Mayhaws

The gross farm value for mayhaws grown in Louisiana was $1.6 million during 2011. Orchard and native mayhaw trees produced 500,000 and 1 million pounds, respectively, for a total production in 2011 of 1.6 million pounds on 388 acres.

Miscellaneous Fruit

Many miscellaneous fruits were planted as either small commercial plantings or as backyard plantings. These crops included figs, grapes, pears, plums, apples and persimmons. These fruits were planted on approximately 170 acres and had estimated gross farm value of $1.1 million in 2011.

Muscadines

Reports concerning muscadine production were divided into fresh fruit production and commercial production. The total gross farm value of all muscadine production during 2011 was $4.4 million.

Muscadines were grown for fresh fruit on 67 acres by 27 growers who produced 670,327 pounds of grapes in Louisiana in 2011. The fruit usually was sold at $4 to $10 per gallon with an average of $6.50 per gallon. The lower prices generally were used at “you pick” operations.

Production for juice and wine was considered commercial muscadine production. Muscadines grown for wine production are concentrated in East Feliciana Parish. Louisiana produced 170 tons of commercial muscadines on 34 acres in 2011.

Peaches

Gross farm value of peaches during 2011 was $1.9 million, up from $1.2 million in 2010. Peaches were grown on 325 acres by 40 commercial producers and yielded 53,821 bushels in 2011, essentially unchanged from the previous year.

Strawberries

During 2011, the Louisiana strawberry industry involved 87 growers who produced 445 acres of strawberries for a gross farm value of $6.8 million. Tangipahoa Parish was the leading strawberry-producing parish in the state with 350 acres and $5.4 million in sales during 2011.

The majority of the Louisiana strawberries were sold by peddlers. Growers also delivered berries to grocery store warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit stands. The remaining portion of the crop was sold at farmers markets and roadside stands.

Louisiana strawberries were available as early as November, December and January. This was due to the use of the variety Strawberry Festival, plug plants from nurseries in Quebec, Canada, row covers and wire hoops. These early berries brought a premium price and played a large part in the high returns for the crop in Louisiana.

Commercial Greenhouse Vegetables

During 2011, 14 parishes had farms commercially growing greenhouse vegetables on 3.4 acres of greenhouse space, unchanged from 2010. Most 2011 production was devoted to tomatoes, although some greenhouse space was devoted to cucumbers. All of the greenhouse produce was sold on the fresh market, much of it direct-retail at local markets. Energy costs had become a major cost of production during the winter of 2009 and continued to affect production decisions in 2010 and 2011, despite temporary declines in energy costs during part of that period. Rising energy costs in 2012 portend potential production pressure in the coming year.

The estimated gross farm value of Louisiana greenhouse vegetables was nearly $1.4 million for 2011. Total value of greenhouse produce, including value added, was $1.6 million, unchanged from the previous year.

Hay Sold

Hay production for commercial sales is a limited part of the total hay production in Louisiana, and 2011 was no exception. Nevertheless, hay produced from 433,102 acres of grasslands was sold by 3,182 producers during 2011.

Yields averaged 2.5 tons per acre from the grasslands harvested for sale during 2011. Production included 1.1 million tons of grass hay. Compared to numbers reported in 2010, the acreage of grasslands used for commercial hay production remained relatively unchanged, as did yields. As a result, the total production of the 2011 hay crop for sale was similar in size to the 2010 crop.

Dry weather conditions persisted throughout much of the state during the spring and summer months, and fall conditions also were somewhat dry. Some parishes in north Louisiana experienced extremely dry conditions, which negatively influenced hay production in those areas. Many Louisiana hay producers were able to sell their hay in drought-stricken areas such as Texas for a very good price. Gross farm value of all hay sales, including some minor alfalfa production, was $126.7 million, which was 11 percent lower than the 2010 crop value of $142.5 million. Total value of hay production, including value added, was about $145.7 million for 2011.

Hay for all noncommercial purposes was grown on 430,000 acres and produced 2.1 tons per acre for a total production of 903,000 tons in 2011. This production was about 30 percent lower than that reported for 2010. The number of acres devoted to noncommercial hay production decreased by 20,000 acres from 2010 to 2011.

Home Vegetable Gardens

Parish reports indicate there were an estimated 480,802 home gardens statewide during 2011. This number was higher than it has been in previous years due to a change in the method used to estimate the number of home gardens. This revised method used a formula based on research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that indicated approximately one in three households have some kind of garden, including backyard fruit trees, vegetable plots, berry patches, etc. As a result of this research, we adjusted the number of gardens in some parishes to more accurately reflect this range of home garden production.

The number of home gardens in any given year fluctuates greatly with people’s interest and the economy. When economic conditions are weak, as they have been recently, the number of households using home gardens increases. Vegetable gardening is not only a hobby but also a way of extending the family food budget by freeing up limited funds for other food purchases.

A survey of Louisiana home gardeners in 2008 showed the average age of gardeners was 62 years old with a median age of 67 years. The median Louisiana garden size was 800 square feet and calculations indicated each garden generated produce valued at an average of $512. This value was used to calculate the gross farm value of home gardens in Louisiana.

The 2011 gross farm value of home vegetable gardens in Louisiana was estimated to be $246.2 million.

Nursery Crops

The commercial nursery industry in Louisiana consists of fruit and nut tree nursery stock production, foliage plants, floriculture, bedding plants and woody ornamentals. Commercial nursery crop production in Louisiana had a gross farm value of $94.2 million for 2011. This was up nearly $16 million from $78.3 million in 2010 reported sales and reversed the trend of two consecutive years of reduction in wholesale sales of nursery crops in Louisiana.

Wholesale production was $3.7 million for the growers of fruit and nut tree nursery stock. This category has been up 10-20 percent annually the past two years. Foliage plants had $1.8 million in gross farm-gate value in Louisiana during 2011. The largest segment of the nursery industry continues to be woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs). Woody ornamental growers sold products worth $61.2 million during 2011 at the wholesale level. Bedding plant and floriculture crop production was up significantly during 2011 with a gross farm-gate value of $27.5 million.

Including value added of $51.8 million, the total value of the Louisiana nursery industry at the wholesale level was $146 million for 2011, up significantly from $118.2 in 2010.

Peanuts

During 2011, 210 acres of peanuts were harvested, which was down from 360 acres in 2010. Production of peanuts was down from 1.4 million pounds in 2010 to 800,000 pounds of peanuts sold for commercial processing in 2011. Gross farm value of peanuts in 2011 was $190,485, down from approximately $300,000 in 2010. Value added of $23,811 combined with that gross farm value resulted in $214,296 in total value of 2011 peanut production in Louisiana.

Pecans

The state’s pecan crop estimates during the summer of 2011 ranged from 8 million to 9 million pounds, about the same as last year but approximately 26-33 percent below the 10-year average (2001-2010) of 12 million pounds per year.

Much of the state reported drought conditions during late summer. August through October was a crucial period for adequate moisture in pecan production for both kernel quality and shuck split. During that period, however, much of the state received below-normal amounts of precipitation. Similar situations prevailed throughout much of the South and Southern Plains, where pecan production occurs, and resulted in a significant decline in production nationwide. This reduction in output caused prices to increase significantly over previous years, with wholesale prices ranging from $2.75 to $5 per pound – more than twice what prices were the previous year.

Input from growers, county agents and accumulators estimate the 2011 Louisiana pecan crop at approximately 8.9 million pounds, consisting of 5.4 million pounds of improved varieties and 3.5 million pounds of native pecans. During 2010, an estimated 9,482 acres of improved pecans and 14,684 acres of native pecans were harvested by approximately 9,200 growers.

The gross farm value of Louisiana pecans was estimated to be $33.8 million for 2011. The total value of pecan production, including value added, was estimated to be $43.0 million for 2011.

Rice

Rice acreage in Louisiana dropped significantly from 537,147 acres in 2010 to 416,995 acres in 2011. Most of the decline was the consequence of lower rice prices combined with better prices for cotton, corn and soy-beans. Most of the decrease occurred in northeast Louisiana, where land was shifted from rice to those other commodities.

Spring weather conditions were favorable for early planting. Growers who were able to plant early produced excellent yields while those who planted later experienced serious declines in production. The state record of 6,515 pounds per acre harvested in 2007 was exceeded by 200 pounds per acre for a total of 6,717 pounds per acre during 2011. About 24 percent of the acreage was planted to hybrid varieties and 65 percent to Clearfield varieties. Some of the higher state yields also can be attributed to the increase in hybrid acreage. Very high temperatures during flowering caused reduced yields in many of the southwestern parishes, but conditions were ideal for ratoon crop production. If prices had been more favorable at the time of first crop harvest, more growers would have produced a second crop. Disappointing prices at that time discouraged many from attempting a second crop, however.

The Louisiana rice crop was harvested by 1,058 producers. During 2011, the gross farm value of the state’s rice crop was $366.2 million, $46 million less than the year before. The lower acreage offset higher yields to account for this decrease in overall farm-gate value in 2011. Value added of $109.9 million, when combined with farm-gate value, brought the total value of rice production in Louisiana to $476.1 million.

Firm prices of other commodities with steady to lower rice prices are likely to result in fewer acres planted in northeast Louisiana. Saltwater issues in southwest Louisiana also could disrupt plans and cause a decrease in acreage in that area of the state, too. Hybrid rice acres will probably increase, while Clearfield rice acres are expected to remain about the same or increase slightly.

Sod and Turfgrass Production

During 2011, 21 Louisiana sod farms cultivated 3,817 acres of fine turfgrasses, down from 4,085 acres harvested in 2010. About 60 percent of the turf sod acreage in Louisiana is centipede and about 30-35 percent is St. Augustine. The remaining acreage is divided among Bermuda grass and zoysia.

The continued economic downturn and the slump in the housing market locally and regionally hampered sod sales during 2011. New construction softened, and the effects of the recession had more of an influence on local and state economies. Shipping costs continued to be higher than in previous years due to increased fuel costs. Nonetheless, local sod is still more cost-competitive, since shipping always has been a major component of consumer sod cost. There was some optimism because the economy appeared to be improving in 2011, but markets for turfgrass will improve only as construction increases.

Gross farm value of sod and turfgrass sales in 2011 was estimated to be $19.1 million. Value added for turfgrass production was $14.3 million, so the total value of sod and turfgrass production in Louisiana during 2011 was $33.4 million, down slightly from $35.7 million last year.

Soybeans

Soybeans were harvested from roughly 1 million acres by 2,244 producers during 2011, with a statewide average yield of 38 bushels per acre. Yields were lower than the previous year by 5 bushels per acre due to dry conditions through most of early stages of growth. Drought conditions were reported throughout most of the state, reducing soybean yields and preventing many acres from being planted. Total production of 37.7 million bushels was below the 43 million bushels produced in 2010, which was one of the highest production years on record in Louisiana.

Producers across the state faced an early drought that delayed planting and reduced yields. The usual weed, disease and insect problems were present during 2011, but because of the dry conditions, insect and disease pressure was mild to moderate. Cold temperatures during winter also were credited for reducing stink bug numbers and for the absence of Asian soybean rust. Asian soybean rust continues to be a threat in Louisiana, although its presence so far has not resulted in major yield losses. Excellent weather conditions during harvest contributed to good yields and excellent quality of the harvested soybeans.

Gross farm value of soybeans in Louisiana was $458.1 million for 2011, an 8 percent increase from the $424.3 million in 2010. This increase in gross farm value, despite lower production, was due exclusively to significantly higher prices for soybeans in 2011. Value added to soybean production was $68.7 million, which brought the total value of Louisiana soybean production to $526.8 million for 2011, $60 million more than in 2010.

Sugarcane

During 2011, sugarcane was grown on 407,641 acres (a decrease of 12,496 acres or 3 percent from the 2010 crop) in 23 Louisiana parishes. An estimated 381,144 acres were available for harvest for sugar, assuming that 6.5 percent of the total acres were used for seed cane.

The 11 operating factories in the state processed nearly 11.92 million tons of cane (a decrease of 283,000 tons or 2 percent from 2010 levels). In total, the 11 factories produced 1.44 million short tons of sugar (96 pol), which was very similar to the amount produced in 2010.

The average yield of cane produced from each harvested acre amounted to 31.3 tons (an increase of 0.2 tons or 0.6 percent). The average sugar recovery at the 11 factories was 11.55 percent or 231 pounds of sugar (96 pol) per ton of cane. This was an increase of 5 pounds of sugar per ton of cane or an increase of 2 percent when compared to the 2010 crop. The yield of commercially recoverable sugar produced per harvested acre was approximately 7,222 pounds (an increase of 203 pounds or 3 percent).

Although the pricing period was not completed for the 2011 crop at the time of publication, sugar prices remained high for most of the year, with the average predicted value for raw sugar at 34 cents per pound, an increase of 6 cents per pound or 21 percent more than the 2010 price. Molasses prices have remained high at an average about $120 per short ton at 79.5 Brix, an increase of 20 percent over 2010.

The gross farm value of the 2011 sugarcane crop was $638.4 million for sugar and molasses (an increase of 32 percent compared to the 2010 crop). The gross farm value represents 60 percent of the value of the sugar and 50 percent of the value of molasses produced. The remaining percentages are for processing and marketing, which amounted to $443.1 million. Therefore, the total value of the 2011 sugarcane crop to Louisiana producers, processors and landlords at the first processing level actually was $1.1 billion, an increase of 28 percent when compared to the 2010 crop. Sugarcane continues to rank first in value among the state’s row crops.

Cane yield for the 2011 crop was similar to the 2010 crop. Lower tonnage likely was the result of lingering damage from the wet harvest of 2009 followed by an extremely dry growing season in 2011. Tropical Storm Lee came ashore on Labor Day weekend and provided timely rain, although the crop lodged as a result. As an offset to lower tonnage, recoverable sugar per ton of cane was excellent. Conditions after the storm were dry, which allowed for planting to be completed and ripener applications to continue. High sugar per ton of cane partially offset the lower cane yield. The yield of sugar per acre was the fourth best in the history of the Louisiana industry and well within a five-year average for the state.

Sugarcane acreage in Louisiana for 2011 was lower than the acreage reported in 2010. Production acreage continues to be lost to urban encroachment, but the main factor contributing to lower overall acreage was a higher number of acres being planted within the crop cycle. With higher sugar prices, more acres were planted in the northern part of the sugarcane area (Avoyelles, Rapides and Pointe Coupee parishes).

The 2011 sugarcane variety census showed Louisiana producers continued to rely primarily on HoCP 96-540, which was grown on 43 percent of the production acres. It was followed by L 99-226 (19.4 percent), L 99- 233 (11.3 percent), L 01-283 (8.2 percent), L 97-128 (6.1 percent), HoCP 00-950 (5.9 percent) and L 01-299 (2.6 percent). Acreage devoted to LCP 85-384, Ho 95-988 and L 97-128 continued to decrease. L 03-371 and HoCP 04-838 were released in 2010 and 2011, respectively, and currently are being increased on most farms.

Weather records indicated temperatures across the sugarcane belt were above average for 2011. This is not unusual during a dry year. The lack of timely rain in many areas of the industry’s growing area was the main story for the 2011 crop year. Most of the sugarcane-growing region was in drought as early as February. Many areas did not receive sufficient rainfall until July, and the drought did not end until the arrival of Tropical Storm Lee, which dumped up to 10 inches of rainfall. Planting was approximately 80 percent complete prior to Lee’s landfall, and the majority of newly planted cane is in excellent condition. Weather after Tropical Storm Lee was nearly ideal for natural ripening – clear, sunny days and cool nighttime temperatures. Ripener applications were delayed by the storm but were helpful in boosting sugar content.

Because of new fertilizer recommendations that reduce nitrogen rates by 20 to 30 percent and the high cost of fertilizer, many producers, in general, continued to use less nitrogen in 2011 than was used in past years. Undoubtedly, the lower rates of nitrogen helped to improve the natural maturity of the crop. Producers also applied little to no phosphorus, but more potassium was applied due to slightly lower potash prices and higher sugar prices.

Sugar yield at the beginning of the harvest was low as growers harvested their older stubble crops and heavy clay land first. In a dry year, older stubble crops are more adversely affected than plant-cane and first stubble crops. In addition, sugarcane grown on heavy clay soils is more adversely affected than sugarcane grown on sandier soils. Sugar recoveries were excellent, and very little field soil (mud) and trash were brought to the factories. The crop was lodged as a result of Tropical Storm Lee. The dry weather contributed to lowering both harvesting and processing costs.

The 11 factories processed less tonnage than the 2010 crop, and all factories closed earlier than previous years. The first factory closed on Dec. 15, 2011, and the last factory closed on Dec. 30, 2011. In 2011, the Louisiana sugar industry did not experience any severe or killing freezes.

Sweet Potatoes

Louisiana sweet potato producers harvested a slightly above-average crop during 2011. Average yield for Louisiana in 2011 was 387 bushels per acre. In 2011, land harvested for sweet potatoes, at 13,620 acres, remained stable compared to 2009 and 2010. Louisiana remained fourth in planted acreage in the United States for 2011 – behind North Carolina, Mississippi and California.

In contrast to the 2008 and 2009 production seasons and similar to 2010, Louisiana producers experienced a “good” year in 2011. Sweet potato producers needed another good year to continue recouping the losses experienced in 2008 and 2009 as a result of hurricanes and late-season rain events. Harvested acres for 2011 were estimated to be 13,620 for both fresh and canning markets.

Average to above-average yields were reported by most producers for 2011. Production was much improved and is estimated at 5.3 million bushels. The average FOB price received for the 2011 calendar year was $12.50 for a 40-pound box (about $40 per hundredweight) for U.S. No. 1s. Processors paid an average price of $9-10 per 40-pound box (about $16-22 per hundredweight) for U.S. No. 2s and jumbos in 2011.

Total gross farm value for sweet potatoes for 2011 was estimated at $81.2 million. Total value of sweet potato production, including value added, was $142 million in 2011.

Planting conditions were ideal during the month of May, but some plantings did suffer from dry conditions and excessive heat in early June. Marginal soil moisture and high soil temperatures negatively affected some plantings. In addition, extreme heat and dry conditions plagued many of Louisiana’s production areas throughout the growing season. Producers with irrigation capabilities were largely able to stay on track, although lessthan- average yields were reported in some of the affected areas. Weather conditions during the harvest season were favorable. A portion of the state’s acreage received 10-12 inches of rain in conjunction with Tropical Storm Lee, but the rain actually proved to be a beneficial event in most areas due to extreme drought conditions encountered prior to the storm. Temperatures were mild and field conditions rapidly improved following the rainfall, which resulted in minimal issues related to rot or breakdown of roots.

In-season insect pressure was light overall during 2011. In addition, there were fewer reports of sugarcane beetle damage in 2011. Many producers adjusted their insect control programs following the 2010 season, when several producers realized excessive losses from this insect. Production and packing costs were estimated to be $3,000 to $3,500 per acre.

A year-round market has developed in recent years, and producers, shippers and brokers are interested in maintaining a year-round supply to meet their buyers’ needs. In addition to the fresh market demand, there also has been an increase in processed, consumer-friendly sweet potato products in recent years, such as sweet potato fries, canned sweet potatoes and sweet potato chips and cookies. Growth in value-added use and markets for producers is expected to result in acreage increases in Louisiana and across the southeastern United States during the coming years.

Vegetables, Commercial

The Louisiana vegetable industry continues to be incredibly diverse. In 2011, nearly 3,400 growers harvested and sold 33 different vegetables crops grown on 10,718 acres for a gross farm value of $61.6 million. The majority of the vegetable crops grown in Louisiana were sold by direct marketing at farmers markets and roadside stands. Direct marketing offered producers opportunities to sell at a retail price – but with some handling and marketing risk. The development of more than 40 farmers markets in Louisiana has greatly enhanced the marketing and value of vegetable crops harvested and sold by Louisiana producers. The remainders of the vegetable crops are delivered to grocery store warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit and vegetable stands.

Louisiana MarketMaker, a free online marketing program administered by the LSU AgCenter, has added opportunities to market Louisiana produce to brokers, buyers, grocery stores, restaurants and consumers throughout the region. Accessing these markets via the Louisiana MarketMaker website allows producers to potentially increase revenue from markets where their access traditionally was limited. Information on the Louisiana MarketMaker program is found at: http://la.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/

Watermelons constituted a quarter of the acreage devoted to vegetable production in Louisiana. Most of the watermelons grown in the state were sold to peddlers, and only a small percentage was sold to the wholesale markets. Gross farm value of watermelon production for 2011 was $8.5 million.

The top five crops in terms of farm-gate value of production in Louisiana during 2011 were tomatoes (467 acres) at $12.4 million, watermelons (2,495 acres) at $8.5 million, cabbage (211 acres) at $5.2 million, peppers (229 acres) at $4.7 million, and cucumbers (194 acres) at $4.1 million. During 2011, Tangipahoa Parish and Iberia Parish were the leading producers of vegetable crops in the state with gross farm values of $7.2 million and $10.2 respectively. The leading crops in these parishes were tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and cucumbers.

The gross farm value of all commercial vegetable sales in the state was $61.6 million during 2011. Combined with value added of $92.3 million, the total value of Louisiana commercial vegetable production for 2011 was $153.9 million.

Wheat

Wheat was harvested from 208,315 acres by 555 producers during 2011 (which was 92 percent higher than the 108,249 acres harvested in 2010). The higher prices received for wheat during 2011 compared to 2010 were the primary factor in this large increase in wheat acreage planted and harvested in Louisiana.

During 2011, yields for wheat averaged 64 bushels per acre, which was 16 percent higher than the average yield reported in 2010. Total production was 13.4 million bushels, which was more than twice the production of 6 million bushels harvested in 2010.

The gross farm value of the 2011 Louisiana wheat crop was $92.6 million, which was significantly higher than the 2010 crop valued at $23.2 million. This large increase in gross farm value of the wheat crop was due to both significantly higher prices received for wheat and the increased wheat acreage and production. Value added for wheat production was $16.2 million, which resulted in a total value of production for Louisiana wheat of about $108.8 million for 2011.