Many producers do not understand that shrink is a weak link in marketing cattle. Cattle producers spend a great deal of time and energy to make their cattle gain weight and weigh as much as possible. Then, when they pen, process and transport their cattle for market, the cattle lose weight. An increase in knowledge about shrink and the factors that affect it is critical to maximizing profits.

Based on the information known at the time of the storm, and given the historical value of these industries to the state, the AgCenter was able to provide preliminary estimates on losses of revenue due to production losses.

Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only)

This spreadsheet decision tool is updated on a monthly basis with Louisiana cattle prices. It allows producers to see the historical additional revenues by adding weight to cattle over a several-month period. No assumptions about costs of production are made; simply, the historical additional revenues are shown. Historical prices by class of cattle and corresponding seasonal indices are included.

This spreadsheet is designed to assist cow/calf producers with determining the costs associated with developing replacement heifers. The cost associated with developing replacements heifers from one's own herd can then be compared to the costs associated with purchasing replacement females in the open market. A comparison of the expected returns from each strategy is included to help producers understand which alternative may work best for their individual operation.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs and returns for beef cattle and forage crop production in Louisiana for the 2011 crop year.

Cattle, rice, sugarcane, crawfish, wildlife and alligators are among many of Hurricane Rita casualties in southwestern Louisiana.

This document primarily focuses on use of Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) to protect feeder cattle price levels with some discussion of implications for producers who retain ownership of fed cattle. (PDF Format Only)

The country-of-origin labeling of agricultural products at the retail level has become a highly controversial issue, especially at the national level. LSU AgCenter researchers surveyed a sample of Louisiana meat processors, meat wholesalers, specialized meat markets, food stores and restaurants to ascertain their opinions about the mandatory country-of-origin labeling of fresh or frozen beef.

Projected Costs and Returns For Beef Cattle and Associated Forage Crops in Louisiana, 2010

This spreadsheet-based, decision-making tool is based on the annual LSU AgCenter enterprise budgets for beef cattle. The spreadsheet allows producers to alter assumptions and print a projected budget based on their individual operations.

Production agriculture is affected by seasonal production and demand cycles that are influenced by weather conditions as well as biological processes. These supply-and-demand conditions lead to seasonal price patterns. Awareness of seasonal price patterns can improve production and marketing decisions made by producers. (PDF Format Only)

Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) mandates that the majority of livestock commodities be identified by country of origin. This document provides producers with the information they need to be in compliance. (PDF Format Only)

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana cattle producers are excited about the market news that prices recently hit record high prices for fat cattle, feeder cattle and calves.