Most of the rice kernels from this field in Evangeline Parish have been stripped from the panicle as a result of high winds brought by Hurricane Gustav. (Photo by Bruce Schultz)

Before Hurricane Gustav, the Louisiana rice crop was looking to be one of the best ever – although input costs also were the highest farmers had seen. Current LSU AgCenter estimates show about $33.6 million in damage across the state (about 9 percent of the anticipated annual production value). The South Louisiana harvest was nearly complete when Hurricane Gustav made landfall, so that limited widespread damage in the area. But only a small percentage of the crop had been harvested in North Louisiana. The storm is expected to cause some yield loss due to lodged rice and grain being blown from the seed head, but the biggest issue related to damage was flooding. The longer rice remains under water at this point the larger the quantity and quality losses are likely to be. Farmers also will face even more hurdles related to increased production costs resulting from decreased harvest efficiency and performance, increased land preparation since much of the rice will be harvested in extremely wet conditions causing higher than normal land disruption and increased costs associated with operating generators to maintain rice drying and storing facilities. Fortunately, at this time, however, the second crop rice is not expected to be affected by Hurricane Gustav.