An accounting of the value of agriculture in Louisiana. Agents and specialists of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, as well as other agencies - both private and public - compile this information. It focuses on the animal, forestry, fisheries, plant and wildlife commodities that comprise our vital agricultural industry. This industry continues to contribute significantly to the state's economy with the potential for increased impacts through value-added processing.

A description of how biomass is being used for energy in Louisiana with an emphasis on the potential for expansion in the industry. (Revised 11/06)

Over-indebtedness can lead to stress, family problems, repossessed property, garnished wages, and even bankruptcies. However, options exist to help families manage financial challenges when bills pile up and families are unable to manage them.

Almost 70% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck, courting disaster if their income is suddenly reduced or stopped. This article offers advice on how to increase savings.

Pet care costs: Cost-to-own is a relevant consideration for pet ownership. Even a free and healthy pet can cost more than $1,000 a year to maintain. Be sure you can afford the ownership costs for the projected life time of the animal you are considering for a pet.

Consumers must be cautious of identity thieves when shopping during the holiday season, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

The excitement and rush of the holiday season often lead people to overextend themselves financially. That means this is the season to exercise caution so you avoid getting caught in the "credit trap".

As food prices skyrocket, and our bank accounts don't, here are some ideas to save money at the grocery store.

Pet care costs become even more of an issue during a recession. Before adding a new pet to your family, assess what you can afford based on annual cost estimates for various types of pets.

Federal incentive payments for low-income workers explained.

Eligible working families and individuals can claim this important federal incentive payment to help them pay down their bills, increase emergency fund savings, and more.

Federal Reserve rate cuts can be good news/bad news scenarios for consumers. Find out how a rate change will impact you.

The October 6, 2009, edition of the Louisiana Food and Fiber Monitor. This newsletter describes the current production and marketing environments facing the agriculture and forestry sectors. "Producers continue to be busy with harvest. For somecrops, producers are putting the finishing touches onthe 2009 year while for others; harvest has juststarted or is in the heart of the harvest season."

The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided.

Times are tough, and gold prices are high. People are looking for ways to raise extra cash. It is important to comparison shop to avoid gold buying rip-offs.

Louisiana submitted the most stories – 104 – to a national extension Web site called Managing in Tough Times.

There are lots of ways you can stretch your food dollar. You can save by packing your own lunch, eating out less, and by bringing snacks, coffee or soft drinks from home. There are ways to save on groceries too.

According to the FTC, more than 8 million people were identity theft victims in 2006 and 2007. There is a global black market for stolen identities. Your Social Security number is the key to credit and banking accounts and the main target of criminals. How do you protect yourself?

Latest newsletter that describes the current production and marketing environment facing Louisiana's agricultural and forestry sectors.

The cotton industry in Louisiana has seen major structural changes in a short time. Total cotton production was reduced by almost 75 percent between 2005 and 2008. This article explores the future of the cotton industry.

Many people feel fortunate that they managed to hold onto their jobs this year, but few were fortunate enough to see a pay increase. Some who work hourly or on commission are actually seeing a decrease in their pay check, which leaves many families trying to figure out how to live on less.

This four-page publication presents strategies to help individuals and families experiencing low or reduced incomes manage spending to maintain a quality lifestyle.

You may have talked to your soon-to-be college student about drugs, but have you talked about the importance of avoiding debt?

The August 12, 2009, version of the Louisiana Food and Fiber Industry Monitor. This newsletter provides a brief glimpse of the current production and marketing environment facing the agriculture and forestry sectors.

When you do not have enough money to cover your family's basic living expenses, you must make difficult financial decisions. Learn strategies to determine which bills to pay and how to work with creditors.

Learn money-saving tips to help you stretch your dollars. Topics discussed include housing, heating and cooling, electricity, telephone, food, transportation, clothing, medical and recreation.

Latest edition of the Food and Fiber Industry Monitor newsletter that describes the current production and marketing environment facing agriculture and forestry.

Marriage is a financial partnership. Divorce means more than separating a family physically. It also means separating a family financially. Suggestions for preparing for financial separation, dividing property, dealing with debt and dividing assets and property are included.

There are lots of ways you can stretch your food dollar and save money on groceries. Here are tips to help you save with planning, shopping and preparation.

It is important to comparative shop for the best deal for your family's education dollar. Here are some considerations to help you reduce the cost of your child's college education.

You can teach your children about money managment. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a good money manager, you can begin to teach your children and learn more yourself in the process. There is no better way to learn something than by having to teach it, especially to your children. You can start small and keep it easy.

Children develop attitudes about money at an early age. As a parent, you can influence what your child learns about how money works. Here are tips to help you teach your preschooler about your family's values.

This newsletter provides a brief description of the production and marketing environment facing Louisiana agriculture. This is the July 2, 2009, edition

These are newsletters describing two programs offered through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to provide assistance to producers and agribusinesses that were impacted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. In addition to the newsletters, Excel-based spreadsheets provide a format for producers to estimate their 2008 damages as well as provide the required program forms.

Some of the practical and performable routine maintenance tasks that vehicle owners can do themselves to save money.

The LSU AgCenter offers a computer debt-reduction analysis called "PowerPay" that will calculate the fastest way to repay your creditors while paying the least amount of interest.

Being frugal is important for managing in tough t.imes, and going "green" with resource conservation can also help the bottom line in your budget.

This is a newsletter that describes the current production and marketing environments facing the food and fiber sector. Date prepared: June 16, 2009

Newsletter summarizing the current production and marketing environments facing Louisiana's agricultural industry.

This version of the agricultural policy update newsletter provides information on parishes in the state that have been declared disaster areas by USDA, information on USDA Rural Development's Renewable Energey and Energy Efficiency Programs, and information on the Louisiana Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Competitiveness Program.

This fact sheet breaks down the poverty rates by parish and population density. It includes a map of the areas of persistent poverty in Louisiana.

Money values can cause conflict in relationships. Financial issues are among the leading causes of divorce. Stress and health problems can be cause by worry over money. We learn our money values from many sources. What does money mean to you? Test yourself now.

Spring is full of gift-giving opportunities, but the kinds of gifts have changed for many people.

Financial Survival Tips for the Recession

This file provides a summary of the current production and marketing ennvironments for agriculture and foresty in Louisiana

This document provides an update on several programs and actions taken by the USDA.

This document describes the 2009 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. It provides details on how payments are calculated as well as eligibility requirements and payment limits.

How much money will you need to retire comfortably? The answer depends on your lifestyle expectations and goals. Other factors to consider include the age at which you plan to retire, your life expectancy, the amount and type of employer benefits (if any) and the amount and growth rate of your savings and investments.

Account verification companies keep track of overdrafts and account closures for banks and credit unions. If you believe there are errors on your record, disputes can be filed with the companies.

Saving money at the gas pump and while driving your car. Some intersting tips for everyone who drives.

This newsletter describes a new program to be offered by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Foresty that will provide assistance to producers and agribusinesses that were impacted from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

With an ever-changing production and marketing environment, agricultural producers frequently face difficult decisions. This publication provides Louisiana’s producers with a view of the potential marketing and production environments they are likely to face, so they can use that information while making farm management and production plans.

A number of tax benefits are available to volunteers. Donors and volunteers can deduct out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the services given to a charitable organization if they itemize deductions on their tax returns.

People are filing their 2008 income tax returns earlier this year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Early filing statistics also show that the average individual refund is up. Reasons for larger refunds may include benefits from tax breaks such as the first-time homebuyer credit. If you haven’t filed yet, there is still time.

This article provides a description of the trends in crop insurance used by Louisiana agriculture producers.

This report contains estimates of production costs and returns and direct expenses for 20 vegetable crops and 35 production situations.

Do you know how much money you need to save for retirement? According to the 2005 Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS), only about four in 10 workers surveyed have tried to determine how much they will need to save for a comfortable retirement.

2008 Issue: Agriculture is a multibillion dollar industry for Louisiana -- creating jobs and generating income in rural and urban areas. This publication contains facts about Louisiana's agricultural commodities, agriculture's monetary value, what agriculture is and what agriculture means to you.

The 2009 Projected Sugarcane Farm Costs and Returns Model was developed as a farm planning decision tool for Louisiana sugarcane producers. The model is an Excel spreadsheet which allows sugarcane producers to project sugarcane net returns for the coming year and to evaluate the impact of changes in yields, sugar prices, input prices and other factors on farm returns and breakeven values.

Job interviews can be a challenge for most of us, and finding a job during a recession can be even more challenging than usual. Here are some tips on how to dress to make the best possible first impression when you do get a job interview.

(Distributed 03/16/09) Rising costs to retailers and heavy worldwide demand pushed up the cost of milk for U.S. consumers, but recent events have put dairy farmers in a bind, according to an agricultural economist with the LSU AgCenter.

Some helpful tips from the experts to help you get through the recession.

The economic downturn affects agriculture just as it does the rest of the economy. LSU AgCenter economists offer their predictions for Louisiana agriculture in 2009.

The report presents cost estimates for sugarcane production in Louisiana for the 2007 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugarcane production including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble crop operations and harvest. Whole farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second, third and fourth stubble (ratoon) crops.

This report presents estiamtes of projected 2008 production costs associated with the production of beef cattle, dairy cattle and forage crops in Louisiana.

This report presents estimates of projected costs of producing crawfish in Louisiana for the 2008 season.

(Radio News 02/16/09) The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has reached a record high, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you haven’t lost your job yet, but are suspecting a layoff could be possible, don’t wait for it to happen before acting. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tuckers says to start putting money into an emergency fund if you haven't done so already. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) Dozens of big businesses recently announced massive layoffs, and jobs are being cut at an alarming rate. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says surviving a layoff is tough and that most people will go through a grieving process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

This report presents estimates of projected costs for crawfish and catfish production in Louisiana for 2007.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for crawfish and catfish production in Louisiana for 2006.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for beef cattle, dairy and forage-crop production in Louisiana for 2007.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for the production of cotton, soybeans, corn, grain sorghum and wheat in the Red River and central areas of Louisiana for the 2009 crop year.

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing financial pain during these tough times. The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has reached a record number, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Dozens of big businesses have announced massive layoffs. Some workers are keeping their jobs but finding their salaries cut. Retirees watch while their nest eggs dwindle in value.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for the production of cotton, soybeans, corn, grain sorghum and wheat in Northeast Louisiana for the 2009 crop year.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for beef cattle production, dairy production and forage crop production for the 2006 crop year.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for rice production in Louisiana for the 2009 crop year. Cost estimates are included for typical rice production systems, including conventional tillage, stale seedbed, production in rotation and fallow, as well as production of conventional and herbicide-resistant varieties. Production cost estimates are also included for soybeans, wheat and sorghum production in southwest Louisiana.

This report presents projected cost estimates for sugarcane production in Louisiana for the 2009 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugacane production including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble-crop operations and harvest. Whole-farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second, third and fourth stubble (ratoon) crops.

2008 had many ups and downs for Louisiana farmers. The outlook was good as the New Year started, but economic and weather conditions didn’t remain favorable. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry looks back at 2008 and ahead to 2009.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for the production of cotton, soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in Northeast Louisiana for the 2008 crop year.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for the production of cotton, soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the Red River area of Louisiana for the 2008 crop year.

The Enterprise Budget and Breakeven Analysis Calculator is a Excel Spreadsheet that allows users to develop enterprise budgets for a variety of agricultural commodities. The calculator utilizes LSU AgCenter Enterprise Budgets as a basis for making projections regarding production costs but also allows users to provide thier own costs and projections to develop customized budgets. In addition, the calculator will conduct breakeven analysis and determine projected per acre returns.

Preparing for retirement and potential long-term care costs takes planning, saving and debt control.

The nation’s financial crisis is casting a shadow on Christmas. Unemployment rates are high, and budgets are tight. The financial uncertainty has many people cutting back this holiday season. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker recommends approaching spending this season the way one should every year – with a plan and a budget, even if that budget is smaller this year.

Many consumers are under the impression that federal legislation allows them to learn their credit scores. This is one of the myths circulating among the public about obtaining credit histories, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 09/05/08) Louisiana agricultural producers who suffered crop damage from Hurricane Gustav need crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance coverage to be eligible to participate in federal disaster assistance programs, according to LSU AgCenter agricultural economist Kurt Guidry.

Recent hurricanes may have obliterated your house, your job and likely even the property values in your area – leaving you with the feeling that the only things still intact are your mortgage and other debts.

The report includes enterprise production cost budgets for the following container-grown ornamental crops in plant hardiness zones 8 and 9: indica azalea, crape myrtle, liriope, southern live oak, lantana and fig.

If your bills are piling up, you can't make all of your payments on time and you're thinking about paying one credit card balance with a cash advance from another, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it's time to organize your credit payments and develop a plan for reducing your bills.

Forestry, crops, animals, fisheries and other enterprises based in agriculture and natural resources add up to multibillion-dollar industries for the state of Louisiana. This handy pocket-sized publication provides details on Louisiana agriculture and natural resources, records set in 2008, the number of farms and farmers and much more.

Independent spending decisions quickly become an everyday routine for college students, but that independence assumes a financial freedom that most young adults are not prepared to handle, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.”

(Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score.

(Distributed 1/4/08) Soybean producers and agribusiness personnel will gather on Jan. 17 near Alexandria to discuss the latest developments in technology for growing soybeans profitably.

(Distributed 01/18/08) A risk management workshop for green industry professionals will be held on Monday, Feb. 11 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond.

This report presents projected cost estimates for sugacane production in Louisiana for the 2008 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugarcane production, including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble crop operations and harvest. Whole-farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second, third and fourth stubble (ratoon) crops.

This report presents estimates of production costs for rice production in Louisiana for the 2008 crop year. Costs estimates are included for typical rice production systems, including conventional tillage, stale seedbed, production in rotation and fallow, as well as production of conventional and herbicide-resistant varieties. Production cost estimates are also included for soybeans, wheat and sorghum in Southwest Louisiana.

The focus of this issue is the nonruminant farm animal, which includes chickens, horses and pigs. The nonruminant animal has an uncomplicated or simple stomach as compared to the ruminant animal, which has a stomach with four compartments (cattle, sheep and goats). The nonruminant also is referred to as a monogastric.

According to A.G. Edwards 2006 Nest Egg Index rankings, Louisiana residents do not save well in comparison to the rest of the nation. Louisiana is ranked 49th among the states, ranked higher only than Mississippi.

Within a month, hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged about 4.4 billion board feet (3.0 billion by Katrina and 1.4 billion by Rita) of sawtimber inventory in Louisiana.

Credit card use has grown dramatically among college students. This has generated concern that these students are overextended and unaware of the long-term consequences associated with severe indebtedness.

(Distributed 7/11/03) Moving away from home for the first time is a pivotal moment in life. It is one of the rights of passage from youth to adulthood, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 7/11/03) Financing a college education is often a partnership involving the student, family, school and lending agency. LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages college students to find out each partner’s responsibility.

(Distributed 7/11/03) Education is valuable throughout your life, and the achievements you make today can determine the salaries you earn over a lifetime.

Individuals who lost work due to recent hurricanes may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

You may just think of them as delicious treats, but some of Louisiana’s traditional favorites for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners also contribute handily to the state’s economy.

Supervisors and line leaders at a poultry plant in Farmervillie are learning about "workplace ethics."