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The focus of the fall 2006 issue is feed grains, which include corn, grain sorghum (milo), wheat and oats. Corn is the most widely grown of the feed grains in Louisiana, but the others have become increasingly valuable to the economy. 36 pages. Vol. 49, No. 4.
PDF of Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Summer 2006
Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Spring 2006.pdf
Damage to Louisiana’s cattle industry from hurricanes Katrina and Rita was about $44 million. Three of the articles in this issue concern the cattle industry. One article gives an overview of the preliminary results of a long-term look at stocking rates. Another examines improvement in calf productivity. The LSU AgCenter’s new Master Cattle Producer program helps the industry become more efficient and profitable. Vol. 49, No. 1
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.
Though Doyle Chambers died Sept. 5, 2005, in Baton Rouge, his contributions to the LSU AgCenter, research and Louisiana agriculture will live forever.
Seventeen graduates of the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program participated in an 11-day agricultural study tour of China.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and their aftermath created a flood of questions for LSU AgCenter agents about mold, particularly in New Orleans, where homes and buildings sat in water and intense heat for several weeks.
In their quest for finding new therapies for treating cancers, researchers in the LSU AgCenter and the LSU Health Sciences Center have found several natural compounds that can reduce tumor development by inhibiting angiogenesis. One of the latest is an extract from the black raspberry.
Before Command herbicide was labeled for sweet potato production, Louisiana sweet potato growers faced numerous weeds such as annual grasses, cocklebur, morningglory and prickly sida.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not interfere with the LSU AgCenter’s efforts to control Formosan termites in New Orleans. Known as the French Quarter Program, the federally funded pilot test began in 1998.
The Formosan termite is a devastating pest that consumes wooden structures and woody plants and causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage each year. The LSU AgCenter is making progress slowing its spread in the New Orleans French Quarter, despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
To determine the effectiveness of short-duration, rotational grazing systems for cattle in South Louisiana, a three-year study (Phase 1 of a six-year project), designed to evaluate pasture stocking methods and rates, was initiated in the spring of 1999 at the Iberia Research Station near Jeanerette.
Rice diseases pose a major threat to rice production. The two major diseases, sheath blight and blast, cause significant yield and quality reductions that cost farmers millions of dollars each year.
LSU AgCenter weed scientists began working with Grasp in 2003, but it wasn’t until 2004 that in-depth research could be conducted because of limited product availability.
Plant breeding is a long-term investment in agriculture’s future. The science of plant breeding has evolved considerably in the past 20 years with the development of techniques such as marker assisted selection and genetic transformation. Yet, even with these improvements,plant breeding is dependent on developing large numbers of breeding lines and testing those breeding lines across multiple environments.
Over the past 20 years, the feed grain industry in Louisiana has generated an average farm gate value of roughly $136 million per year.
To help continue the supply of new small-grain varieties in the South, a regional cooperative was established among five universities in 2005. Called SUNGRAINS (Southeastern UNiversity GRAINS), the cooperative’s mission is to more efficiently develop wheat, oat, rye and barley varieties for growers and seed producers.
Aflatoxin is perhaps the major production concern for Louisiana corn growers. LSU AgCenter researchers are taking three approaches to help control aflatoxin.
The recent outbreak of foodborne illness traced to fresh spinach should serve as a reminder for taking food safety measures every day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
On-farm demonstrations are nothing new to the LSU AgCenter, and in 2002, a variety/hybrid-based program specifically focusing on soybean, corn and grain sorghum was initiated.
The feed grains are a diverse group of crops, each with a unique set of problems, challenges and opportunities. Feed grains in Louisiana include corn, grain sorghum (milo), wheat and oats.
The recent outbreak of foodborne illness traced to fresh spinach should serve as a reminder for taking food safety measures every day, according toLSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
Weed management in wheat is usually relatively simple compared to other agronomic crops, but it does require planning. The most important aspect of managing weeds in wheat is establishing a good stand before weeds emerge.
These atrticles appear in the fall 2006 issue of the Louisiana magazine.
Most producers recognize the importance of managing weeds in corn and grain sorghum and do an excellent job with the tools available. The main weakness in many weed management programs is the lack of early season weed control, which can be critical to maximizing yield.
The LSU AgCenter small-grain breeding program was initiated in 1985 when research priorities shifted from variety testing and production practices to genetics and variety development.
The following six articles appeared in the fall 2006 issue of Louisiana Agriculture in "What's New?"
The 2007 LSU AgCenter “Get It Growing” calendar is now available for purchase either online (go to www.lsuagcenter.com) or by calling (225) 578-4161.
The 2007 LSU AgCenter “Get It Growing” calendar is now available.
Three more scientists, including the first woman, have been inducted into the LSU AgCenter’s Patent Club, an elite group that now includes 46 researchers that have received patents or plant variety protection certificates.
Choosing varieties for production is among the most important decisions farmers make each season. For maximum profit, producers must select adapted varieties that will perform well in their farm environments.
At a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 4, Gov. Kathleen Blanco, center, signed a proclamation honoring National 4-H Week – Oct. 1-7.
At a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 4, Gov. Kathleen Blanco, center, signeda proclamation honoring National 4-H Week
Louisiana farmers will plant alot more wheat this year than last.At least that’s what LSU AgCenterexperts predict – provided the weathercooperates in October and November.
Louisiana farmers will plant alot more wheat this year than last.At least that’s what LSU AgCenterexperts predict – provided the weathercooperates in October and November.
Zinc deficiencies in corn appear to be increasing with sometimes severe effects on yield. The increase may be due to declining soil organic matter, where a little decrease can significantly affect micro-nutrient availability.
LSU AgCenter researchers have found resistance in corn borers to commercial Bt corn. The resistance detected in the sugarcane borer is the first major resistance to Bt corn in any corn borer species.
Fall 2006
Historically in Louisiana, producers will double-crop 95 percent of all wheat acreage with soybeans, so proper management of wheat stubble is critical in maximizing soybean yields.
Wheat is a versatile crop that easily fits into several cropping systems. Additionally, harvest and marketing in the late spring provide producers much needed cash flow to support summer farming activities.
Since 1999, stripe rust has emerged as the predominant disease of wheat in Louisiana. Losses from stripe rust escalated from zero in 1999 to 5 percent in 2005. LSU AgCenter scientists are focusing on ways to control this disease.
Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.
Louisiana grain sorghum fields are threatened by a group on insects that includes the corn earworm, fall armyworm and sorghum webworm.
The sugarcane beetle is a sporadic pest of several crops including field corn, sugarcane and sweet potatoes across many southern states. Only the adult stage of these beetles is reported to cause crop injury.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the GulfCoast on August 29, 2005, it disrupted grain transportation on the Mississippi River. More than half the grain exported from the United States passes through the Mississippi River Gulf Grain Transportation and Handling Complex.
The mid-March to early April planting dates required for optimal corn production in Louisiana often result in exposure of seedlings to lower than optimal soil temperatures.
Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.
Louisiana farmers and foresters could find a silver lining in the cloud of rising fuel prices with the development of new fuels from crops they already grow or could grow.
The productivity and composition of wetland forests depend strongly on hydrological conditions. Minor changes in the frequency, duration and seasonality of flooding can favor establishment and growth of entirely separate groups of species.
Timberland owners and managers use statistical models to predict growth and yield of their forests. Quang V. Cao in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources has developed a new predictive model that promises to improve on current ones.
The following eight articles appeared in the spring 2006 issue of Louisiana Agriculture in "What's New?"
Since the late 19th century, the global average temperature of the Earth has increased by 0.7 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The significant global warming has been attributed to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and land use change, which lead to the increase of the concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide.
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.
LSU AgCenter area forestry agent Barry Crain helps youth develop forestry skills during a special 3-hour training event every year before the state 4-H University competition held on the LSU campus in June.
Forests of Louisiana managed for timber production constitute the state’s top agricultural crop, contributing an estimated $4.554 billion to Louisiana’s economy in 2005. Louisiana’s managed forests, which are often loblolly pine plantations, are among the world’s most productive forests at producing timber and fiber.
Regional increases in flooding are likely to reduce the productivity of baldcypress-water tupelo swamps in coastal Louisiana. Although these trees are merchantable for lumber production, it will be important to design appropriate management plans for these sites.
Picture an ideal tree farm with beautifultrees, a stream, some good roads and wildlife.Such a farm exists in the rolling hills of East Feliciana Parish under the watchful ownership of Linda Carruth.
The 1,200-acre Lee Memorial Forest in Washington Parish serves as an important research and teaching resource for the LSU AgCenter.
LSU AgCenter scientists have been researching remote sensing work with airborne lasers to develop three-dimensional pictures to measure the stand and take inventory of a forest.
What do red-cockaded woodpeckers and gopher tortoises have in common? They are endangered species, and both require a habitat becoming rare inLouisiana and throughout the southern United States. To thrive, they need open pine forests, known as longleaf pine savannahs.
Over the past 300 years, tens of thousands of animal and plant species have been introduced in the United States. A small number have proved invasive.
Water quality monitoring efforts in Louisiana’s streams focus on the concentrations of sediment, nutrients and other compounds in the water. However, activities within the watersheds of these streams actually play the most critical role in determining stream water quality.
Louisiana is blessed with an abundance of forests and waterways. Miles of rivers, bayous and lakes provide Louisiana’s citizens with fishing, hunting, boating and recreational opportunities, which contribute to the state’s wealth and economic growth.
Since the release of the first generationof Roundup Ready cotton in 1995, U.S. cotton producers have shown a willingness to adopt this new technology.
Because soybeans are planted earlier in Louisiana, different insect species are becoming problematic. One of most concern is the red-banded stink bug.
Despite its relatively small size compared to many other states, Louisiana produces a wide and diverse array of agricultural products. Agriculture is big business and a major contributor to the state and many local economies. Sales of agricultural products provide income to thousands of farm families across the state.
With weeds being a major pest in production agriculture, most growers have come to rely on herbicides to prevent negative effects on yield. Producers may choose from many herbicides, depending on the crop they are growing and the weed species affecting the crop.
Roundup Ready cropping systems, which feature plant varieties genetically enhanced to withstand application of glyphosate herbicide with minimal to no adverse effect on the crop, have proven to be effective and cost-efficient for managing weeds in cotton and soybean.
For more than 10 years, rice producers in southwestern Louisiana have occasionally encountered a mysterious disorder in their crops. LSU AgCenter researchers have methodically worked to unravel the "mystery" and help farmers deal with this problem.
Perennial weeds such as alligatorweed and redvine are becoming more difficult to control as producers adopt conservation tillage practices.
Nearly 200 farmers and other agricultural industry representatives attended the annual field day at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph, La., on June 14, 2006. The half-day program featured stops at 10 field locations where LSU AgCenter scientists explained their research with row crops.
In 2005, Louisiana producers harvested more than 16,000 acres of sweet potatoes with a total value exceeding $90 million. Research suggests that the majority of yield loss in the Beauregard sweet potato is caused by weed interference during the first two to eight weeks after transplant.
Crawfish yields for the 2005-2006 production season were abnormallylow. This is especially true for those using the production strategy of culturing crawfish following rice in a field rotation. Prolonged summer drought when crawfish are confined to burrows, where they reproduce, can hamper reproduction if residual water within the burrows is lacking.
On April 25, 2006, the LSU AgCenter released two new sugarcane varieties, L 99-226 and L 99-233, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service Sugarcane Research Laboratory in Houma and the American Sugar Cane League.
What is leadership? For many people, it is a difficult concept to understand because it is intangible. Even if most people would find it difficult to define leadership, they are likely to know a good leader when they see one.
The Hammond Research Station, just outside Hammond, La., has been undergoing a transformation to provide more research and education for the green service industry.
Katrina and Rita – names that will live forever – remain a part of the South Louisiana dialog and a pair of storms that will undoubtedly reshape the way Louisiana residents think about tropicalweather. Virtually every aspect of community and business life across the Bayou State continues to display a direct effect from these catastrophes, and their signatures of destruction remain plainly evident in the agriculture and forestry sectors as well.
“I’ve never won anything in my life,” cried Tasha Miller, upon hearing that she’d won a new car worth $25,000.But her day had come. Miller, a 4-H volunteer from New Orleans who lost her home in Hurricane Katrina, won a 2006 Toyota Prius hybrid from NBA star Amare Stoudemire.
The development of Clearfield rice, which is tolerant to imidazolinone herbicides, is the most important advance in rice weed management in recent years.
The salt water pushed ashore into the rice fields of Southwest Louisiana by Hurricane Rita may weaken the surge of the South American rice leaf miner – or it may not.
Sugarcane is one of the leading row crops contributing to the Louisiana economy. A new variety, L 97-128, released by the LSU AgCenter in 2004, provides an alternative to the popular LCP 85-384, which is the predominant variety in the state.
In its first year, the Master Cattle Producer program has attracted a wide spectrum of participants, from the seasoned to the greenhorn.
A large segment of the beef cattle industry is adopting expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a valuable selection tool in improving calf productivity.
Athough it is uncommon in most homes, toxic mold, also known as black mold, has become a major issue for some home builders and homeowners in the United States. The effects have run the gamut from disposal to litigation.
The following news articles appeared in the winter 2006 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.
Gerald Roberts, an LSU AgCenter and Southern University county agent in St. Landry Parish, said being chosen as the 2005 “Mr. Yam” punctuates his 29-year career of service to Louisiana sweet potato growers.
South Louisiana rice fields contaminated with salt from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge have shown some improvements, although not as much as expected, and salinity levels actually have increased in some sugarcane fields.
Crawfish farmer Carl Kincaid of Port Barre said he’s never seen a year like this. His crawfish crop on 30 acres isn’t even a third of last year’s catch. He hopes his crawfish may just be late in developing and that he will see an improvement.
