LSU AgCenter scientists at the Iberia Research Station conduct research on sugarcane, cattle, and row crops. Scientists also study energy cane, a variety of sugarcane developed to produce biomass that can be turned into fuel for the emerging biofuel market. The 1,137-acre station in Iberia Parish has 900 acres of summer perennial pasture and hay meadows, a 200-head feedlot, and 150 acres devoted to research with agronomic crops. The cattle research includes studies of crossbreeding cattle to evaluate the suitability of tropically adapted breeds to Louisiana, resistance to internal parasites and efficient use of nutrients. Scientists also conduct studies on forage-fed beef, which is becoming more popular.
