In the 1950s, farmers in northeast Louisiana saw a need for research conducted under the drought-prone soil conditions of an area just west of the Mississippi River Delta called the Macon Ridge. Thus, the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station, which occupies 815 acres near Winnsboro, was established. Research at this station focuses on row crop production and forages. Overarching goals are to continually develop/refine integrated pest management strategies for insects, diseases, and weeds. Additionally, research is conducted in variety development/selection, fertility, tillage, crop rotation, irrigation, and cover crops to develop best management practices for farmers. Agriculture is the primary industry in the area, and projects are designed to develop solutions for farmers in the area allowing them to remain profitable.
