Northeast Louisiana's economy depends on the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station, which is located on some of Louisiana’s richest soil near the Mississippi River near St. Joseph. The station serves as a hub of agricultural knowledge for the region, which is agriculture-based. Farmers seek advice on how to grow cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum and rice. Scientists conduct research on variety development, conservation tillage, integrated pest management, weed control, irrigation, disease prevention and precision agriculture. Their research helps keep the land productive while protecting and preserving the environment.