The harvest of freshwater and marine fish and shellfish in Louisiana continues to contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Fisheries landings are recorded by two government agencies. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) receives monthly reports from the initial buyers (processors, dealers, etc), who are required to record every transaction. Species, weight and dockside sales value of the landings are reported for all commercially harvested species.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is also responsible for estimating fisheries landings, using both regional NMFS data collectors and LDWF reports. The data reported here are from those two cooperating sources.

The freshwater fisheries and marine fisheries data reflect the calendaryear 2007. The one-year lag is necessary to ensure data accuracy. Real-time reports on fisheries landings are not available until four months after the fact, and final statistics are often six to seven months behind. Estimating landings for the second half of the year based on landings reports from the first half is inaccurate. This method of reporting fisheries landings data has been in place since the 2004 Louisiana Summary; data prior to that volume may not be directly comparable to those reported since 2004 as a different estimation method was used.  

One final caveat is that parish totals for fisheries landings will not equal the state total because of legal confidentiality requirements. When there are fewer than three sources in a parish that report landings of a fisheries commodity in that parish, the number of landings cannot be publicly released by LDWF or NMFS without breaking confidentiality requirements. So, there may be parishes reported in this volume for which no landings or values were provided by LDWF or NMFS, but for which there was catch. Furthermore, fisheries landings are reported for the parish in which the fish are offloaded; not the parish in which the boat and its crew may be domiciled or the parish where the catches actually were made.

Freshwater Fisheries 
Freshwater finfish is primarily composed of bowfin, catfish, buffalo, shad, gar and carp and is typically less valuable on a per-pound basis than marine finfish. Total freshwater finfish landings in 2007 decreased in value by 9% from 2006 levels to $4.9 million on 11.6 million pounds sold.

Catfish are the mainstay of the more valuable freshwater species, and price per pound for catfish remained relatively stable. Sales of catfish caught commercially in Louisiana waters was $2.4 million in 2007.

Most wild crawfish are caught in the Atchafalaya Basin, where water levels fluctuate as inflows are controlled at about one-third of the combined flows of the Mississippi and Red rivers. Although wild crawfish compete in the marketplace with farm-raised crawfish, some consumers prefer the wild product because of its frequently larger size. The volume of the wild crawfish harvest is almost completely constrained by the timing and duration of the annual winter/spring floodwater event in the Atchafalaya Basin. 2007 saw a long crawfish season in the Atchafalaya Basin from prolonged floodwaters. As a result, freshwater crawfish landings were 14.9 million pounds in 2007, up substantially from 1.5 million pounds in 2006 and near the 2005 level of 15.2 million pounds. Wild crawfish sales were $8.5 million in 2007, compared to a dockside value of $1.3 million the previous year.

Marine Fisheries
Marine food finfish landings are varied and complex, with about 80 different species being landed for 9.6 million pounds. In 2007, the top five species landed by value were yellowfin tuna, red snapper, black drum, king mackerel and swordfish. Yellowfin tuna landings in 2007 alone were worth $7.9 million, down from the record of $18.8 million in 1988. Total saltwater food finfish landings, excluding menhaden, were valued at nearly $19.6 million for 2007.

Landings of menhaden, a low-value, but high-volume non-food finfish species, were 790 million pounds in 2007 worth $45.0 million; up significantly from 2005. Menhaden value in 2007 was slightly higher than in 2006, at 5.25 cents per pound. Menhaden oil and meal are sold on the world market for industrial purposes, animal feeds and Omega-3 dietary supplements, among other uses, and the prices received for menhaden products is a function of the world supply of oils and meals, particularly those produced by the fisheries for the anchovetta of the Pacific Coast of South America.

In 2007, 12.8 million pounds of oysters were landed from private reefs and from wild reefs. Value was approximately $3.12 per pound of oyster meat. To calculate prices per sack, assume 7.4 pounds of shucked oyster meat per sack. Gross value of oyster harvested in 2007 was $40.1 million, up from $35.9 million in 2006.

Blue crabs constitute nearly all of the Louisiana crab harvest, with stone crab claws making up less than 0.01%. Landings of hardshell blue crabs landings were 44.6 million pounds (worth $34.3 million). Although this is a decrease in landings from the previous year (when 52.8 million pounds were landed), dockside value increased by 8%. Louisiana hard crab landings normally range from 40 to 50 million pounds.   

Production of softshell crabs (11,902 pounds) and peeler crabs for the shedding business (191,547 pounds) remain low partly because of previous hurricane impacts to shoreside facilities.

Louisiana shrimp landings in 2007 consisted of four species: white shrimp, brown shrimp, seabobs and pink shrimp. White shrimp have historically provided 50-60% of the harvest by weight and around 70% by value; and in 2007 contributed 58% (63.4 million pounds) of total weight and 68% ($94.1 million) of total value. In 2007 brown shrimp landings totaled 44.8 million pounds with a value of $43.3 million dockside. The weightedaverage price for shrimp was $1.26 in 2007, up from $1.07 in 2006, and comparable to the 2005 level. Overall landings of 109.5 million pounds were down from 135 million pounds in 2006. Shrimp landed in Louisiana had a gross value of $138.1 million in 2007, down from $144.7 million in 2006. Extensive damage to the shrimp fleet and infrastructure from the hurricanes of 2005 continued to affect both landings and prices in 2007.

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The 2007-2008 harvest of fur animal pelts had a gross farm value of $0.21 million. This amount is represented by fur production only and excludes any value associated with meat production, predominately from raccoon and nutria carcasses. Value-added components raised the total value of furs sold in Louisiana during the 2007-2008 trapping season to $0.26 million.

Animals pelted and sold totaled 46,575, which represented an increase of almost 28,000 pelts over last year. Mink pelts were down slightly from last year (581 in 2007, compared to 530 in 2008) while muskrat pelts were down significantly (from 2,234 in 2007 to 218 in 2008). Every other furbearer showed increases over last year’s harvest. The biggest gains were in raccoon pelts (6,204 in 2007, compared to 11,956 in 2008) and nutria pelts (from 4,613 in 2007 to 27,033 in 2008). Pelt prices varied from lows of 81 cents for opossum to highs of $28.60 for bobcats. Average gross farm value of individual pelts, regardless of species, was $4.60 in 2007-2008.   

Nutria accounted for the greatest number of furs taken (58%), with the remaining fur production coming from raccoon, muskrat, mink, opossum, river otter, red fox, grey fox, bobcat, beaver and coyote. Nutria removals in the state associated with the coast-wide nutria control program (CNCP) accounted for 308,212 animals being taken. This number is slightly lower than that recorded in 2007 for the same purpose. The incentive payment for these removals was $5 each. Nutria removed for the $5 incentive payment under CNCP, along with the gross dollar value of all other animals pelted, totaled $1.75 million.

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Honey production was up 10% above 2007 levels, to 2.3 million pounds collected in 2008. Early rains and a warm spring were conducive to honey production. A few isolated areas of the state were dry, and honey production was low in those areas. Colony registration showed an increase of 10% in the number of colonies from 2007 to 2008. This increase is attributable to the recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Although a few hives were lost during Hurricane Gustov, there is a strong upward trend in colony numbers. Weather conditions were erratic at times in 2008; however, overall conditions were good for beekeepers and their colonies. Honey prices increased over 2007 values; ranging from $1 to $1.25. Local beekeepers increased the marketing of their honey, and several labels can be found in the major supermarket chains around the state. Increased revenue from direct marketing has resulted in increased colony numbers.

Concern remains for the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), but Louisiana has not experienced any consequences from this problem that has devastated many of the migratory beekeepers around the country. CCD is a stress-related problem that magnifies other situations in the hives, and this information is being used to develop approaches to solving this problem. As a result of the severity of CCD nationwide, several Louisiana beekeepers are sending colonies out for pollination. This has become a very lucrative proposition of Louisiana beekeepers as CCD has taken out so many hives across the country. Louisiana has 11, 440 hives headed to California for almond pollination and another 5,000 headed east for fruit pollination. No one beekeeper has enough hives so several have combined colonies to service these agricultural industries.

Beekeepers continue to experience problems with Varroa mites and Small Hive Beetles. These two insect pests are the primary challenges facing the beekeeping industry in Louisiana. Improved management and information provided by the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory in Baton Rouge on traps for the small hive beetle should help to alleviate the pressure from this pest on the colonies. A few traps are on the market that are placed inside the hives. More recent work, however, focuses on traps outside the hive that prevent the problems form developing inside the colonies.   

The wild honeybee population continues to grow. Beekeepers are getting calls and references for colony and swarm removal. Several hundred calls after the last hurricane in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas asked for assistance with removing colonies from trees that had been blown over or from branches ripped off by the winds as well as removal from homes damaged by the storms. The beekeeper list on the Web site continues to have additions and hits to locate beekeepers to remove honeybees.
www.lsuagcenter.com/en/environment/insects/bees_wasps
Gross farm value of honey in Louisiana was $2.5 million in 2008. Value added from cleaning, processing and packaging honey was $0.25 million so that total value of production in 2008 was $2.8 million.

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One measure of the value to hunters and landowners of recreational hunting in the state of Louisiana is expressed through the income derived from hunting lease enterprises. The number of producers who leased land in the state during the 2007-2008 hunting season was 6,474. This figure is represented by 5,086 individuals who leased land for upland game hunting (mainly for deer and turkey) and 1,388 individuals who participated in waterfowl leases. Land leased for upland game totaled 6.1 million acres in 2008 while 1.7 million acres were leased for waterfowl hunting. Gross farm values for these leases were $45.7 million for upland game land and $39.6 million for waterfowl land. Average lease rates were $7.50 per acre for upland leases and $26 per acre for waterfowl leases. Waterfowl leases averaged $15 per acre in the coastal areas of the state and $50 per acre in other areas. Although overall acreage for waterfowl leases was up over last year, some areas of the state that received damage to agricultural fields as a result of Hurricane Gustav experienced lower leased acreages. This was the result of certain manipulations performed on damaged standing crops that rendered fields unlawful for hunting purposes because of the current Federal baiting guidelines. Leasing rates varied greatly throughout the state from lows of $1 to highs to $30 per acre for upland game leases. In all huntinglease enterprises, rates were a function of location, habitat quality and species involved. A high demand for a good hunting lease will often results in higher prices than might otherwise occur. Value-added components raised the total economic impact of hunting leases in the state to $94.7million.

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Land harvested for cotton (292,358 acres) in Louisiana in 2008 was 11% lower than the area harvested in 2007. The primary reason for this was losses caused by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Average yield for the state was lower than in 2007 primarily because of weather damage associated with those two hurricanes. Cotton lint yield on irrigated land was 595 lb per acre compared to the 1,137 lb per acre in 2007; and on non-irrigated land was 483 lb per acre compared with 967 in 2007. The number of producers in 2008 was 596, down from the 962 producers in 2007. Total lint production in 2008 was 316,626 bales, less than one-half of the cotton production in 2007 (634,552 bales). In 2008 there were 95,817 acres of irrigated cotton and 196,541 acres of non-irrigated cotton.

Average value of cotton lint sales was $317 per acre, for a total gross farm value of $92.7 million. Sales of cotton seed contributed an additional $100 per acre in additional gross income, adding a total of $29.3 million to the 2008 gross farm value of the cotton sector. Seed sales were down from $37.4 million in 2007, because of the weather-related decrease in cotton yield. Reduced farm value of cotton in 2008 was caused by two factors: (1) fewer planted acres as farmers shifted cropping systems to corn and soybeans in response to strong prices for those commodities; (2) two hurricanes reduced total harvested acres and severely reduced the yield and quality of remaining acres. Gross farm value of all 2008 cotton sales,including seed, was $122.0 million, significantly lower than the $204.1 million in 2007. Value added from ginning and processing was $12.2 million so that total value of the cotton sector was estimated to be $134.2 million in 2008.

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In 2008, 624,352 acres of feed grains were harvested in Louisiana, down from 978,823 acres in 2007. There were 505,169 acres of corn harvested, the largest acreage of all feed grains. Grain sorghum, with 114,849 acres, was second, and 4,334 acres of oats were harvested in 2008. Area planted and harvested to feed grains was relatively high, by historic standards, primarily because of strong grain prices at planting time. Acreage levels, however, were down from 2007 because of historically high costs for inputs like fertilizer and fuel during much of 2008. Two hurricanes had a major negative impact on yields in certain parishes. Most of the acres not harvested prior to the hurricanes had lower quality, and lodging resulted in some acre not being harvested at all. Gross farm value of all feed grains in Louisiana was $390.8 million, a decrease from last year’s sales of $597.3 million. Value added in 2008 was $58.6 million so that the total value of feed grain production to the state’s economy was estimated to be $449.5 million in 2008.

Corn
The corn was grown on 1,441 farms in 2008, down from 1,558 farms in 2007. The statewide average yield was 139 bushels per acre in 2008, down considerably from last year’s 168 bushels per acre. Planting conditions were good in 2008. Northern and central Louisiana, however, experienced heavy rainfall after two fall hurricanes that adversely affected yields. Severe weather caused lodging in many fields and this resulted in reduced harvest efficiency and added costs. Quality losses and yield losses were also the result of delayed harvest. The normal weed, disease and insect problems also were experienced. Gross value of corn production in 2008 was $334.8 million.

Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum was produced on 399 farms growing 114,849 acres, with an average yield of 59 hundredweight per acre in 2008. The levels were down from the 2007 levels. Excessive rains prior to harvest marred the growing season for many producers. Many acres were left unharvested because extensive water damage and flooding and generally poor field conditions. Gross farm value of sorghum production was $54.9 million in 2008.

Oats
Oat production decreased to 4,334 acres in 2008, down considerably from 8,754 acres harvested in 2007. Oat yields in 2008 were 85 bushels per acres, essentially the same as 2007 yields. Gross farm value of oat production was $1.2 million in 2008.   

The projected Louisiana gross farm value of forest products decreased significantly for the 2008 calendar year, the period this report covers. This marks two consecutive years of significant reductions in the forest products sector of Louisiana’s economy and coincides with the sharp contraction in the national economy that began toward the end of 2007. The 2008 total sawlog harvest decreased by 326 million board feet (29%) to a cut of 970.9 million board feet. The pine sawtimber harvest decreased by 30%, to a total statewide harvest of 833.2 million board feet. The hardwood sawtimber harvest fell to 137.7 million board feet (a 21% decrease) in 2008. Pine chip-n-saw harvested in 2008 totaled 0.8 million cords, a decrease of 10% from 2007 totals. Over the last four years, chip-n-saw harvests have declined over 60%.

The 2008 Louisiana pulpwood harvest was 6.2 million cords, up 0.2 million cords (3%) from the 2007 harvest. Pine pulpwood harvest increased 2%, from 4.8 million cords in 2007 to 4.9 million cords in 2008. Hardwood pulpwood harvest increased by less than 0.1 million cords (7%), from 1.1 million cords in 2007 to 1.2 cords in 2008. This follows a 33% decline in hardwood pulpwood harvest in 2006.

Stumpage prices for the period were mostly lower for sawtimber products and chip-n-saw, and significantly higher for pulpwood products, reflecting increased demand for fiber as fuel wood during the year as fuel prices spiked and peaked. Pine sawtimber stumpage prices were 21% lower in 2008, averaging about $266 per mbf for the year. Oak sawtimber stumpage prices were 2% lower on average around the state in 2008, at approximately $235 per mbf for the reporting period. Statewide average pine pulpwood prices increased by 32% from 2007 levels. Hardwood pulpwood prices were 25% higher on average. The average pine pulpwood price for the year in Louisiana was almost $29 and the average hardwood pulpwood price for the year was almost $28. Chip-n-saw prices decreased 11% again this year, to a statewide average of approximately $46 per cord.

With wood-using industries and commercial timber harvesting activities occurring in all parishes in Louisiana, forestry benefits both urban and rural areas. In 2008, Louisiana’s private forest landowners received an estimated $463.3 million from the sale of forest timber, down 26% from 2007 and down 37% for the last two years combined. Timber harvesting contractors and their employees earned $487.9 million from harvesting the trees and moving wood to mills. This total was down 1% from 2007 levels. This income is recirculated many times throughout the economy. In addition, Christmas tree growers received $1.08 million from the sale of trees, up 11% from the previous year. Louisiana-produced pine straw sales made $27,600 in 2008. Louisiana’s private sector forest tree seedling nurseries produced a crop worth $87,500 in 2008.

The payroll and income derived from money generated by the forestry and wood products industry totaled an estimated $3.2 billion in 2008, a decrease of 14% from 2007 totals. The gross farm income produced by all forestry-related products, such as timber, pine straw and Christmas trees totaled $952.4 million in 2008, down 13% from the $1.1 billion generated in 2007. The value added through further processing and delivery was $2.3 billion, so that the total value of the forestry industry in Louisiana was estimated to be nearly $3.3 billion in 2008.   

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Blueberries 
Blueberries are grown by 88 producers on 295 acres. The primary blueberry growing parishes are De Soto and Washington parishes with 174 acres. Most producers in other parishes sell fresh fruit to local clientele. Gross farm value of blueberries in 2008 was $1.7 million.

Blackberries
Gross farm value of blackberries increased in 2008 by 13% to $0.3 million. The primary reason for increased farm value was a 14% increase in prices received for fruit. There were 107 producers of blackberries in Louisiana in 2008 that produced an average of 2,412 pints of blackberries per acre on 65 acres.

Citrus
The Louisiana citrus industry involves 505 growers in 17 parishes who grow 417 acres of navels, 385 acres of satsumas and 42 acres of other types of citrus, with a gross farm value of $7.5 million. The value of citrus in 2008 was affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Plaquemines Parish is the leading parish with 525 acres of citrus with a gross farm value of $5.0 million. Lafourche produces 100 acres of citrus with sales of $0.6 million.

The majority of the citrus is sold by direct marketing at roadside stands and farmers markets. Peddlers buy citrus on the farms and resale it across the state. Growers delivered citrus to grocery stores warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit stands.

Mayhaws 
The gross farm value for mayhaws decreased 23% to $0.1 million. Orchard mayhaw trees averaged 438 pounds per acre a decrease of 14% on 165 acres. Some of the orchard mayhaw acreage with older trees is starting to produce yields above 2,000 pounds per acre; however, damage from fire blight reduced yield on some trees by more than 50%. The registration of streptomycin for use on mayhaws should reduce the fire blight problem.

Native mayhaw harvest was light in 2008 with 498 acres producing 22,000 pounds with a value of $21,972. Several mayhaw collecting areas were closed or had fruit harvesting restricted.  

Miscellaneous Fruit 
Many miscellaneous fruits are planted as either small commercial plantings or as backyard plantings. These crops include figs, mayhaws, grapes, pears, plums, apples and persimmons. These fruits are planted on approximately 700 acres. Their estimated gross farm value is approximately $0.2 million.

Muscadines 
Muscadine production reporting was divided into fresh fruit production and commercial production. Muscadines are currently grown for fresh fruit on 48 acres by 37 growers. Fruit was usually sold at $5-$12 per gallon with an average of $8. The lower prices were generally used for u-pick muscadines. Production for juice and wine was considered commercial muscadine production. Muscadines grown for wine production is concentrated in East Feliciana Parish. A late freeze killed most of the fruiting bud on vines in the parish that caused a 62% decline in production. Louisiana produced 40 tons of commercial muscadines on 18 acres in 2008. The total gross farm value of muscadines in 2008 was nearly $0.5 million.

Peaches
Gross farm value of peaches in 2008 was $2.2 million. Peaches are currently grown on 371 acres by 43 producers. Chill hours for most varieties were adequate for fruit set; however, a late freeze did cause minor damage to some varieties.

Strawberries
The Louisiana strawberry industry involves 89 growers who are producing 395 acres of strawberries for a gross farm value of $15.0 million. Strawberries are the leading fruit crop in the state. Tangipahoa Parish is the leading strawberry producing parish in the state with 300 acres and a farm value of $12.0 million.

The majority of the Louisiana strawberries are sold by peddlers. Growers also deliver berries to grocery store warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit stands. The remaining part of the crop is sold at farmers market and roadside stands.

Louisiana strawberries are now available in November, December and January. This early availability is due to the use of the variety Strawberry Festival, plug plants from nurseries in Quebec, Canada, row covers and wire hoops. These early berries bring a premium price and play a large part in the high returns for crop.

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Hay production for commercial sales is a limited part of the total hay production in Louisiana. Nevertheless, hay produced from 100 acres of alfalfa and 344,314 acres of grasslands was sold by 3,039 producers in 2008. Yields averaged 3.0 tons per acre from the grasslands harvested for sale and 5.0 tons per acre from the alfalfa harvested for sale. Production included 1.09 million tons of grass hay and 500 tons of alfalfa hay. Compared yields and acreage harvested were reported in 2007, so that production from the 2008 hay crop was similar to the 2007 crop. Excellent weather conditions persisted throughout much of the state during the spring and summer months, and conditions in the fall were also favorable for hay production. Gross farm value was $132.2 million, which was similar to the 2007 crop that was valued at $132.8 million. Many Louisiana hay producers were able to sell their hay into drought-stricken areas such as Georgia, Alabama and Texas for a very good price. Total value of hay production in Louisiana, including value added of $14.6 million, was $146.8 million in 2008.

Hay for all uses was grown on 440,000 acres and produced 3.2 tons per acre, for a total production of 1.4 million tons. This total production in 2008 was about 17% higher than that reported in 2007. The number of acres devoted to hay production for all purposes increased by 40,000 acres from 2007 to 2008.   

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In 2008, 14 parishes had farms commercially growing greenhouse vegetables on 3.2 acres of greenhouse space. Acreage was down by 40% from 2007 as interest in greenhouse vegetable production declined. All production was devoted to tomatoes, except for one grower of hydroponic lettuce. All greenhouse produce was for fresh market sales, with much being sold direct-retail at local markets. Energy costs had become a major cost of production in the winter of 2008. No expansion in the greenhouse industry is expected. Estimated gross farm value of Louisiana greenhouse vegetables was nearly $1.1 million in 2008. Total value of greenhouse produce, including value added, was $1.2 million.   

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Commercial nursery crop production in 2008 had a gross farmgate value of $112.7 million. Wholesale production was $4.0 million for fruit and nut trees. Foliage plants had $3.0 million in farmgate value in Louisiana in 2008. The largest segment of nursery industry continues to be woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs) with a wholesale production value of $81.6 million in 2008. Bedding plant and floriculture crop production was stable in 2008 with a farmgate value of $24.1 million. Including value added of $57.5 million, the total value of the Louisiana nursery industry at wholesale level was $170.2 million in 2008, a slight decrease from 2007.  

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During 2008, 107 acres of sunflowers were harvested and sold for commercial processing at $2.7 million. Total value of other oilseed production, including value added, was $2.8 million in 2008.

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Louisiana pecan growers had a very disappointing year because of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The state’s pecan crop estimates during the summer were 14-15 million pounds, which is near the state’s average. The crop estimate was dropped to 7 million pounds after Hurricane Gustav because it caused severe wind damage to trees in south, central and northeastern Louisiana. Eastern Louisiana also received severe flooding. A lot of heavily loaded pecan trees were broken up or blown down in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana’s top pecan-producing parish. Damage from Hurricane Ike was primarily in western and northern Louisiana. It became apparent when harvesting began that the amount of hurricane damage to the crop was underestimated, since many of the pecans that remained on the trees were empty shells when harvested. It appeared that twisting of the stems of the pecan nut and bruising of the shuck by winds prevented nut development on many nuts that stayed on the trees.

Louisiana harvested 4.4 million pounds of pecans in 2008, which was nearly 10 million pounds below the state average of 14 million pounds. The crop was composed of 2.0 million pounds of improved pecans and 2.4 million pounds of native pecans.

Wholesale prices in Louisiana for natives averaged $0.72 per pound, while improved pecans averaged $1.17 per pound. Prices varied considerably because of quality, location, time of sale and quantity of pecans sold. The gross farm value was estimated to be $4.0 million. This is $4.7 million below 2007 levels and $14.4 million below the 2006 crop. Total value of pecan production, including value added of $1.0 million, was $5.0 million in 2008.

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Rice acreage in Louisiana increased dramatically from 370,122 acres in 2007 to 458,204 acres in 2008. A surprising surge in rice prices accounted for most of the increase in rice acreage. In some instances seed of some varieties were in short supply and planting was later than normal because of last minute decisions to plant rice.

The crop appeared to be on track to produce yields rivaling the record 6,515 pounds per acre harvested in 2007, but the combination of tropical depression Faye and hurricanes Gustav and Ike ruined that potential. A disappointing 5,800 pounds per acre were harvested. About 15% of the acreage was planted to hybrid varieties and 47% to Clearfield varieties. The hybrid acreage is expected to remain about the same while an increase in Clearfield varieties is anticipated next year. Rice acreage in Louisiana is expected to increase slightly or remain about the same depending upon price strength going into the planting season. Fertilizer and fuel costs will be instrumental in determining final acreage.

The Louisiana crop was harvested by 1,103 producers, virtually the same as 2007. The gross farm value was $423.5 million, $177.5 million more than the year before. The increased acreage and better prices, offsetting yield declines, accounted for this increase. Value added to rice production of $127.1 million increased the total value of rice production to $550.6 million in 2008.

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In 2008, 25 sod farms cultivated 4,448 acres of fine turf grasses. Sod acreage reported was up by 10% (almost 400 acres) from 2007. Louisiana sod farms were not located in storm-flooded areas because sod fields must drain well and have lighter soils. About 60% of the turf sod acreage in Louisiana is centipede grass and about one-third St. Augustine grass. The remaining acreage is divided among Bermudas and zoysias. With new construction and rebuilding because of the hurricanes, Louisiana sod markets continued to enjoy high prices. Toward the end of 2008, however, housing markets began to soften due to subprime housing issues. Shipping costs were especially expensive in spring with record fuel and energy prices. As a result, local sod is more cost-competitive. Shipping costs have always been a major component of consumer sod cost. Given these conditions, and continued decline in the housing market, prospects for 2009 do not look as bright as they have been in the sod and turfgrass sector. Gross farm value of sales was $21.6 million for 2008. Value added for turfgrass production was $16.2 million, so that total value of sod and turfgrass production in Louisiana in 2008 was $37.8 million.

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Soybeans were harvested from 1.0 million acres by 2,254 producers in 2008, with a statewide average yield of 30 bushels per acre. Though lower than the 42 bushels per acre average yield from last year, output could have been much lower due to the rainfall associated with two major hurricanes and a tropical storm that impacted most of the soybean acres. Statewide, producers faced the usual weed, disease and insect problems, but a relatively new pest, the red-banded stink bug, has become a major insect pest of soybeans in Louisiana. Many acres experienced “green soybeans” because of environmental conditions, disease and/or insect pest. “Green soybeans” do not mature properly and as a result yields are reduced and quality is lower. Asian soybean rust continues to be a major threat in Louisiana although its presence so far has not resulted in major yield losses. Gross farm value of soybeans in Louisiana was $308.8 million, a significant rise over last year’s sales of $202.5 million, due primarily to much higher prices for soybeans throughout the 2008 growing season. Value added to soybean production was $30.9 million so that the total value of soybean production in 2008 was $339.7 million, 53% greater than 2007.

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In 2008, sugarcane was grown in 22 parishes on 401,435 acres (a decrease of 17,498 acres or 4% when compared to the 2007 crop) by 526 producers (a decrease of 83 producers or 14%; this is the largest decrease in the number of producers in recent years). An estimated 375,342 acres (a decrease of 16,360 acres or 4%) were available for harvest for sugar, assuming 6.5% of the total acres were used for seed cane purposes. The actual acreage for harvest may be slightly lower because, undoubtedly, more cane was needed for seed due to the lodged condition of the crop at planting as a result of two hurricanes (Gustav and Ike) that affected the industry in 2008. Further, many producers had to plant “billets” as they were unable to plant the crooked, whole stalks. The use of billets means a decrease in the planting ratio resulting in the need for more seed cane per acre.

The 13 factories (12 raw sugar factories and 1 syrup factory) processed 12.3 million tons of cane (a decrease of 1.1 million tons or 8% when compared to 2007). There was an increase of one factory when compared to the 2007 crop because of the reopening of the St. James Factory by Louisiana Green Fuels. The sugar produced from the Lacassine syrup factory was crystallized at the Enterprise factory at Patoutville near Jeanerette, Louisiana. In total, the 12 raw sugar factories produced 1.4 million short tons of sugar (96 pol) (a decrease of 0.08 million short tons or 6%). Accordingly, the average yield of cane produced per total acre was 30.5 tons (a decrease of 1.4 tons or more than 4 %). The average yield of cane produced from each harvested acre amounted to 32.7 tons (a decrease of 1.4 tons or 4%). The average sugar recovery at the 12 factories was 11.2% or 224 pounds of sugar (96 pol) per ton of cane; this was an increase of 6 pounds of sugar per ton of cane or an increase of 2% when compared to the 2007 crop. The yield of commercially recoverable sugar produced per total acre averaged 6,832 pounds (a decrease of 122 pounds or nearly 2%). Sugar produced per harvested acre was approximately 7,325 pounds (a decrease of 109 pounds or 1.5%).

The gross farm value of the 2008 sugarcane crop was $357.6 million for sugar and molasses (a decrease of 4% when compared to the 2007 crop). The gross farm value reported above represents 60% of the value of the sugar and molasses produced, with the remaining percentage going to processing and marketing ($244.1 million). The total value of the sugarcane crop to Louisiana producers, processors and landlords at the first processing level was actually $601.7 million. Sugarcane still ranks first in total value among the state’s row crops.

Although field yields were undoubtedly impacted as a result of the two hurricanes, the loss of cane tonnage was partially offset by an increase in the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane. Even with the reduction, the 32.7-ton yield was the seventh best in the state’s history, and the yield of sugar per acre for the 2008 crop was the third highest. The total tons of cane produced were the ninth largest in the state’s history, and the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane was second best. Even though the acreage in sugarcane has dropped by over 94,000 acres in Louisiana since 2000, the 2008 crop was still the sixth largest crop in its 213-year history. There has been a gradual trend each year towards fewer acres planted to sugarcane in Louisiana since 2000 when there were approximately 496,000 acres. The fewer acres can be attributed to urban encroachment, a switch to other crops (especially grain in the northern region of the sugarcane belt because of higher commodity prices for grain) and the continued low prices received for sugar. Sugar prices have remained low and virtually unchanged for the past 25 years although molasses prices have continued high for the last several years.

The 2008 sugarcane variety census shows that Louisiana producers have switched to the newer varieties, especially HoCP 96-540 (44% of the planted area) and L 97-128 (17%) while dramatically decreasing the area planted to LCP 85-384 (91% in 2004 to 22% in 2008).

Although field yields were somewhat disappointing for the 2008 crop, there were several reasons for the shortfall. For the most part, producers were very satisfied with the performance of the newer varieties as they realized that yields were compromised because of a significant drought during much of the summer in several areas of the belt, the impact of the two hurricanes on sugarcane growth and harvestabiltiy (with lodged cane there is a tendency for greater scrap losses in the field) and the dry weather conditions that reduced extraneous matter in harvested cane (lower extraneous material meant lower gross yields but better cane quality and a higher level of recoverable sugar per ton of cane). Also, approximately 30,000 acres of sugarcane were flooded as a result of Hurricane Ike that caused lower yields of both tons of cane per acre and recoverable sugar per ton of cane.   

Although rainfall was generally well-distributed throughout the growing season, several areas of the state experienced brief periods of drought during the summer that may have adversely affected cane and sugar yields in those areas. For the most part, rainfall was below normal during the harvest season that helped to improve the quality of harvested cane. Following the hurricanes, cane growth slowed dramatically because of excessive lodging and physiological shock to the plant. Also, after the storms was an extended period of dry weather with unlimited sunlight that helped improve maturity of the crop. Previous research has shown that given a variety with early maturity and high sucrose content, incident sunlight is the most important criteria in sugarcane maturity in Louisiana. Because of the lodged conditions of the crop, the usage of the chemical ripener glyphosate was reduced, although approximately 50% of the total acres harvested were treated to help to improve the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane. With the lodged condition of the crop, however, it is expected that the response to the ripener was lessened. Another possible reason for the improved yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane was the delayed start to the grinding season as a direct result of the two hurricanes. Many producers had little or no cane planted prior to the storms and, with the crooked stalks, most of the cane was planted in September and October as planting efficiency was reduced. Most producers are unable both to plant and harvest their crops at the same time as the same personnel and equipment are used in the two operations

Although cane and sugar yields were generally good throughout much of the sugarcane belt, producers reported lower profits because of the low price of sugar and the high input prices paid for fuel and fertilizer. Because of the high cost of fertilizer in general, many producers used less nitrogen in 2008 than was used in past years although recommendations have stressed that maximum yields of sugar per ton of cane and per acre could be achieved with lower rates of nitrogen. Undoubtedly, the lower rates of nitrogen helped improve the maturity of the crop and increased the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane. Producers also applied less phosphorus and potassium in 2008 because of the high costs. Further, research data have shown that little or no response in yield of cane or sugar per acre could be expected when used even though soil tests indicated there was an insufficient level of these nutrients in their soils. In an effort to reduce fuel costs, many producers operated their whole-stalk or “soldier” harvesters whenever possible and burned standing cane prior to harvest with the cane combine.

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Louisiana sweet potato producers harvested a below-average crop in 2008. Sweet potato acreage was similar to that in 2007 at approximately 14,500 acres. Total production in 2008 was drastically reduced because of weather-related disasters compared to that in 2007. Total production in 2008 was estimated at 2.6 million bushels compared to 5.5 million bushels the previous year. The average FOB price received for the 2008 crop was $14.00-$16.50 for a 40-pound box. Processors paid an average of $6-$7 per cwt. Total gross farm value for sweet potatoes was $27.3 million with approximately $17.7 million from fresh sales and $9.6 million from processor grade potatoes.  

The production year started off on a positive note. Soil moisture and temperatures were ideal for planting from May through mid-June and, as a result, the majority of the crop was planted under good conditions. Producers experienced unusually dry conditions in late June and July across the state. Predictions for crop potential were optimistic in early August but soon changed when production areas were inundated with rainfall in late August and September. Late August rainfall and rainfall associated with hurricanes Gustav and Ike created field conditions that negatively impacted over 90% of Louisiana’s sweet potato acreage. Production areas across the state received from 15 – 40 inches of rainfall in a short period of time, creating saturated soil conditions, which resulted in significant losses and yield reductions in production fields. In addition, the excess moisture contributed to delayed maturity, and harvest operations were delayed across the state.

Acreage in 2008 was similar to that of 2007 but yield and quality of the crop were drastically reduced 2007 levels. The statewide average yield of the crop was reduced 50% lower in 2008 than 2007. In addition to yield losses in the field, quality losses associated with breakdown of roots and water damaged roots in storage resulted in reduced pack-out percentages. Quantitative and qualitative losses of the 2008 Louisiana sweet potato crop were estimated at 70% in 2008. Despite the problems mentioned, initial movement and price of the 2008 crop were strong, and the stored supply is expected to last through the Easter shipment.

Sweet potato acreage in Louisiana is anticipated to remain at current levels with the potential for a slight decrease in 2009, due to the economic constraints placed on producers after the 2008 crop losses. The demand for sweet potatoes is increasing in domestic and foreign markets. Long-term expectations are for Louisiana producers to increase their acreage to satisfy the increasing demands of more health-conscious consumers and to take advantage of niche markets to increase profitability.

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The Louisiana vegetable industry involves 3,500 growers who grow more than 40 different vegetables crops on 8,519 acres for a gross farm value of $44.9 million. Value added from commercial vegetable production was $67.3 million, so that total value of vegetable production in Louisiana in 2008 was $112.2 million, down slightly from 2007.

The majority of the vegetable crops grown in Louisiana are sold by direct marketing at farmers markets and roadside stands. Direct marketing offers the producers a retail price with a minimum amount of risk. The development of farmers markets has greatly enhanced the marketing and value of vegetable crops in the state.

The remainder of the crops is delivered to grocery stores warehouses, individual grocery stores and fruit and vegetable stands. Most of the watermelons grown in the state are sold to peddlers and only a small percentage is sold to the wholesale markets.

Tomatoes (581 acres) at $13.3 million and watermelons (2,711 acres) at $6.4 million were the two leading vegetable crops in the state. Southern peas (1,829 acres) at $4.6 million, peppers (131 acres) at $3.7 million and cabbage (260 acres) at $3.2 million in gross farm value rounded out the top five vegetable crops.

Tangipahoa Parish is the leading vegetable parish in the state with a gross farm value of $7.8 million. The leading crops in this parish are tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and cucumbers. Plaquemines Parish is the second leading parish in vegetable production with a value of $5.1 million. Tomatoes are the major crop in Plaquemines Parish. Bienville ($2.7 million) and Union ($2.7 million) are next in total sales. Watermelons and southern peas are the major crops in both parishes. Pointe Coupee, which grows 30 different vegetables, also had $2.7 million in gross farm value in 2008 and rounds out the top five parishes in vegetable production.

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Wheat was harvested from 377,995 acres by 907 producers in 2008, a large increase from the 228,113 acres harvested in 2007. The favorable prices received for wheat in 2008 was the primary driver in such a significant increase in wheat acreage. Yields for 2008 averaged 57 bushels per acre, which was similar to the average yield reported in 2007. Total production was 21.4 million bushels, which was significantly higher than the 13.5 million bushels harvested in 2007. Favorable prices received and the increased wheat acreage contributed to a large increase in gross farm value of the wheat crop. The gross farm value of the 2008 crop was valued at $162.1 million, more than double the 2007 crop valued at $73.2 million. Value added for wheat was $17.8 million so that the total value of the wheat crop in Louisiana was $180.0 million in 2008.  

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