Animal Enterprises
Total farm income for all animal enterprises is $863.5 million for 2002. Value added is $475.1 million. Total value of all animal enterprises to the Louisiana economy is $1.34 billion.
Beef Cattle
The beef cattle industry continues to be the second largest animal production enterprise in Louisiana, but lower prices for calves and adverse weather decreased cow numbers slightly by the end of 2002 to 632,887 head from 651,126 head in 2001. In addition, the number of producers fell to 12,397 in 2002 from 12,729 in 2001.

Gross farm income from beef cattle was $255.8 million in 2002, down $27.2 million from $283.0 million in 2001, reflecting moderate calf sales but generally lower annual calf prices despite a modest price increase in late fall.

The number of steer calves in the 300 pound to 700 pound weight range sold was 255,759 head, up from 255,032 head in 2001. The number of heifer calves of the same weight range sold was 206,342, down slightly from 206,654 head in 2001.

The gross farm value of the steer sales in 2002 was $97.2 million, down from $109.7 million in 2001. The value of the heifers sold in 2002 was $70.3 million, an $8.9 million decrease from $79.2 million in 2001.

Sales of yearling cattle of both sexes were 65,145 head in 2002, up from 62,268 head in 2001. Depressed calf prices in the fall of 2001 encouraged producers to retain their own calves rather than sell them. The value of the yearling cattle sold was $31.1 million in 2002, down from $33.5 million in 2001.

The number of cow-calf pairs sold increased to 41,415 pairs in 2002 from 40,929 pairs in 2001, indicating producers are decreasing their herd sizes. The gross farm value of the pairs in 2002 was $29.4 million, down slightly from $29.9 million the previous year.

The number of cull cows sold increased to 71,548 head in 2002, from 71,263 head in 2001, a decrease in herd size. The gross farm value of the cull cows in 2002 was $21.9 million, down from $24.5 million in 2001.

The number of cull bulls sold in 2002 was 8,445 head, up from 7,650 head in 2001. The gross farm value of cull bulls in 2002 was $5.9 million compared to $6.1 million in 2001.

Even though, in general, larger numbers of steers, heifers, cow-calf pairs, cull cows and cull bulls were sold in 2002, as compared to 2001, the gross farm value for these animals decreased because of depressed prices.

The total value of the sales of the beef cattle industry in 2002 was $283.9 million of which $28.1 million was value added.

Dairying
Milk production was reported by 23 parishes in 2002. Three parishes in the southeastern part of the state and one parish in the northwest accounted for about 90% of the milk production, about 87% of the herds and 90% of the dairy cows in Louisiana. Dairy farms decreased from 414 in 2001 to 375 in 2002. The number of milking cows decreased from 50,368 in 2001 to 45,064 in 2002. Total milk production decreased from 624.6 million pounds in 2001 to 580.7 million pounds in 2002. The on-farm value of milk decreased from $97.4 million in 2001 to $81.2 million in 2002. The substantial difference in the on-farm value of milk was caused mainly by the significantly lower average price received for milk during 2002 and, to a lesser extent, by the decrease in total milk produced in the state. The value added attributed to milk in further processing is $125.8 million, for a total value of milk production of $207 million.

The value of cull cows and calves was an estimated $8.5 million in 2002. Total income from milk and animal sales to Louisiana dairy producers was $89.7 million. The total economic contribution from dairying in Louisiana, including animal sales and added value, was $215.5 million.

Dairy goats included 50 does owned by six producers for 2002 goat milk production of 7,200 pounds with a value of $1,584.

Total farm value of milk produced from cows and goats in 2002 totaled $81.2 million.

Horses
The horse industry is an important economic stimulus for Louisiana. About 200,000 horses are owned by an estimated 60,000 people. The average horse owner spends about $3,000 per year on feed, equipment, tack, veterinary supplies and medicines. This results in an estimated $600 million in economic activity.

About 3,847 producers derive an income from the horse business. They owned 28,111 mares that produced 16,159 foals that were sold in 2002 for $45.2 million. These producers own 1,297 stallions that were bred to 16,475 mares, generating income from stallion fees of $9.4 million for their owners. The total income generated directly from horse production in 2002 was $54.6 million.

The race horse industry generates a tremendous cash flow. An estimated 1,852 owners have 8,539 race horses that generate economic activity of $60.9 million. The tracks employ 3,000 people and generate expenditures in excess of a half a billion dollars. Related industries such as feed companies, healthcare sellers, farriers, etc. generate an additional $25 million to $35 million on products and services. The combined effects of breeding, racetrack operation and related industries generate more than $650 million in expenditures, employ thousands of people and require 30,000 to 50,000 acres of land.

Horse shows, rodeos, youth programs and other competitive activities also have an impact on the state economy. An estimated 3,152 owners of competitive horses own 13,656 horses. These horses generate about $40.5 million in expenditures. There are about 500 horseshows, rodeos and youth activities each year that generate approximately $8.5 million in expenditures in Louisiana

Many horse owners have horses purely for their pleasure and enjoyment. An estimated 18,344 people own 48,392 horses primarily for recreational riding. The value of these horses is estimated at $52.7 million.

The value of horses in Louisiana is an estimated $208.8 million. The Race and Show industries contribute another $658 million to the economy, and the expenditures on horses are $600 million. The total impact of the horse industry is about $1.4 billion.

Poultry  --  Broilers and Eggs
 Poultry production continues to be the largest animal agricultural industry in Louisiana and is second only to forestry in total value for all agricultural commodities. Almost 1 billion pounds of broilers were produced in 2002. The gross farm value of these broilers was $284.9 million in 2002. Broiler producer numbers increased from 575 in 2001 to 579 in 2002. Commercial broilers are produced in 12 parishes including Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Livingston, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster and Winn.

There were 115 breeder flock producers in 2002. These breeder flocks produced 29.7 million dozen eggs with a gross farm value of $11.7 million.

The total number of table egg producers in Louisiana increased slightly from 2001 to 2002. There were 1,389 producers of edible egg in Louisiana in 2002. Table egg production increased from 27.4 million dozen in 2001 to 28.2 million dozen in 2002. The farm value for commercial egg production was $11.1 million in 2002.

The gross farm value for all poultry production in Louisiana exceeded $308.9 million in 2002.

Quail and Pheasants
There were 33,970 birds produced in 2002, up from 30,390 in 2001. Quail and pheasants generated a gross farm value of $67,940 in 2002.
 
Rabbits
The production of rabbits for meat and exhibition involved 432 producers in 2002. There were 255 fryer producers. This facet of the industry produced 417,886 pounds of meat. Louisiana rabbit producers generated in excess of $1 million in gross income.

Ratite and Other Exotic Fowl
The sale of ratites and exotic fowl generated $12,000 in Louisiana in 2002. The decline in bird values continued. There were 11 ostrich producers and 77 emu producers in 2002. Two hundred five birds were sold for a farm value of $12,000.

Sheep & Goats
Fifty-five parishes produced sheep and goats. Sheep were produced by 611 producers and goats by 741 producers. Breeding ewe numbers fell to an all-time low of 8,291 head, and breeding does were at an all-time high of 11,113 head.

St. Landry (1450), Vermilion (1320), Acadia (1200), Calcasieu (750), Allen (500), Beauregard (400), Lafayette (400), Evangeline (258) and Iberia (250) reported the largest number of breeding ewes. Calcasieu (750), Ouachita (640), Franklin (600), Livingston (575), Rapides (560), Beauregard (560), Tangipahoa (450), Natchitoches (400), Evangeline (350), Grant (350), Catahoula (340) and St. Landry (325) reported the largest number of breeding does.

Total number of lambs marketed (slaughter, feeder and club lambs) was estimated at 10,666 head. Stocker sheep sold numbered 1,022 head. Cull sheep sold were estimated at 1,699 head. Wool production was an estimated 50,365 pounds.

Total number of slaughter goats was estimated at 8,494 head. Stocker goats numbered 3,827 head. Cull goats numbered 1,912 head.

Gross farm value from sheep, wool and goats was estimated at $2.2 million. Value added amounted to $198,405. Total value of sheep, wool and goats was estimated at $2.4 million.

Swine
The pork producer numbers continued declining in 2002 to 470 from 509 in 2001. There were 4,439 sows in production in 2002 producing 4,035 show pigs, 15,935 feeder pigs, 39,665 slaughter hogs and 2,891 cull animals. The gross farm value for swine production in 2002 was $5.3 million, down about 25% from 2001. While the number of show pigs, feeder pigs and slaughter hogs declined in 2002, the prices received declined more. However, the value of show pigs declined the least and is attributable to a reduction in the number of animals sold rather than price. Show pigs continue to provide a reliable source of income.

The value added for the swine industry in 2002 was $1.3 million. The total value of hogs produced and processed in Louisiana was $6.6 million.

Exotic Animals
There were 21 deer or antelope producers in 2002, with 1,140 sold. The gross farm value was $142,500.

Llama producers sold 20 animals for a gross farm value of $29,040. Gross farm value of exotic animal production in 2002 was $169,540.
 

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE ENTERPRISES
Total farm value for all fish and wildlife enterprises is $345.2 million for 2002. Value added is $247.4 million. Total value of all fishery and wildlife enterprises to the Louisiana economy is $592.6 million.

Aquaculture
Louisiana continues to support one of the most diverse aquaculture industries in the nation. Total estimated farm value for Louisiana aquaculture crops represented a modest 1% decrease from the 2001 total. Louisiana's producers continued to lead the nation in crawfish, oyster, pet turtle and alligator sales. Additionally, in spite of continuing declines in acreage, Louisiana is still the fourth leading state in catfish production.

Louisiana crawfish acreage in the 2001-2002 season was up considerably (about 26%) from the previous two seasons, and production (almost 61 million pounds) was up 24% from the previous year. The number of farm-raised alligators harvested decreased somewhat in 2002. Harvest and value of alligators were both down by roughly 13% from the previous year. Oyster production continued to be an important component of aquaculture in Louisiana in 2002. Although production was up significantly, numbers of producers and total value declined. Pet turtle hatchling production increased significantly, with industry estimates of 12 million hatchlings produced for export to markets in Asia and Europe.

Catfish
Pond-bank prices for farm-raised catfish remained at their lowest levels in almost a decade in 2002, exhibiting a continuing four- to five-year price cycle that reflects, in part, the seasonal availability of fingerlings and average turnover time within production ponds. Louisiana's catfish acreage (12,696 acres) and production (61,443,200) decreased by 5% and 4%, respectively, but farm gate value of $35.7 million was down more than 10% from 2001.

Fisheries
The harvest of freshwater and marine fish and shellfish in Louisiana continued to be a significant economic activity. Landings of the numerous species are recorded by two agencies. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) receives monthly reports from the initial buyers (processors, dealers, etc). Species, weight and dockside value of the landings are reported for all commercially harvested species. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for estimating the landings of shrimp. This is achieved via local NMFS data collectors. NMFS is solely responsible for estimates of recreationally caught marine fish and shellfish. Because of extensive delays in the availability of recreational catch data from state and federal marine waters, only the previous year's catch can be reported here.

The freshwater fisheries and marine fisheries data are estimates. Data are based on landings reported to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries through August. At press time, this is the most recent available. The remaining four months of landings are projected by extrapolating fisheries production from previous years. Landings from parishes with fewer than three initial buyers are excluded from the reported numbers to maintain confidentiality.
 
Freshwater Fisheries
Freshwater finfish production is comprised primarily of catfish, buffalo, gar and freshwater drum. Catfish, typically the most valuable of the finfisheries, declined 5% in pounds landed and 36% in total value from the year before. Price received per pound declined by 31%. The declines were caused by increased national supplies of farm-raised catfish and catfish-like imports, and a soft market. Buffalo landings tended to be highly erratic and not heavily influenced by yearly market changes. Crawfish landings exhibited a 116% jump, and because of the increased supply, a 50% decline in price received per pound. The increase in landings is due exclusively to the end of drought conditions in the Mississippi Valley. Total freshwater fisheries landings increased by 37%, solely because of the increase in crawfish landings. Total value of the fishery declined by 9% because of price declines for all commodities.

Fisheries (Marine)
Marine commercial fishing landings declined by 26%, primarily because of a 43% decline in shrimp and a 25% decline in menhaden landings. The total value of the marine fishery fell by an even larger amount, 44%, because of price declines for all commodities. Shrimp, the most valuable marine fishery, suffered a 16% decline in price received per pound. Edible marine finfish fell by 10% in weight and 22% in price received per pound. Blue crab landings declined by nearly 3%, and 26% in value. Almost all of the declines in the landings were caused by poor market conditions, although the availability of shrimp, menhaden and crabs can vary significantly from year to year.

Marine recreational anglers are a large group of 775,715. The latest data available from the National Marine Fisheries Service indicate that Louisiana saltwater anglers caught 27.8 million fish in 2001, of which they retained 18.5 million. Much of the release is attributed to regulations limiting the size and number of fish that may be retained. Both total catch and retention were substantially down from the previous year.

Fur Production
The 2001-2002 harvest of fur animal pelts and meat had a gross farm value of $208,984. The fur production component of this total accounted for $202,724, with the remainder coming from meat production. This represented a statewide harvest of 37,611 animals for all fur-bearing species. The average gross farm value for all pelts, regardless of species, was $5.39. Pelt prices varied with lows of 50 cents for muskrat and opossum to highs of $50 for river otter. Value-added components for this commodity raised the total value to $256,632. Nutria accounted for 66% of the pelts sold, with the remaining furs coming from muskrat, raccoon, mink, opossum, river otter, red fox, gray fox, bobcat, beaver and coyote. Production figures represent a downturn from 2000-2001 in both average value for furs sold and total numbers taken. Many fur-bearing animals in our state are at population levels that cause considerable damage to the environment. This is especially true of nutria and muskrat populations that have decimated many acres of coastal marshes. The resource, while in an overabundance, does not translate to an increased harvest because of the low prices received for the product. Overseas market conditions, farm-raised production for some species and anti-fur campaigns by some animal rights groups have all contributed to the low prices placed on wild fur bearers.

Incentive programs continue as a means to encourage the removal and use of our most destructive fur bearer, the nutria. The Louisiana departments of Wildlife and Fisheries and Natural Resources are the lead agencies for two programs that are part of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Preparation, and Restoration Act. Nutria tails collected within certain areas of the state are turned in to specified collection points for a $4 incentive payment. If handled properly, the meat can be sold to a specific processor for an additional payment. These programs are expected to yield a considerable increase in the nutria take in the next several years.

Meat produced as a byproduct from harvested furs was derived primarily from nutria and raccoon. The total production in this segment of the industry was 12,515 pounds with a gross farm value of $6,260. Small amounts of nutria and raccoon meat are sold for human consumption with on-going campaigns to make these uses more attractive to the public. In some cases, nutria meat is also sold to alligator farms, although storage concerns have pushed producers more into the use of dry commercial feeds.

Wild Alligators
Wild alligators had a gross value to alligator harvesters of $5.4 million.

Honey
 Production for 2002 was again down about 10%, but prices rose. The season began with pricing around $0.60 and finished at $1.20. This greatly assisted the beekeepers, in part because of the tariffs on imported honey and the bad climatic conditions. Total production was 3.6 million pounds from 29,336 hives owned by 364 producers. Gross farm value was $3.6 million.

Wild populations are gradually coming back into the system, and honeybee pollination continues to provide Louisiana with more than $400 million in services to agriculture. Leasing of colonies still provides additional income to the beekeepers and to the farmers, primarily in vegetables and small fruits such as strawberries and blueberries.

Improved management continues to impede the losses from mite pests. The USDA Bee Lab continues to improve and release strains of the Russian honeybees that help to reduce the need for chemical treatments.

The African honeybee now borders the state near Shreveport. Although no swarms have been found in Louisiana, they are expected. Swarms that show genetic information relating to the Africans have been collected but none have been identified as African.

Hunting Leases
The value of recreational hunting is expressed through the income derived from hunting lease enterprises. The number of producers who leased land in the state during the 2001-2002 hunting season was 5,951. This number is slightly larger than the 5,891 who leased land in 2000-2001. The total amount of land leased was 7,535,806 acres with a gross farm value of $40.4 million. Value-added components raised the total value to slightly more than $42.4 million. Hunting leases averaged $5.36 per acre to landowners, almost the same as the $5.32 average paid in 2000-2001. The $2 million increase in gross farm value is due to the additional acres leased in 2001-2002. Leasing rates varied greatly throughout the state, dependent on location, habitat quality and species involved. Marshlands in many southern parishes leased for $2 to $4 per acre with some waterfowl areas in the Delta regions leasing for $60 to $70 per acre. These high-dollar waterfowl leases involved the leasing of individual blinds for several thousand dollars.

White-tailed deer was the major game animal for which many of the upland hunting leases were involved. In all parts of the state, price per acre lease rates varied according to habitat conditions and quantity and quality of the deer herd. Bottomland hardwood regions of the state brought the highest lease rates while piney woods or pine-upland hardwood regions brought lower values. Most hunting lease agreements involved the right to hunt all game species within a given area and given season, although some acreage is leased separately for different species.

PLANT ENTERPRISES
The total farm value for all plant enterprises is $2.281 billion. Value added is $3.301 billion. Total value of all crop enterprises to the Louisiana economy is $5.582 billion.

Cotton
 Cotton is an intensively managed commodity, and numerous factors dictate profitability. Proper variety selection, timely defoliation, insect control, disease control and weed control are all integral facets of cotton management. Sixty percent to 75% of our cotton producers use transgenic varieties. These include varieties that can tolerate applications of certain herbicides and/or can produce their own insecticide. Although these technologies are initially more expensive, they often reduce down-the-row costs and environmental exposure to pesticides. Proper timing of agronomic practices (defoliation, pest management, disease control and weed control) is necessary to ensure optimum lint quality and maximum yields. Cotton researchers, AgCenter personnel, consultants and producers continually strive to develop and implement economically feasible, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that reduce the impact of cotton production on the environment.

In 2002, the acreage planted to cotton in Louisiana was down from 848,738 acres in 2001 to 490,918 acres. This is the lowest since 1983 and is well below the 50-year average of 618,000 acres. The decline in acreage is caused primarily by lower prices and the challenges of cotton production in 2000 and 2001. Unpredictable weather resulted in below-average yields in these two years and forced many producers to seek alternative commodities. A substantial amount of cotton acreage has been replaced by corn planting. Average cotton yields have increased every decade since the 1950s, with the exception of the 1970s when it remained relatively stable.

The number of producers dropped to 2,049 from 2,747 in 2001. There were 212,821 irrigated acres of cotton in 2002 and 278,097 acres of non-irrigated cotton. The irrigated cotton average yield was 794 pounds of lint per acre for a gross farm value of $50.7 million. Seed yield on irrigated cotton was 1,280 pounds per acre, producing additional income of $10.9 million. The non-irrigated cotton had a lint yield of 689 pounds per acre and a seed yield of 1,110 pounds per acre. The non-irrigated cotton lint gross farm income was $57.5 million, and the seed gross farm income was $12.4 million.

The average lint yield per acre for irrigated and non-irrigated cotton was 734 pounds. The gross farm value of the 2002 cotton crop was $131.4 million.

Feed Grain Crops
Corn acreage in Louisiana for 2002 was 529,841 acres planted by 1,863 producers with an average yield of 124 bushels per acre. Gross farm value for corn in 2002 was $140.9 million. Planting conditions were optimal early in the season, but moisture became a limiting factor especially in the east-central part of the state. Some areas of the state received less than 2 inches of rainfall during the entire growing season. As a result of the drought, there were aflatoxin concerns, but, as a whole, aflatoxin was not a problem except in east central and northeast Louisiana. Overall, it was a fairly good year for corn production. Weeds, diseases and insect pressure were prevalent statewide, but were relatively routine, with the exception of receiving more borer damage reports than normal.

During the 2002 growing season 167,066 acres of grain sorghum were planted in Louisiana by 1,077 producers with an average yield of 45.6 hundredweight per acre. Gross farm value for grain sorghum was $29.2 million. Conditions were optimal during planting, and moisture became a limiting factor later in the season. Grain sorghum withstood the drier conditions better than other crops because of its drought-tolerant characteristics. There were few reports of unusual occurrences of weeds or diseases. Insects included midge and web worms during the reproductive cycle of the crop; however, the sugarcane borer and southwestern corn borer complex affected certain parts of the state including Catahoula and Concordia parishes and parts of Avoyelles Parish. Roughly 40,000 acres of grain sorghum in these three parishes was not harvested because of the devastation the borer complex had on the crop.

The reason as to why the borer complex devastated so many acres is complex. Borers are difficult to scout, and there are limited options to control them once they are found. Cultural practices such as stalk destruction and crop rotation can help. Another possible explanation is that sugarcane acreage has expanded into areas that have been producing feed grains for many years.

Oats were grown by 81 producers on 3,809 acres with an average yield of 66.2 bushels per acre. Gross farm value of oats in 2002 was $446,184.

Gross farm value for all feed grains produced in Louisiana in 2002 was $170.6 million.

Forestry
The projected Louisiana gross farm value of forest products increased in 2002, rebounding somewhat from last year. The 2002 total sawlog harvest increased by more than 133 million board feet (11.5%) to a cut of 1,228,053,630 board feet. The estimated pine sawtimber harvest increased by 13.8% to a total statewide harvest of 1,102,912,054. The hardwood sawtimber harvest decreased to 125,142,462 board feet (a 3.9% decrease) in 2002. Pine chip-n-saw harvested in 2002 totaled 949,711 cords, an increase of 9% over 2001 totals.

The estimated 2002 Louisiana pulpwood harvest was 5,321,674 cords, up 560,392 cords (11%) from 2001's harvest. Pine pulpwood harvest increased 11%, from 3,403,966 cords in 2001 to 3,805,550 cords in 2002. Hardwood pulpwood harvest increased by 158,808 cords (11%), from 1,357,316 cords in 2001 to 1,516,124 in 2002.

Stumpage prices for 2002 were weaker for all products except pine sawtimber. On average around the state, pine sawtimber prices were 5% higher in 2002. Oak sawtimber prices were 9% lower on average around the state in 2002. Statewide average pine pulpwood prices declined 4% in 2002. That makes a total of a 33% decline in pine pulpwood prices in the past two years. Hardwood pulpwood prices decreased an average of 14% around the state in 2002. Chip-n-saw prices declined 5% on average, but the story was better for those delivering wood to the mill. Delivered prices for pine sawtimber increased 4% in 2002. Oak sawtimber delivered prices remained unchanged. Pine chip-n-saw delivered prices declined 7% in 2002, while both pine and hardwood pulpwood delivered prices increased 2% in 2002.

With wood-using industries and commercial timber harvesting activities occurring in all parishes, forestry provides benefits to urban and rural areas. In 2002, Louisiana's private forest landowners received an estimated $573.7 million from the sale of forest timber, up 9.9% from $519.7 million in 2001. Timber harvesting contractors and their employees earned $422.9 million from harvesting the trees and moving wood to mills. This total was up 12.5% from $373.3 million in 2001. This income is re-spent many times throughout the economy. In addition, Christmas tree growers received $2 million from the sale of trees, both wholesale and retail. Louisiana-produced pine straw sales made $147,000 in 2002. Firewood producers generated an estimated $2.8 million from the sale of firewood. Louisiana forest tree seedling nurseries produced a crop worth $3.5 million in 2002.

The payroll and income derived from money generated by the forestry and wood products industry totaled an estimated $3.8 billion in 2002, a 15.6% increase from 2001. The gross farm income produced by all forestry-related products, such as timber, pine straw, firewood and Christmas trees, totaled $1.005 billion in 2002, up 10.5% from $905 million generated in 2001. The value added through further processing and delivery was $2.824 billion, up 17.4% from the 2001 value added of $2.371 billion. Total value (gross farm value plus value added) grew in 2002, owing to a stronger value-added multiplier for the year, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Fruit Crops
Citrus
Citrus (navel oranges, satsumas and others) were grown on 1,383 acres in 2002, down 12 acres from 2001. Gross farm value was $8.8 million, up from $6.9 million in 2001.

Peaches
Peaches were grown on 550 acres in 2002, an increase of 5%. Gross farm value of 2002 was $2 million, an increase of 40% from 2001. The increase in value is credited to a 30% increase in price per bushel. Peaches were averaging $30 a bushel in 2002. All areas of Louisiana received adequate chilling for peaches, but some areas did receive a late freeze that damaged some varieties with lower chilling requirements. Overall there was about a 10% increase in yield per acre in 2001.

Strawberries
Strawberries were grown by 134 producers in 2002. There were 392 acres in production in 2002, up very slightly from 2001. The average yield in 2002 was 1,710 flats per acre, down from 1,822 flats per acre in 2001. Even though total production was down in 2002 from 2001, gross farm value at $8.7 million was up 3%.

Blueberries
Blueberries were grown on 349 acres in 2002, an increase of 5%. Gross farm value increased in 2002 by 1.6% to $1.1 million. The primary causes of increase in gross farm value were the addition of 17 acres of production and a $0.05 increase per pound in blueberry value. The average blueberry yield was 2,567 pounds per acre. This is an 8% decrease from 2001. A late freeze was the primary cause for the decrease in yield.

Mayhaws
 The mayhaw crop was severely damaged by a late March freeze. Orchard-grown mayhaws survived the freeze better than the native crop because of the planting of later-blooming selections in many orchards. Orchard mayhaw trees averaged 330 pounds per acre compared to 50 pounds per acre for native trees. Mayhaws were harvested from 696 acres for a total 86,685 pounds, a decrease of 40% from 2001. The gross farm value was $111,427 in 2002.

Miscellaneous
Many miscellaneous fruits are planted as either small commercial plantings or as backyard plantings. These crops include blackberries, figs, muscadine grapes, pears, plums, apples and persimmons. These fruits are planted on approximately 150 acres. Their estimated gross farm value is $385,223.

 
Hay Sold
 Hay production for commercial sales is a limited part of the total hay production in Louisiana. Nevertheless, hay produced from 325 acres of alfalfa and 223,965 acres of grasslands was sold by 3,326 producers in 2002. Yields averaged 2.67 tons per acre from the grasslands harvested for sale and 3.75 tons per acre from the alfalfa harvested for sale. Production included 598,258 tons of grass hay and 1,218 tons of alfalfa hay. Compared to values reported in 2001, the acreage of grasslands used for commercial hay production increased by 1,911 acres and yields declined by 12%. As a result, production of the 2002 hay crop for sale was about 57,400 tons lower than that of the 2001 crop. Gross farm value was $36.1 million, which was 7% higher in value than that of the 2001 crop.

Hay for all uses was grown on 450,000 acres and produced 3 tons per acre, for a total production of 1,350,000 tons. This total production was about 7% higher than that reported in 2001. The number of acres remained the same in both years.

Home Vegetable Gardens
The 2002 gross farm value of home vegetable gardens in Louisiana was an estimated $110.7 million. Parish reports indicated 369,017 gardens statewide, reflecting that garden interest was down only 0.8% from 2001. Every parish has home gardens; the three metro areas of New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport have the largest numbers, accounting for about 40% of all our home vegetable gardens.

Nursery Crops
Commercial nursery crop production had a gross farm gate value of $102.5 million in 2002. This was a slight decrease from 2001 - primarily contributed to losses in retail sales and wholesale production caused by fall weather. A surplus of woody ornamental plant material exists. In 2002, fruit and nut trees were valued at $3.1 million, floriculture and bedding plants at $20.3 million, woody ornamentals at $72.7 million and foliage plants at $6.4 million. With a value added of $52.3 million, the total wholesale value of commercial nursery crop production in Louisiana in 2002 was $154.8 million.

Pecans
Louisiana harvested only 6.9 million pounds on 27,106 acres. This includes 4.7 million pounds of improved pecans and 2.3 million pounds of native pecans. The gross farm value was $4.5 million.

The small pecan crop in South Louisiana in 2002 was expected because of large crops the previous two years. A good crop was set in Central Louisiana, with Natchitoches and Rapides parishes having excellent crops. North Louisiana had a mixed pecan crop; some orchards had excellent crops and others had very weak crops.

Louisiana initial 2002 pecan crop estimate was 8 million pounds, which was half of the state average of 16 million pounds. Two hurricanes and three weeks of heavy rainfall in October severely reduced the harvest. Some pecan acreage was not harvested because of severe weather damage and the inability to get harvesters into the orchards.

Many pecans had severe weather damage, which resulted in lower than expected prices. Good quality in-shell pecans with more than 50% shell out generally brought more than a dollar a pound. Weather-damaged pecans with less than 50% shell out frequently brought 50-60 cents a pound.

Rice
Rice acreage in Louisiana decreased from 540,596 acres in 2001 to 531,791 acres in 2002. The primary causes of the decrease were low commodity prices for rice and government programs that favored other commodities. Acreage remains below the recent high figure of 640,000 in 1999.

Average yield per acre was a disappointing 5,772 pounds per acre, well below the record 5,914 pounds per acre harvested in 2001. Part of the decrease in yield is the result of three tropical weather systems including a hurricane. These weather systems all but wiped out an excellent looking second crop in southern Louisiana and delayed or completely prevented harvest of some of the northeastern Louisiana rice crop. Lower yields combined with fewer acres caused a drop in total production to 30,694,144 hundredweight in 2002 or about 1.2 million hundredweight less than 2001.

The Louisiana crop harvested by 1,715 producers had a gross farm value of $122.8 million. Lower commodity prices suppressed gross farm value. Value added in marketing, processing and transportation increased the value by $36.8 million for a total value of $159.6 million. This is about 70% of the gross farm value of the 2001 crop. The 1,715 producers are nearly 100 fewer than last year and follow the trend of decreasing numbers of rice producers for the past 10 years.

Rice acreage is expected to drop significantly next year unless disaster legislation passes in time to aid with cash flow problems. The combination of a large U.S. acreage, very good production (records set in several states) and weak global economy is expected to keep prices at historically low levels. Without major environmental changes and/or market changes, the future looks bleak for rice.

Sod Production
 In 2002, 23 sod farms (down by 5) cultivated 3,855 acres of lawn turfgrasses. Sod acreage was reported down by 14.5%. Gross farm sales were estimated at $13.7 million. About 60% of the sod acreage in Louisiana is centipede grass. The remaining acreage is divided among St. Augustine, bermudas and zoysias, in that order. With new construction improving and Louisiana farms producing good quality sod, our sod markets continue to hold a better price. Markets are expected to improve only as construction increases. Marketing is a limiting factor in our sod industry.

Soybeans
Soybean varieties representing maturity groups IV, V and VI were planted on almost 770,000 acres statewide in 2002. Emphasis has been put on planting earlier to avoid late season moisture stress in addition to insect and disease problems. This year, narrow row production was emphasized in variety evaluations because substantial acreage is now planted this way. About 80% of the state's acreage was planted to Roundup Ready varieties.

Soybean yields for maturity group IVs were exceptional across the state. Because of intense rainfall from tropical systems and hurricanes in late September to early October, harvests of maturity groups V and VI were impeded in many cases. Louisiana potentially had one of the best soybean crops produced in the last 30 years. Early harvest reports stated that maturity group IV beans were averaging 40 to 60 bushels per acre and that the early Vs that were harvested were averaging 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Factors including temperature and moisture were optimal during the growing season. Prices were also favorable because of the difficulties that the Midwest encountered when planting. Before the tropical systems moved in, cases of aerial blight and cercospora were prevalent in areas that historically do not have problems with these diseases. In addition to these diseases, insects including stinkbugs, soybean loopers, velvetbean caterpillars, three-cornered alfalfa hoppers and many others were prevalent in most of the 2002 crop. Producers sprayed twice in most cases, but in many areas three to four sprayings were required.

The 3,229 soybean producers in 2002 planted 770,067 acres, up from 646,782 acres in 2001. The average yield on planted acres was 23.67 bushels per acre, down substantially from average yields on soybeans harvested before the tropical storms of the fall. The gross farm value of soybean production in 2002 was $102.3 million, up from $92.7 million in 2001. Average prices for 2002 were above 2001 prices.

Sugarcane
In 2002, sugarcane was grown on 494,808 acres (an increase of 0.21% acres when compared to crop year 2001) by 760 growers (a decrease of 1.7% in the number of growers) in 25 Louisiana parishes (an increase of one parish). An estimated 455,223 acres were harvested for sugar (an estimated 92% of total acres with the remaining 8% used for seed cane purposes), with a total production of 1,285,754 tons of sugar (a decrease of 17.9%). Sugar produced per harvested acre was 5,649 pounds (a decrease of 18.0%) while sugar produced per total acre (including acres used for seed cane purposes) was 5,197 pounds (a decrease of 18.0%). The gross farm value of $334.3 million for sugar and molasses (a decrease of 12.1%), as reported in the crop production statistics, is 61% of the total value of the sugar and molasses produced, with the remaining 39% going to processing and marketing.

The total acreage of 494,808 acres reported in 2002 was about the same as reported in both 2000 and 2001 and near a record for the industry. About 85% of the crop was planted to the variety LCP 85-384, the most area planted to a single variety in recent history. The growing conditions during the spring and summer of 2002 were ideal for excellent stubbling and tillering and early growth of the crop. Timely rainfall and warm weather during most of the summer, with the exception of the northern parishes where drought conditions prevailed during July and August, gave rise to the prospects of an above-average crop.

Then, on September 25 and October 3, two tropical systems, Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili, ravaged the sugarcane-growing areas of the state causing extensive lodging of the crop. Cane that has lodged has less growth and does not mature (increase in sucrose content) at the same levels as standing cane. In some fields, especially close to the coast where Hurricane Lili came ashore, hurricane force winds were responsible for as much as 10% broken tops. Before the two storms, several of the state's factories had begun operation with excellent yields reported by growers of both tons of cane per acre and sugar per ton of cane. But, after the storm, near record rainfall occurred from October to December, with rainfall generally occurring every four to six days throughout most of the sugarcane area for the duration of the harvest. With extremely wet field conditions, most growers were unable to harvest fields treated with the chemical ripener, Polado, on a timely basis within the normal treatment-harvest interval. This caused growers to harvest cane that was more immature, resulting in lower than anticipated yield of recoverable sugar per ton early in the harvest. Many of the early reports on field yields indicated that harvested tons of cane per acre were at or near what was expected; however, in many instances growers were harvesting immature tops, leaves and field soil in lieu of net sugarcane stalks. It has been estimated that as much as 10 tons of cane or more were left as scrap in many of the severely lodged fields where cane fell. Also, overall quality of harvested sugarcane was considerably poorer than anticipated. Yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane was less than 150 pounds per ton during the early weeks of the harvest. Even by harvest end, the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane averaged only 172 pounds per ton of cane, the lowest recovery since the1980 crop. Field yields are estimated at 30 tons per acre or about 3 to 4 tons less per acre than the pre-crop estimate. With both lower yields of tons of cane per acre and recoverable sugar per ton, the overall yield of sugar per acre is the lowest since the 1993 harvest.

Because of the poorer quality of the cane due to excessive trash to include tops, leaves and mud, processors were forced to operate at a slower rate, milling in many cases considerably fewer tons of cane per day than their rated daily capacity. This necessitated an extension of the harvest season by several days to several weeks, adding substantially to processing cost. It is anticipated that the wear and tear on factory machinery will be much greater in 2002 than in previous harvests. On the field side, increased costs were incurred because of the lodged conditions of the crop and the wet fields. Growers were forced to harvest most fields green because of the frequent rains that increased fuel and labor costs. In many instances, many growers were not able to meet their daily quotas at the factories, even with the extended work day. Further, it is anticipated that machinery cost to the growers could be more than double the norm.

Many fields treated with the chemical ripener Polado were harvested beyond the recommended 49-day treatment-harvest interval; this could mean lower subsequent stubble crop yields for the 2003 crop. Harvesting under wet conditions caused extensive rutting of fields. In many cases, water has remained in those ruts and could also have a negative impact on subsequent stubble yields for the 2003 crop. Further, it is the current recommendation to remove the residue from those fields harvested by combine. It is estimated that 90% of the 2002 crop was harvested by combine. To date, because of the frequent rainfall during the harvest, little of the residue has been removed. Research data suggest that failure to remove this residue could mean a loss of 2 to 3 tons of cane in the subsequent stubble crop. In several southeastern parishes, growers were not able to plant their fallow acres because of the wet planting season. Approximately 60% of the fallow acres in one parish, Lafourche, were not planted. This could have devastating consequences on the 2003 crops, not only for growers but also for processors. Overall, the loss of sugar and molasses can be quantified and a value placed on this loss; however, many of these other factors that will follow into the 2003 harvest and beyond cannot be easily quantified. Although, the value of the loss of sugar and molasses can be quantified at 12.1% for the 2002 harvest, the overall losses to the industry in increased harvesting and processing costs as well as repairs to machinery in the field and factory and the subsequent losses in future years could well top the 35% necessary for a disaster declaration.

Sugar prices rebounded in 2002 when compared to the 2001 crop by approximately 5%. The price for the 2002 crop should average $0.210 per pound net to the grower. Molasses prices also remained stable and should average $0.35 per gallon.

Sweet Potatoes
Approximately 21,446 acres of sweet potatoes were planted in Louisiana in 2002, a 14% reduction from the 2001 acreage and a 23% reduction from the 2000 acreage. An estimated 30% to 35% of the 2002 acreage wasn't harvested because of the excessively wet fall. Two hurricanes and almost continual rainfall in late September, October and into November kept harvesters out of the fields. The quality of roots harvested late and put in storage is questionable. The estimated total yield per acre was 234 bushels, down from 270 bushels per acre in 2001. Of this, 60% will go to fresh market. The gross farm value of the 2002 crop is estimated at $46.1 million, using an average of $11.20/40-pound box to the shipper and $1.75/bushel for canners. This is a 26% reduction in gross farm value from the 2001 crop and reflects the reduction in acreage as well as the loss incurred because of the wet fall. Value added is estimated at $33.7 million, with total value of the 2002 crop estimated at $79.8 million.

Commercial Vegetables
The Louisiana commercial vegetable industry involves 1,477 growers in 52 parishes who produce more than 50 different vegetable crops on 12,678 acres, for a gross farm value of $46.6 million. The two leading parishes in commercial vegetable production are Tangipahoa ($5.9 million) and Plaquemines ($5.7million). Plaquemines produces Creole tomatoes and a number of other vegetables for wholesale and direct sales market. Tangipahoa growers produce bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant and cabbage for the wholesale and retail markets. Ouachita ($4.79 million) and Bienville ($3.5 million) produce watermelons for the wholesale peddler and other retail sales outlets.

Tomatoes were the leading vegetable crop in value in Louisiana in 2002, with a gross farm value of $12.7 million. Watermelons were the leading vegetable crop in acreage, with 5,202 acres and a value of $11 million. Eighteen hundred acres of southern peas were grown for local and retail markets, with a value of $3.5 million. A large percentage of the peas are shelled on the farm and sold as an added value item. Two hundred fifty-two acres of Irish potatoes are grown for local sales for a value of $1.6 million. Commercial production of 662 acres of mustard greens are grown for direct sales and local retail sales for a value of $2.8 million. One hundred seventy-five acres of bell peppers are grown for the wholesale market, mostly in Tangipahoa Parish, for a value of $2.07 million.

Twelve thousand seven hundred acres of commercial vegetables were reported in 2002. This is up 10% from 2001. The rainy weather in the fall of 2002, low prices and closure of grocery store warehouses in the New Orleans area all dealt Louisiana commercial producers severe blows in 2002.

Several farmers' markets are operating successfully. These markets provide a simple, low-risk outlet where farmers can obtain premium prices for produce. A number of growers operate their own roadside markets. The establishment of a USDA program that provides vouchers to senior citizens for the purchase of locally grown produce has enhanced sales for growers.

Commercial Greenhouse Vegetables
In 2002, 37 (10 fewer) producers grew greenhouse vegetables in 6.5 acres of greenhouse space. All production was tomato only. The acreage was down from 2001 reports by 12%. Distribution of the industry was statewide, and sales were to in-state markets. All greenhouse produce was for fresh market sales, and much was sold direct retail by growers. Estimated gross farm value of Louisiana greenhouse vegetables was $1.8 million. Little expansion is expected.

Wheat
Wheat was harvested from 206,532 acres by 721 producers, an increase from the 148,281 acres harvested in 2001. Yields for 2002 averaged 45.99 bushels per acre, 23% less than yields reported in 2001. Total production in 2002 was 9,498,598 bushels, up considerably from the 8,400,032 bushels harvested in 2001. The gross value of the 2002 crop was estimated at $31.15 million, up substantially from the 2001 crop valued at $22.68 million.

 

2002 PROGRESS REPORT
Animal Commodities
Animal  Gross Farm Income  Value Added Total Value
Cattle & Calves   255,785,138 28,136,365  283,921,503
Milk  81,177,100 125,824,505 207,001,605
Horses  208,851,863 22,973,705 231,825,568
Poultry  308,923,595   296,566,651  605,490,246
Rabbits  1,029,109  97,765   1,126,874
Ostrich/Ratite  12,000 -  12,000
Quail/Pheasant   67,940   -   67,940
Sheep &Goats 2,204,501 198,405  2,402,906
Swine   5,303,933  1,325,983 6,629,916
Exotic Animals  169,540 -  169,540
Total  $863,524,719  $475,123,380  $1,338,648,099
 
 

2002 PROGRESS REPORT
Fisheries and Wildlife Commodities
Commodity

Gross Farm Income 

Value Added

Total Value

Aquaculture 123,715,104 80,414,818 204,129,922
Freshwater Fisheries 10,530,247   8,950,710 19,480,957
Marine Fisheries 161,313,290 153,247,626   314,560,916
Fur Animals   208,984 47,648  256,632
Alligators (wild)   5,426,685  2,713,343  8,140,028
Hunting Lease Ent.  40,407,546  2,020,377 42,427,923
Honey 3,618,228 -  3,618,228
Total  $345,220,084 $247,394,521   $592,614,605