As a result of the excellent stubbling ability of LCP 85-384, producers are now considering such production decisions as how long stubble crops should be kept in production before plowing out, or whether they should be kept in production if a net profit could be made from harvest. This report outlines a procedure that can be used to determine the optimal number of sugarcane stubble crops to keep in production with the goal of maximizing producer net returns.

Louisiana farmers and forest producers could find a silver lining in the cloud of rising fuel prices – with the development of new fuels from crops they already grow or could grow.

This 2008 guide was compiled by LSU AgCenter experts and includes regulations, precautions and suggestions for pest control in Louisiana. Detailed topics include drift of pesticides, hazards of pesticides to beneficial insects and wildlife, phytotoxicity and using beneficial insects to control pest populations. A section on organic gardening also is included.

The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided.

Based on the information known at the time of the storm, and given the historical value of these industries to the state, the AgCenter was able to provide preliminary estimates on losses of revenue due to production losses.

After Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005, the AgCenter quickly began to assess the damage caused to the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries. Since those initial estimates, the AgCenter has refined its projections and now pegs the total economic impact due losses in revenue and additional production costs at slightly over $1.0 billion.

Nutsedge is probably the most difficult weed to control in sugarcane. The most effective means to control nutsedge is through a foliar treatment that is safe to sugarcane.

From preparation to processing, take a visual tour of sugarcane production in Louisiana.

Cattle, rice, sugarcane, crawfish, wildlife and alligators are among many of Hurricane Rita casualties in southwestern Louisiana.

While most eyes are focused on New Orleans, the surrounding countryside has suffered a severe blow from Hurricane Katrina that’s expected to affect several Louisiana agricultural commodities.

Farmers attending workshops in Acadia and Calcasieu parishes Tuesday (Oct. 25) learned about assistance for dealing with hardships caused by two hurricanes that struck the state this summer. Similar sessions, organized by the LSU AgCenter, were planned for New Iberia, Hammond and Raceland over the next few days.

The LSU AgCenter soon will begin comprehensive tests for salt contamination in areas of Vermilion Parish hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, but officials this week said the problem may not be as bad as originally feared.

Nine insecticide treatments were evaluated for control of two aphid pest species in sugarcane: The sugarcane aphid (WSA) and the yellow sugarcane aphid (YSA).

This report presents estimates of costs and returns associated with sugarcane production practices in Louisiana for 2002. It is part of a continuing effort to provide farmers, researchers, extension personnel, lending agencies timely planning information.

This article provides valuable information on sugarcane weed control at planting. It also cites scenarios on single-application versus split-application weed control programs for use at planting based on specific weed problems.

The following glyphosate formulations are being sold for use as chemical ripeners in sugarcane: Touchdown®, Touchdown Total®, Touchdown Hi-Tech® and Roundup WeatherMAX®, as well as the limited remaining stock supplies of Polado L®. When used in accordance with the product labels and according to the following recommendations and/or suggestions, these products should increase both the yield of recoverable sugar per ton of cane and sugar per acre in the treated crop.

A Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) is an individual who successfully completes a Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) approved certification training program, passes a written test, has performed five sugarcane burns successfully and is certified by the LDAF.

Sugarcane varieties are the lifeblood of the Louisiana sugarcane industry. Variety diversification is essential in the survival of the sugarcane industry in Louisiana. This publication is designed to help growers learn to identify sugarcane varieties. Color photos included.

Two new sugarcane varieties released earlier this year and "energy cane" were featured at the LSU AgCenter’s annual sugarcane field day on July 19 at the Sugar Research Station at St. Gabriel.

OBJECTIVES: 1. Make use of well-automated and controlled pilot plant vacuum and cooling crystallizers to establish fundamental information on factors affecting crystallization rate, color and impurity transfer from mother liquor to crystal, and exhaustion of molasses. 2. Compare different methods of measurement and control, to establish the most cost- effective techniques for practical application, and so establish the optimal control strategy for batch crystallization. 3. Use the information.

(TV News, 12/30/2007) The end of the year brings the end of the sugarcane harvest. There is good and bad news about this year’s crop. (Runtime, 1 minute, 29 seconds)

LSU AgCenter sugarcane researchers showcased new varieties at the sugarcane field day Wednesday (July 20). And LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station resident coordinator Dr. Kenneth Gravois said there is a tremendous amount of interest in these new varieties.

The July sugarcane newsletter provides valuable information for Louisiana sugarcane producers on current events including status of hurricane disaster payments, updates on new and current variety releases, growth measurements in the state, weed control recommendations with a specific section on "Postemergence Weed Control After Layby", bermudagrass control, and sugarcane diseases.

A prescribe burn plan should be completed by each grower before the harvest season. One plan can be completed for an entire farm or for an individual field. All information needed to plan and conduct a burn and for comments concerning the burn is contained in the form. The plan was devised to help farm operators control the burning of sugarcane to lessen their impact on public health and welfare, which includes pre-burn considerations and weather information.

This newsletter provides valuable information for the Louisiana sugarcane producer on current events to include status of sugarcane disaster money, an update on sugarcane varieties, growth measurements, weed pressure, disease and insect information for Louisiana sugarcane farmers and processors. Click here to read more.

The ability of farmers to burn sugarcane is a significant economic factor for the state’s sugarcane industry. Burning of sugarcane before harvest eliminates from 30 percent to 50 percent of the leafy trash (residue), which constitutes from 20 percent to 25 percent of the total weight of the plant.

These guidelines are intended to help manage smoke and ash from sugarcane prescribed burning operations to lessen their impact on public health and welfare.

The information in this article was an exhibition at the LSU Hill Memorial Library. the exhibit was compiled by Christina Riquelmy and Debra Currie in 1996 to mark the 300th year of sugarcane growth in Louisiana.

LSU AgCenter researchers recently completed a study that examines the marketing and economic feasibility of using sugarcane rind as a supplemental raw material for manufacturing oriented strand board (OSB) and similar products.

The April 2007 newsletter provides valuable information for the Louisiana sugarcane producer on current events to include status of hurricane disaster payments, the 2006 variety survey and weed and insect control measures for consideration during the early spring months. Click here for more information.

In order to maximize the return on fertilizer investment and ensure minimal environmental damage, it is necessary to follow sound, research-backed guidelines provided in this article. Producers will harvest better yields and make more profit.

This report presents projected cost estimates for sugacane production in Louisiana for the 2008 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugarcane production, including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble crop operations and harvest. Whole-farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second, third and fourth stubble (ratoon) crops.

In 1993 with the release of the new, high yielding sugarcane variety LCP 85-384, the Louisiana sugarcane industry switched from the 'soldier' or whole-stalk harvester to the combine harvesting system. This publication compares the cost of operating the two harvesting systems in Louisiana.

This article provides producers with an overview of the potential marketing and production environment for sugarcane following the 2005 crop year.

This is a cooperative report done through an agreement among the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU), Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the LSU AgCenter. Principal authors of this report are Dr. Hossein Shapouri, OEPNU/OCE, USDA and Dr. Michael Salassi, J. Nelson Fairbanks Professor of Agricultural Economics, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, LSUAgCenter.

During the last 15 years an alternative program has been developed through a partnership between the LSU AgCenter and a private company using tissue culture, or micropropagation, to produce healthy seedcane for farmers. The Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES) was involved in initial evaluations of "Kleentek*" seedcane.

Johnsongrass is one of the most important noxious weeds found in sugarcane grown in Louisiana. Johnsongrass can emerge from seeds germinating in the soil and from underground rhizomes. To control Johnsongrass after it has emerged requires use of Asulox/Asulam, either alone or in combination with Envoke. The attached article, The Weed Patch, sites programs using these herbicides for the control of Johnsongrass.

A fourth year of testing for ratoon stunting disease (RSD) was conducted during 2000 as part of the Sugarcane Disease Detection Lab operations. The reduction of RSD represents a major positive development for the Louisiana sugarcane industry.

Control of johnsongrass after it has emerged requires the use of Asulox/Asulam either alone or in combination with Envoke.

Sugarcane has been an integral part of the south Louisiana economy and culture for more than 200 years. When Jesuit priests first brought sugarcane into south Louisiana in 1751, little did they know that the foundation was being laid for an industry that now contributes $2 billion to the Louisiana economy.

The Awards Program for the 2004 crop year was held on February 22nd, 2006, and was presented by Dr. Paul Coreil, Vice Chancellor and Director of Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, LSU AgCenter. The three categories of awards are 1-Top 20 Producers in the State, 2-District Acreage Category Winners, and 3-Top-Parish Winners. For the past 50 years, the American Sugar Cane League and the LSU AgCenter have recognized the state's top high-yield sugarcane producers.

The 2007 Sugarcane Weed Control Guide was prepared as a joint effort among Dr. Jim Griffin, Department of Agronomy and Environmental Management, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La., and Drs. Ed Richard and Caleb Dalley, USDA-ARS SRRC, Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, La.

The LAES sugarcane breeding program has had, and will continue to have, a positive impact on keeping Louisiana in the sugar business. Beginning in 1981, steps were taken to reorganize the LAES sugarcane breeding program.

Sugarcane is the highest-valued row crop grown in Louisiana. For sugarcane production to continue to thrive in Louisiana, responsible management of soil and water resources should be a priority. This guide lists the Best Management Practices (BMPs) to use in Louisiana sugarcane production.

The success of a sugarcane farming operation depends on the ability to produce good stands of plant cane and maintain suitable stands for stubble crops. This publication provides information to help growers make management decisions about planting practices that should result in excellent plant cane stands.

Why is the sugarcane industry important to Louisiana? Why do farmers burn sugarcane in the first place? What are the benefits of burning sugarcane? Find these answers and more.

Southwest Louisiana farmers who are looking for an alternative crop should consider growing sugarcane to meet the increasing demand created by the syrup mill at Lacassine. That was the message Thursday (Feb. 8, 2007) at a sugarcane and ethanol forum held in Lake Charles by the LSU AgCenter.

In 2005, sugarcane was grown on 462,510 acres (an increase of 772 acres or 0.2% when compared to the 2004 crop) by 694 producers (a decrease of 24 producers or 3.3%) in 24 Louisiana parishes (counties). The 2005 crop year was one of contrast with regards to turbulent weather conditions.

Agricultural damage in Louisiana has been estimated in excess of $1 billion, including $610 million in lost timber, $145 million in sugarcane and $151 million for seafood.

(Distributed 01/05/07) Even with freezes and rain in early and mid-December, Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest was shaping up to be one of the best in years. Then more rain came, and what could have been an excellent year quickly turned into just an average one.

Sugarcane has been an integral part of the Louisiana economy and culture for more than 210 years. When the Jesuit priests first brought sugarcane to Louisiana in 1751, little did they know that they were laying the foundation for an industry that now contributes $2 billion to the Louisiana economy. The industry could not be sustained, however, without LSU AgCenter research.

It is RSD testing time again and the American Sugar Cane League is funding the testing of our sugarcane, free of charge. Ratoon Stunting Disease can cause highly significant losses in the recovery of sugar per acre, depending upon the variety grown. Please fill out the attached "Sugarcane Disease Detection Lab" form and send it with your sample(s) through your county agent or sugarcane consultant.

Contains the protocols and form required for assessing soil salinity following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Farm Record Book is designed to provide a farmer with an organized system for recording expenses, income, land use and treatment, social security and income tax information. Printed copy available for $10 plus tax.

This is to report on the activities related to the boiling program from August 2000 to February 2001. A brief account is given of the accomplishments as well as comments where the actual work deviated from the tentative plans.

This page contains important links to prescribed burning of sugarcane in Louisiana.

This report presents cost estimates for sugarcane production in Louisiana for the 2005 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugarcane production including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble crop operations and harvest. Whole farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second-, third-and fourth-stubble (ratoon) crops.

The report presents cost estimates for sugarcane production in Louisiana for the 2007 crop year. Cost estimates are included for all phases of sugarcane production including seedbed preparation, planting, plant-cane and stubble crop operations and harvest. Whole farm projected income and expense statements are also included for harvest of sugarcane through second, third and fourth stubble (ratoon) crops.

A description of how biomass is being used for energy in Louisiana with an emphasis on the potential for expansion in the industry. (Revised 11/06)

Stressing that production agriculture alone is not enough to sustain rural economies, a leading food science expert said farm productivity needs to be converted to consumer-ready products.

(Distributed03/27/03) Rice planting has begun in South Louisiana, but many farmers in the central and northern parts of the state are looking for options because they’ve been delayed by persistent rains and wet field conditions. That’s where the state’s aerial applicators – pilots with specially equipped aircraft – come in. And many of those aerial applicators take advantage of LSU AgCenter services that help them check their equipment.

This publication lists procedures and specific examples of how to calibrate sugarcane sprayers.

Sugarcane is one of the leading row crops contributing to the Louisiana economy. A new variety, L 97-128, released by the LSU AgCenter in 2004, provides an alternative to the popular LCP 85-384, which is the predominant variety in the state.

This publication includes information on the process of brixing and how it can help improve sugarcane quality. It also includes information on the correct treatments for your fields with the highest brix.

South Louisiana rice fields contaminated with salt from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge have shown some improvements, although not as much as expected, and salinity levels actually have increased in some sugarcane fields.

Hurricanes Rita and Katrina were not good for the already struggling Louisiana sugarcane industry, but the storms did not do as much damage as growers first anticipated. (TV News 12/12/05. Runtime: 1 minute 25 seconds)

Salt water flowed into sugarcane fields during Hurricane Rita, but the layout of a sugarcane field can be beneficial in ridding the field of salt. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Gary Breitenbeck explains. (Radio News 12/12/05)

LSU AgCenter scientists hope they will soon be able to make recommendations for farmers whose fields were hit with saltwater contamination from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge.

Sugar mills in Louisiana may be able to produce high-quality, value-added products, thanks to innovative techniques developed by Dr. Michael Saska, a researcher at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute.

The LSU AgCenter and Sugar Cane League honored farmers in three categories: top 20 producers in the state, top producers by acreage in the state’s three districts, and top producers by parish.

Rains around the New Year’s holiday weekend didn’t dampen this season’s Louisiana sugarcane harvest – which experts say turned out to be "relatively good."

The new sugarcane varieties, L 97-128 and Ho 95-988 are available for commercial planting in the fall of 2004. Both varieties have yields of sugar per acre comparable to LCP 85-384 through the second-stubble crop in outfield tests. A strong point for L 97-128 is its very early maturity. L 97-128 produces approximately 9 percent more recoverable sugar than LCP 85-384 and produces 14 percent more recoverable sugar per ton of cane when harvested in mid-September. Both new varieties are resistant t