Home > Communications > Publications > What's New > Louisiana Agricultural Burning and Smoke Management Program [Image: crop burning] Why do farmers burn in the first place? What are the benefits of burning crop residues? What will happen if farmers are not able to burn? What is a prescribed burn? What is smoke and ash management? Find these answers and more in this publication. (PDF format only) Agribusiness and Market Analyst Preferences for USDA Market Information [Image: agribusiness] This brochure details the relative value agribusiness professionals and market analysts place on various USDA livestock and poultry reports that contain pricing and production data. (PDF Format Only) Smooth Cordgrass Varieties: Descriptions and Performance [Image: smooth cordgrass] Smooth cordgrass is a perennial grass native to intertidal saline marshes along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. It is important for coastal areas because it reduces coastal erosion. Smooth cordgrass stems reduce wave energy and build land. The roots stabilize existing land. Reducing coastal erosion is especially important in Louisiana because the state has the highest erosion rate in the continental United States. (PDF Format Only) Seasonal Price and Production Influences in the Broiler Chicken Industry [Image: broiler chicken industry] This publication discusses the data provided by branches of USDA and its limitations, as well as background information on some relationships within the data that is publicly available for the broiler chicken industry.  more articles... Health Care and Nutritional Management of Beef Bulls [Image: beef bulls health care] Information on purchasing healthy bulls, breeding-soundness examinations, disease prevention and nutrition. (PDF format only) Improving Sweet Potato Production Efficiency Series A publication series focusing on improving sweet potato production efficiency, including optimization of the root initiation process, soil moisture management and transplant quality as they relate to maximizing yield and crop quality. Canning Louisiana Fruits [Image: canning fruits] Fruits are high in natural acids and can be safely canned in a boiling water bath. Use these recommendations to safely can your fruits. (online only) Sugarcane Best Management Practices [Image: sugarcane bmp] 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. (PDF Format Only) Cool-season Pasture and Forage Varieties [Image: red clover] 2012-2013 Recommendations. One of the most important decisions a forage producer must make is which variety or varieties to plant. To help farmers make logical choices among crops and varieties, the LSU AgCenter conducts variety trials and makes recommendations each year. Suggested varieties, seeding rates, planting depths and seeding dates are included. (PDF Format Only) Highlights of Agriculture [Image: highlights of ag] 2011 data on forestry, crops, animals, fisheries and other enterprises based in agriculture and natural resources add up to multibillion-dollar industries for the state of Louisiana. This handy pocket-sized publication provides details on Louisiana agriculture and natural resources, the number of farms and farmers and much more. (PDF format only) Louisiana Summary: Agriculture and Natural Resources [Image: Ag Summary] This book gives an accounting of the value of agriculture in Louisiana. It focuses on the animal, forestry, fisheries, plant and wildlife commodities that comprise our vital agricultural industry. This industry continues to contribute significantly to the state’s economy and has the potential for increased contributions through value-added processing.