more... > Beef Cattle > Marketing, Economics, & Business > Winter Options for Beef Cattle in Louisiana [Image: Hay bales for cattle.] Southwest and south central Louisiana beef cattle producers have endured a devastating hit from Hurricane Rita. The Louisiana Ag Summary suggests that more than 175,000 cows reside in the parishes that were hardest hit. Saltwater intrusion coupled with fence damage has greatly limited the options for wintering beef cattle in these areas. This article provides various winter options for beef cattle in Louisiana. 2007 Louisiana Projected Beef Cattle, Dairy and Forage Crop Production Costs [Image: 2007 Beef, Dairy and Forage Budgets] This report presents estimates of projected production costs for beef cattle, dairy and forage-crop production in Louisiana for 2007. Beef Cattle Shrink Many producers do not understand that shrink is a weak link in marketing cattle. Cattle producers spend a great deal of time and energy to make their cattle gain weight and weigh as much as possible. Then, when they pen, process and transport their cattle for market, the cattle lose weight. An increase in knowledge about shrink and the factors that affect it is critical to maximizing profits. Southwest Louisiana Cattle Producers Still Hoping For Comeback [Image: Stranded calf in Vermilion Parish after Hurricane Rita] The sound of rain falling Wednesday night (Dec. 14) was sweet as a symphony to Gary Wicke, an LSU AgCenter county agent in Cameron Parish. Reducing salt contamination in the marsh from Hurricane Rita will improve chances for cattle forage to regrow. The sooner that happens, the better, Wicke said.  more articles... Meetings Bring Farmers Together To Consider Options After Storms [Image: Farmers attending workshop on options after storms] 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. Assessment of Damage to Louisiana Agricultural, Forestry, and Fisheries Sectors By Hurricane Katrina 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. Cattle, Rice, Sugarcane, Crawfish, More Affected By Rita [Image: Farmer cleans up debris around crumpled rice bins after hurricane] Cattle, rice, sugarcane, crawfish, wildlife and alligators are among many of Hurricane Rita casualties in southwestern Louisiana. The Changing Structure Of The U.S. Livestock And Poultry Industries [Image: Beef] The U.S. livestock and poultry industries have undergone significant structural change in recent decades. Both industries have evolved to a structure including vertical integrators that contract with producers to raise animals understrict specifications. In both industries, technological change has been rapid, leading to consistent quantities and qualities of products that meet consumer demand. Marketing, Economics & Business [Image: USDA Select Ribeye steak (Photo by Mark Claesgens)] Helpful links to marketing, economics & business resources for beef cattle producers. Cattle Producers Enjoying Record Beef Prices (Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana cattle producers are excited about the market news that prices recently hit record high prices for fat cattle, feeder cattle and calves.