more... > Disaster Recovery & Assistance > Agriculture > Livestock > 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. Dealing With Saltwater Intrusion in Pastures and Hayfields The capacity of plants to grow satisfactorily in salty conditions depends on a number of interrelated factors. The physiological condition of the plant, its stage of growth, and its rooting habits certainly are among them.