more... > Parishes > St. James > Agriculture > Christmas Tree Shopping [Image: Picture of Christmas Tree] Christmas is around the corner and always an exciting time for children and parents to go out and choose their Christmas tree. The attached file will give you some information on these varieties: Blue Spruce, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir (White Fir), Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Leyland Cypress, Arizona Cypress, Virginia Pine, and Scotch Pine. Also included is information about how to select and care for the trees. Protecting Your Satsuma’s Fruit [Image: Picture of Leaf Footed Bug] News article on leaf-footed bug and problems it can pose for satsumas. Louisiana Insect Pest Management Guide [Image: Pest Management Guide] This 2009 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. Sugarcane Economics [Image: Picture of Sugarcane Economic Slide] A powerpoint presentation by Dr. Michael Salassi on when to sell old equipment and when to buy new equipment.  more articles... The Weed Patch [Image: The Weed Patch 03-2009] This article "Control of Sugarcane with Glyphosate: Non-Crop Fallow Programs and No-Tillage Soybeans” will be of value in planning weed control programs. A meeting with your county agent, consultant, or crop advisor may help to develop or to fine tune a weed control program specific to your needs. Dr. Jim Griffin is with the LSU AgCenter in the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences and has research and extension responsibilities in sugarcane weed management. Sugarcane Production in LA [Image: Cost Production Picture] 2009 Projected Commodity Cost and Returns. Dr. Jim Griffin's Weed Patch Newsletter What is your herbicide treatment really costing? Factors affecting herbicide and application cost per acre. Disaster Information Resources Disaster readiness information for producers of beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep and horses. 2009 Sugarcane Fertilizer Recommendations [Image: Picture of sugarcane] New recommendations are based on data with the current varieties, to include: LCP 85-384, CP 89-2143, HoCP 91-555, Ho 95-988, HoCP 96-540, L 97-128, L 99-226, L 99-233 and Ho 00-950. History of Sugarcane in Louisiana [Image: Seedlings are grown in the greenhouse at St. Gabrield Research Station in order to develop improved sugarcane varieties.] 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. Sugarcane Variety Identification Guide - Louisiana 2008 [Image: sugarcane variety id guide] 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. July 2007 Sugarcane Newsletter [Image: Picture of Sugarcane] Updates on disaster payments, newly released varieties, growth measurements, weed, disease and insect control. Sugarcane Weed Management Guide 2009 [Image: Sugarcane] The 2009 Sugarcane Weed Management Guide was prepared as a joint effort among Dr. Jim Griffin, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La., and Drs. Ed Richard and Caleb Dalley, USDA-ARS SRRC, Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, La. Louisiana Sugarcane Burning [Image: Louisiana Sugarcane Burning] 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.