La. farmers had good year in 2012

Despite setbacks such as this year’s drought in the Midwest and Hurricane Isaac, Louisiana farmers had a productive year in 2012, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices, with export markets continuing to grow. The Louisiana agriculture industry’s estimated value was nearly $11 billion in 2011. With high prices and yields, that number is expected to increase in 2012 once it is calculated, and continue to improve in the year ahead. “In 2013, we look forward to strong commodity prices and expanding markets,” says LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain. Despite the good news for the state’s farmers, low river levels continue to be a threat to agriculture, not just in Louisiana but nationwide. Strain says LDAF is working with the state’s congressional delegation to encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and maintain the nation’s waterways, ports, and inland locks.