Despite droughts and flooding throughout the year, Louisiana farmers weathered the storm and delivered the most productive agricultural year since 2007, according to a report from the LSU AgCenter.
The Delta Farm Press reports that Louisiana farmers were worth $10.7 billion to the state's economy in 2011, turning in their best year since the economic downturn. Even though some crops were ruined due to weather and natural disasters, high prices for commodities helped farmers recoup what was lost to bad luck. Row crops including feed grains, sugarcane, cotton, wheat and soybeans all went up in price compared to the previous year.
"Those commodities alone accounted for more than $700 million in additional income in total value to the state of Louisiana," John Westra, an agricultural economist at LSU, told the news source.
The report also provided a positive outlook for 2012, projecting both prices and production to remain at just about equal levels to the previous year.
Farmers in Louisiana and other parts of the country can prepare for the planting season by buying used tractors and other agricultural equipment through IronPlanet. The site backs its equipment with IronClad Assurance, allowing customers to view detailed inspection reports before they submit a bid.
