This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1973
Page
9
LSU Extension reports describe 1973 as a mixed year for northeast Louisiana farmers, with flooding and rising production costs causing distress in some areas while others enjoyed better results. The agents compare crop and livestock totals, note shortages of inputs, and offer outlooks for 1974.
Rodney D. Ewing reports that the 1973 flood slashed Catahoula Parish farm production with an estimated gross income of 11.0 million dollars, down from 17.3 million in 1972. Soybeans and cotton dominated earnings, but both crops fell sharply, while prices cushioned losses for farmers planting half or more of normal crops.
East Carroll Parish saw late planting across crops in 1973 due to seepage from the Mississippi River and heavy spring rainfall. Despite this, agricultural income rose about 13.5 million dollars on strong cotton soybeans and rice prices, with soybeans acreage increasing markedly and yields around 30 bushels per acre.
The Franklin Parish crop year 1973 faced heavy floods cutting over 100000 acres and saturated cropland delaying cotton planting to May 15 25. Cotton acreage fell about 17000 acres from 1972 while forestry rose as the main income driver increasing roughly 1.2 million dollars. Cattle and poultry also rose in value though poultry fell from four million to about 3.2 million. Long term trends favor forestry shaping the parish economy.
Dry spells and flooding shaped Madison Parish 1973 outcomes. Cotton yields were low though prices rose. soybean acreage reached about 164 000 with record prices and strong yields. Livestock and crops like peaches and catfish boosted value, yielding an estimated total production value above $27 million.
In Morehouse Parish the 1973 crop year yields total gross agricultural value up to 50.8 million dollars, up 52 percent from 1972. Cotton led with 17.3 million, soybeans 12.2 million, rice 8.9 million, and livestock 5.5 million, with gains across horticulture and other enterprises.
Frustrations marked the 1973 crop year in Ouachita Parish as floods and rains delayed planting until mid May. Despite losses, farm and forestry income reached about 35 million dollars with cotton, soybeans, forage crops, and fruit trees contributing significant values. Soybeans performed well after late plantings, while pecan and peach crops yielded strong returns. Prospects for 1974 face higher costs and uncertain supplies, with acreage expected to rise slightly and fertilizer and fuel prices rising.
In spring 1973 heavy rains delayed planting of cotton and soybeans in Richland Parish. Some soybeans and rice were planted late, but overall yields were strong with soybeans at about 24 bushels per acre on 60 000 acres. Cotton acreage reached 79 000, the largest in the state, with harvest projected at 70 000 to 75 000 bales. Prices averaged around 30 cents per pound for cotton, far below the harvest price of 65 to 70 cents. Fertilizer and fuel shortages complicated farming, yet 1973 incomes rose to record levels due to favorable prices and strong yields. For 1974, if cotton sells at 65 to 70 cents and inputs are available, plans call for 90 000 to 100 000 acres of cotton and 60 000 to 65 000 acres of soybeans depending on price.
Farmers endured high water with up to a third of land underwater yet soybeans set a record in 1973. Cotton yields lagged despite 25 197 acres planted and late rains boosted bean output. Parish acreage for soybeans surpassed 120 000 with a 30 bushels per acre average, while unbooked beans fetched better prices than those contracted around three dollars per bushel.
West Carroll Parish's 1973 agriculture generated over 32 million dollars in income with cotton and soybeans each around 11 million. The season saw rain damage and late harvests, cotton acreage drop to 46 888 and soybeans rise, while farmers brace for 1974 amid high costs, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment concerns. The LSU Extension Service will continue supplying production information and assistance.
Farmers urged to choose proven cotton varieties and buy seed now amid energy uncertainties. LSU Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service agronomists list recommended types including Coker 201 and Stoneville 7 A, with promising new options Deltapine 25 and Stoneville 603.
Washington AP reports despite urban encroachment, agriculture will remain the nation’s largest land-area user for the next dozen years. The Agriculture Department projects harvested cropland could reach 350 million acres by 1985, up 60 million from 1972 and 22 million from this year, amid ongoing land-use policy debates and Congress consideration of state planning aid. Farmers are advised to check seed germination and seed treatment if using homegrown seed, with planting windows from April 10 to May 20.
Farmers are urged to check weed chemicals and purchase supplies early for 1985 needs. Review fuel purchases from 1972 and adjust plans for changing operations. Maintain machinery to avoid costly downtime and arrange fertilizer delivery and storage. Emphasizes safe storage and handling to prevent contamination and poisoning. The USDA project highlights land use trends since 1950 and 1985 crop needs.
A study of the world of today and the past urges helping a child reach potential by keeping handy the key facts needed for learning. This overview stresses practical knowledge and guided inquiry to build a curious, informed learner.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.