| THIBODAUX, La. (AP) -- Louisiana's cane harvest
this year is expected to total about 16 million tons and
produce a $2 billion economic impact on the state, the
president of the American Sugar Cane League said Tuesday.
Charlie Melancon said the fall harvest of 490,000 acres is
under way and will continue until the end of the year. He said
many growers are participating in a voluntary smoke and ash
management program in an effort to minimize the effects of
setting fire to cane fields in sensitive areas.
Growers burn cane at harvest time to rid the stalks of
leaves and other debris before the crop is hauled to sugar
mills for grinding and further processing.
"Our growers consider a number of factors, such as
weather conditions, proximity to schools, nursing homes and
nearby neighborhoods in making decisions on when to burn the
cane, including even decisions not to burn under unfavorable
conditions," Melancon said.
Also during the harvest season, Melancon said cane haulers
are asked to strictly adhere to highway and bridge weight
limits and drive at posted speed limits.
"We will do our best to minimize impacts from the
year's harvest, and we will continue to work toward improving
our operations," Melancon said. |