The LSU AgCenter plans to significantly downsize the cattle herd during the next six months at the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer, La., with cattle research eventually being eliminated at the station.

Phil Elzer, LSU AgCenter associate vice president, said the decision is a result of budget cuts and a lack of faculty to support the research.

“The station’s beef researcher is leaving, so the station’s focus will be on poultry, forage and forestry research,” Elzer said, adding that funds received from the sale of the herd will be used to plug holes in the AgCenter’s animal program budget.

Approximately 640 acres at the Hill Farm Research Station will be leased for grazing and hay production.

The AgCenter will continue to conduct cattle research in north Louisiana at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City.